Is anyone in the Mountain Rescue?
Discussion
I was wondering if we have any members on here who could tell me a bit about it as I'm interested in joining but don't really know much about it other than its a voluntary role. How does it work exactly? What are the requirements? Do you need to live nearby a national park? Do they just phone you up when needed. What's the best way to apply. Any advice would be appreciated
Locke said:
I was wondering if we have any members on here who could tell me a bit about it as I'm interested in joining but don't really know much about it other than its a voluntary role. How does it work exactly? What are the requirements? Do you need to live nearby a national park? Do they just phone you up when needed. What's the best way to apply. Any advice would be appreciated
I was up until recently - did 4 years.PM me your number if you want to chat, but in answer to your questions:
Each team is slightly different but I'll answer as best I can.
It's purely voluntary and you get no expenses. This surprises a lot of people - and puts a lot off - as it can end up costing you a lot of money in fuel.
First you have to pass an initial selection test which comprises a number of basic skill tests. Typically navigation, general hill safety, and a basic climbing test in some teams that do a lot of climber rescues. You also need to turn up in the right kit. You'd be surprised who turns up in trainers.
Once you pass selection - very SAS
- you then start your training where you cover the following: Search techniques, rope rescue, driver training, cas-care, comms, specialist equipment use, advanced navigation, Helo safety, etc. You will also do one or two SAR exercises a month where you'll practise the skills you've learnt.The training takes anywhere from 12-18months and once the team think you're competent you'll be put forward for final selection, which in my old team comprised a winter night navex in the back of beyond, camp out in a bothie, and then spend the next day going through every bit of kit and being tested for competence.
If you pass, you then go onto the call-out list and can be called (done via text in my old team) at any time of day or night. You get an RV grid ref and you make your own way there and then do whatever SAR duties are required. You don't have to make every call-out but each team has a minimum.
WRT location, you don't need to live in the area that you'll be covering but it does help. Not so much with call-outs but with training. If you have a long drive to get to the base it can get a little tedious. Your local team will advise on whether you live close enough.
To apply, simply call google your local team and get a contact address. Tell them you're interested and go along to an open day; most hold a couple a year. Again they'll advise.
The actual work can be pretty varied and is dependent on location. I covered the NY Moors so we mainly had lost or injured walkers, and also a fair amount of urban searches assisting the police in misper cases. We also used to get quite a few mountain bikers injured at the local trail centre. We never had one climber rescue, but N Wales and the Lakes get quite a few.
The weather can be horrendous though as you're expected to go out when nobody else will. A couple of winters ago we had to rescue some walkers which comprised breaking trail through snow 3ft deep over a distance of about 4 miles. It's hard work when you're carrying rescue equipment and a full pack with 12hours rations and change of clothing and first aid kit and nav-kit, etc.
You don't need to be mega fit for the lowland teams, but the Lakes and N-Wales and some Scottish teams do spend a lot of time yomping up some big hills - again in potentially awful weather carrying a lot of kit. So being fit does help.
It's a big commitment in terms of time of work when you're on the call-out list as it can get very busy in the summer, especially on BH weekends. It's best to be self-employed or have a very understanding employer.
HTH
rhinochopig said:
I was up until recently - did 4 years.
PM me your number if you want to chat, but in answer to your questions:
Each team is slightly different but I'll answer as best I can.
It's purely voluntary and you get no expenses. This surprises a lot of people - and puts a lot off - as it can end up costing you a lot of money in fuel.
First you have to pass an initial selection test which comprises a number of basic skill tests. Typically navigation, general hill safety, and a basic climbing test in some teams that do a lot of climber rescues. You also need to turn up in the right kit. You'd be surprised who turns up in trainers.
Once you pass selection - very SAS - you then start your training where you cover the following: Search techniques, rope rescue, driver training, cas-care, comms, specialist equipment use, advanced navigation, Helo safety, etc. You will also do one or two SAR exercises a month where you'll practise the skills you've learnt.
The training takes anywhere from 12-18months and once the team think you're competent you'll be put forward for final selection, which in my old team comprised a winter night navex in the back of beyond, camp out in a bothie, and then spend the next day going through every bit of kit and being tested for competence.
If you pass, you then go onto the call-out list and can be called (done via text in my old team) at any time of day or night. You get an RV grid ref and you make your own way there and then do whatever SAR duties are required. You don't have to make every call-out but each team has a minimum.
