RUSSELL COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — The feeling of being lost in the woods can be terrifying. That’s why Russell County Search and Rescue is making sure it’s ready to save someone as quickly as possible with Saturday’s tough training.

This is the first time they have organized training of this scale.

“We want to expand our area and increase the difficulty,” Russell County Search and Rescue Chief Chris Money said.

Chief Money said the search and rescue team averages about two rescues per month. These exercises will better prepare them for any situation.

This training exercise helps simulate what much of Kentucky is a wooded area with tree branches on the ground, leaves and streams, he said.

The goal is to keep your team alert and prepared.

“It’s very important for us to have these training simulations because it allows our people, as well as those who want to participate, to get used to this terrain,” he said. “Our team must be aware of this and remain competent.”

This training is not only for Money’s crew but also for himself. He took over Russell County Search and Rescue about a year ago.

“I’m relatively new to this. I want to learn as much as I can, as quickly as I can,” Money said. The exercise lasted six hours on Saturday. Money says this improves the skills of the team’s first responders and helps them better serve the community.

Russell County Search & Rescue plans to provide this type of training approximately three times per year.