A Promise Kept
A Promise Kept: Supporting Our Fellow Rescuers in El Potrero Chico
When most climbers think of El Potrero Chico (EPC) in northern Mexico, they think of towering limestone walls, endless sunshine, and some of the best multi-pitch sport climbing in the world. Home to more than 750 established routes, EPC has become one of the premier climbing destinations on the planet, attracting climbers from around the globe every winter.
In January 2025, a group of five Seattle Mountain Rescue members traveled to El Potrero Chico for exactly that reason—to enjoy great climbing, experience a new destination, and spend time together in one of the world’s most iconic climbing areas.
While there, we had the opportunity to meet the local volunteer rescue team and learn about the incredible work they do to keep the climbing community safe.
Meeting the EPC Rescue Team
Through Karla Moya, the leader of the rescue team and owner of the Red Point Restaurant, we learned about the organization that responds to climbing accidents throughout El Potrero Chico. The team consists of only a handful of dedicated volunteers, yet they respond to numerous rescues each climbing season—often multiple incidents in a single week during the busiest months. Founded in 1993, they have become an essential part of the climbing community, teaching self rescue courses and providing skilled rescue services whenever climbers need help.
Like many volunteer rescue organizations, however, they face constant challenges keeping their equipment up to date.
A Need We Couldn’t Ignore
During our conversations, we learned that much of their rescue equipment had been stolen years earlier. Although they had received a generous donation of climbing hardware from Petzl—including belay devices and carabiners—they still lacked many of the medical and rescue supplies needed for effective patient care in the field. Their remaining equipment was limited, and replacing specialized rescue gear was financially difficult. While they worked to rebuild their rescue equipment, their capacity for safe and efficient operations was restricted.
Before leaving Mexico, we made a simple promise:
We would come back.
And when we did, we’d bring the equipment they needed.
Returning with a Purpose
One year later, in January 2026, another group of Seattle Mountain Rescue members—including Michelle Howden, Kyle Lemorie, and Jenna Phillips—returned to El Potrero Chico carrying more than climbing gear.
Packed alongside ropes and harnesses were donations for the EPC Rescue Team, including vacuum splints, a Sked litter, full-body and extremity splints, trauma dressings, examination gloves, and other medical equipment that would immediately strengthen their rescue capabilities.
The equipment was delivered directly to the team, fulfilling the promise made the previous year.
Then came the best part of the story.
Only two days later, the newly donated equipment was put into service during the rescue of a climber who had suffered a broken ankle. Knowing that these supplies immediately helped another climber reinforced why supporting fellow rescue organizations matters, regardless of where they are in the world.
Rescue Is a Global Community
Although Seattle Mountain Rescue and the EPC Rescue Team operate in different countries, we share the same mission: helping people in the outdoors when they need it most.
Volunteer rescue organizations everywhere depend on the
generosity of their communities, and sometimes a small act of support can make an immediate difference.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to build friendships with our counterparts in El Potrero Chico, and we’re already discussing another visit in 2027 to continue supporting their team.
If the EPC Rescue Team establishes a donation link, we’ll share it here so others in the climbing community can help support the outstanding work they do.
Until then, we’re proud to have kept a promise—and even prouder to know that the equipment found its way into helping an injured climber almost immediately.
Every rescue begins long before the call comes in. It starts with training, specialized equipment, and a community that believes everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the healing power of nature—and to return home safely. Your generosity makes that possible.
As a 100% volunteer nonprofit, Seattle Mountain Rescue depends on charitable support to prepare for the next mission and continue bringing Everyone Home From the Backcountry.
As a recipient of Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, we’re committed to exceptional stewardship and accountability, ensuring every gift is used wisely to advance our lifesaving mission. We offer several tax-smart ways to maximize your impact. Learn more here.