WRT location, you don't need to live in the area that you'll be covering but it does help. Not so much with call-outs but with training. If you have a long drive to get to the base it can get a little tedious. Your local team will advise on whether you live close enough.
To apply, simply call google your local team and get a contact address. Tell them you're interested and go along to an open day; most hold a couple a year. Again they'll advise.
The actual work can be pretty varied and is dependent on location. I covered the NY Moors so we mainly had lost or injured walkers, and also a fair amount of urban searches assisting the police in misper cases. We also used to get quite a few mountain bikers injured at the local trail centre. We never had one climber rescue, but N Wales and the Lakes get quite a few.
The weather can be horrendous though as you're expected to go out when nobody else will. A couple of winters ago we had to rescue some walkers which comprised breaking trail through snow 3ft deep over a distance of about 4 miles. It's hard work when you're carrying rescue equipment and a full pack with 12hours rations and change of clothing and first aid kit and nav-kit, etc.
You don't need to be mega fit for the lowland teams, but the Lakes and N-Wales and some Scottish teams do spend a lot of time yomping up some big hills - again in potentially awful weather carrying a lot of kit. So being fit does help.
It's a big commitment in terms of time of work when you're on the call-out list as it can get very busy in the summer, especially on BH weekends. It's best to be self-employed or have a very understanding employer.
HTH
PM me your number if you want to chat, but in answer to your questions:
Each team is slightly different but I'll answer as best I can.
It's purely voluntary and you get no expenses. This surprises a lot of people - and puts a lot off - as it can end up costing you a lot of money in fuel.
First you have to pass an initial selection test which comprises a number of basic skill tests. Typically navigation, general hill safety, and a basic climbing test in some teams that do a lot of climber rescues. You also need to turn up in the right kit. You'd be surprised who turns up in trainers.
Once you pass selection - very SAS
- you then start your training where you cover the following: Search techniques, rope rescue, driver training, cas-care, comms, specialist equipment use, advanced navigation, Helo safety, etc. You will also do one or two SAR exercises a month where you'll practise the skills you've learnt.The training takes anywhere from 12-18months and once the team think you're competent you'll be put forward for final selection, which in my old team comprised a winter night navex in the back of beyond, camp out in a bothie, and then spend the next day going through every bit of kit and being tested for competence.
If you pass, you then go onto the call-out list and can be called (done via text in my old team) at any time of day or night. You get an RV grid ref and you make your own way there and then do whatever SAR duties are required. You don't have to make every call-out but each team has a minimum.
WRT location, you don't need to live in the area that you'll be covering but it does help. Not so much with call-outs but with training. If you have a long drive to get to the base it can get a little tedious. Your local team will advise on whether you live close enough.
To apply, simply call google your local team and get a contact address. Tell them you're interested and go along to an open day; most hold a couple a year. Again they'll advise.
The actual work can be pretty varied and is dependent on location. I covered the NY Moors so we mainly had lost or injured walkers, and also a fair amount of urban searches assisting the police in misper cases. We also used to get quite a few mountain bikers injured at the local trail centre. We never had one climber rescue, but N Wales and the Lakes get quite a few.
The weather can be horrendous though as you're expected to go out when nobody else will. A couple of winters ago we had to rescue some walkers which comprised breaking trail through snow 3ft deep over a distance of about 4 miles. It's hard work when you're carrying rescue equipment and a full pack with 12hours rations and change of clothing and first aid kit and nav-kit, etc.
You don't need to be mega fit for the lowland teams, but the Lakes and N-Wales and some Scottish teams do spend a lot of time yomping up some big hills - again in potentially awful weather carrying a lot of kit. So being fit does help.
It's a big commitment in terms of time of work when you're on the call-out list as it can get very busy in the summer, especially on BH weekends. It's best to be self-employed or have a very understanding employer.
HTH
rhinochopig said:
I was up until recently - did 4 years.
PM me your number if you want to chat, but in answer to your questions:
Each team is slightly different but I'll answer as best I can.
It's purely voluntary and you get no expenses. This surprises a lot of people - and puts a lot off - as it can end up costing you a lot of money in fuel.
First you have to pass an initial selection test which comprises a number of basic skill tests. Typically navigation, general hill safety, and a basic climbing test in some teams that do a lot of climber rescues. You also need to turn up in the right kit. You'd be surprised who turns up in trainers.
