History reveals that the adventurous cavers and mountaineers have largely shaped the current day world of cliff rescue approaches and techniques both in the wilderness and along the cliffs. Many years ago true pioneers first began to explore caves through a variety of techniques and equipment uses. The mountaineers developed their own style and special equipment. The development of mountaineering equipment assisted the evolution of caving techniques. When the cavers and the climbers joined forces, the techniques and equipment underwent refinement and improvements that allowed for application to rescue teams throughout the United States.

Based on increased calls for assistance and significant safety factors, EMS and rescue operations throughout the United States have been required to form coordinated rescue responses to a multitude of special emergencies. As in many urban US cities, San Diego has been forced to adapt to the many types of emergencies that they are called upon to perform.

Cliff rescues have been one such emergency that has challenged the rescuers for years which, in turn, has required the rescuers to understand and train for a variety of situations.