The Brigada de Rescate Topos Tlaltelolco A.C., popularly known as Los Topos, is a civil organization made up of volunteers who participate in rescue, assistance, and support efforts during emergency situations. The group emerged from the search and rescue operations carried out after the earthquake that struck Mexico City on September 19, 1985, and was legally established as an association in 1986.
What Are the Requirements to Join Los Topos?
For those wondering how to join Los Topos, the organization itself establishes a series of conditions and makes it clear that becoming a rescuer requires commitment, preparation, and a vocation for service. It is not simply a matter of joining a brigade, but rather going through a training process that requires consistency and a willingness to learn.
According to the information published by Los Topos on its website, applicants must be at least 18 years old and reside in Mexico City. In addition, the organization seeks people who are professionals, technicians, or students and who do not intend to obtain financial benefits from rescue activities.
The organization also emphasizes the importance of having a vocation for service, a willingness to help others, and a commitment to training. Applicants must respect the internal rules and use the brigade’s name exclusively for the established objectives, avoiding any attempt to seek attention or personal benefit.
The process requires consistency, as members participate in weekly practices to progressively advance from the applicant stage until they become rescuers. During training, participants carry out obstacle exercises, fire, flood, and collapsed-structure simulations, as well as rope-work activities, rappelling, and training with canine teams.
The training required to join Los Topos also includes courses related to civil protection, first aid, prehospital care, telecommunications, engineering, vertical, aquatic, and cave rescue, fire prevention, chemical spills, and basic veterinary and canine ethology knowledge. Specialists coordinate areas such as Paramedics, Rope Safety, and K9.
Those interested should keep in mind that the calls for applications to train as a Topo are held annually and are published at the beginning of each year. Currently, the official website states that the next informational meeting has yet to be announced.
Therefore, the recommendation for those who wish to become part of Los Topos is to regularly check their official information and wait for the corresponding call for applications, since the requirements and dates must be confirmed directly with the organization.
Source: elsiglodetorreon
