Firefighters train for monsoon rescues

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - Under a blazing summer sun, Scottsdale firefighters prepared for those times when the sun isn't shining.

"Practice some of the skills they are going to need if they end up in the water," Captain Tim Cooper said.

From navigating obstacles to throwing rescue ropes, crews trained in swift-water lifesaving techniques to save people who are in over their heads.

"They misjudge the depth of the water and the hydraulics of the water, or the force that the water is projecting on their car or body," said Cooper.

Just last week, these skills were put into use when a medical transport van tried to pass through a flooded wash. Crews had to remove the driver and a wheelchair-bound passenger.  

"Our first crews on the scene happened to have had this training about two days prior, so it really helped them out quite a bit," Cooper said.

Firefighters say caution around water is key.

"We need to be very cautious around water. With our kids, with ourselves, whether it be a canal, a lake, or a river, we need to be very careful around water," said firefighter Robert Gibbons.