Our goal is to ensure that agents are capable of handling an emergency until the STR Team or other emergency care providers arrive. Our members are also active in teaching about bloodborne pathogens to give our agents an understanding of the source, transmission and prevention of communicable diseases. The STR Team consists of 28 agents. All members of the STR Team are border patrol agents who are certified emergency medical technicians at skill levels that are either basic, intermediate or paramedic. A medical director is provided through the William Beaumont Army Medical Center, which oversees advanced medical procedures provided by the STR Team.
Members are cross-trained in all disciplines.
The STR Team trains continuously both in classroom and practical field exercises. In addition to emergency medicine and wilderness rescue, training has included hazardous materials, auto extrication, technical rope rescue and other emergency disciplines. The STR Team has received recognition from various state and local officials for technical and medical expertise. In 1990, the STR Team entered the Texas State Wilderness Rescue Competition held annually outside of San Antonio. The competition is attended by rescue teams from throughout Texas.