Once you pass selection - very SAS - you then start your training where you cover the following: Search techniques, rope rescue, driver training, cas-care, comms, specialist equipment use, advanced navigation, Helo safety, etc. You will also do one or two SAR exercises a month where you'll practise the skills you've learnt.
The training takes anywhere from 12-18months and once the team think you're competent you'll be put forward for final selection, which in my old team comprised a winter night navex in the back of beyond, camp out in a bothie, and then spend the next day going through every bit of kit and being tested for competence.
If you pass, you then go onto the call-out list and can be called (done via text in my old team) at any time of day or night. You get an RV grid ref and you make your own way there and then do whatever SAR duties are required. You don't have to make every call-out but each team has a minimum.
WRT location, you don't need to live in the area that you'll be covering but it does help. Not so much with call-outs but with training. If you have a long drive to get to the base it can get a little tedious. Your local team will advise on whether you live close enough.
To apply, simply call google your local team and get a contact address. Tell them you're interested and go along to an open day; most hold a couple a year. Again they'll advise.
The actual work can be pretty varied and is dependent on location. I covered the NY Moors so we mainly had lost or injured walkers, and also a fair amount of urban searches assisting the police in misper cases. We also used to get quite a few mountain bikers injured at the local trail centre. We never had one climber rescue, but N Wales and the Lakes get quite a few.
The weather can be horrendous though as you're expected to go out when nobody else will. A couple of winters ago we had to rescue some walkers which comprised breaking trail through snow 3ft deep over a distance of about 4 miles. It's hard work when you're carrying rescue equipment and a full pack with 12hours rations and change of clothing and first aid kit and nav-kit, etc.
You don't need to be mega fit for the lowland teams, but the Lakes and N-Wales and some Scottish teams do spend a lot of time yomping up some big hills - again in potentially awful weather carrying a lot of kit. So being fit does help.
It's a big commitment in terms of time of work when you're on the call-out list as it can get very busy in the summer, especially on BH weekends. It's best to be self-employed or have a very understanding employer.
HTH
Thank you very much for taking the time to write me such an excellent reply. PM me your number if you want to chat, but in answer to your questions:
Each team is slightly different but I'll answer as best I can.
It's purely voluntary and you get no expenses. This surprises a lot of people - and puts a lot off - as it can end up costing you a lot of money in fuel.
First you have to pass an initial selection test which comprises a number of basic skill tests. Typically navigation, general hill safety, and a basic climbing test in some teams that do a lot of climber rescues. You also need to turn up in the right kit. You'd be surprised who turns up in trainers.
Once you pass selection - very SAS
- you then start your training where you cover the following: Search techniques, rope rescue, driver training, cas-care, comms, specialist equipment use, advanced navigation, Helo safety, etc. You will also do one or two SAR exercises a month where you'll practise the skills you've learnt.The training takes anywhere from 12-18months and once the team think you're competent you'll be put forward for final selection, which in my old team comprised a winter night navex in the back of beyond, camp out in a bothie, and then spend the next day going through every bit of kit and being tested for competence.
If you pass, you then go onto the call-out list and can be called (done via text in my old team) at any time of day or night. You get an RV grid ref and you make your own way there and then do whatever SAR duties are required. You don't have to make every call-out but each team has a minimum.
WRT location, you don't need to live in the area that you'll be covering but it does help. Not so much with call-outs but with training. If you have a long drive to get to the base it can get a little tedious. Your local team will advise on whether you live close enough.
To apply, simply call google your local team and get a contact address. Tell them you're interested and go along to an open day; most hold a couple a year. Again they'll advise.
The actual work can be pretty varied and is dependent on location. I covered the NY Moors so we mainly had lost or injured walkers, and also a fair amount of urban searches assisting the police in misper cases. We also used to get quite a few mountain bikers injured at the local trail centre. We never had one climber rescue, but N Wales and the Lakes get quite a few.
The weather can be horrendous though as you're expected to go out when nobody else will. A couple of winters ago we had to rescue some walkers which comprised breaking trail through snow 3ft deep over a distance of about 4 miles. It's hard work when you're carrying rescue equipment and a full pack with 12hours rations and change of clothing and first aid kit and nav-kit, etc.
You don't need to be mega fit for the lowland teams, but the Lakes and N-Wales and some Scottish teams do spend a lot of time yomping up some big hills - again in potentially awful weather carrying a lot of kit. So being fit does help.
It's a big commitment in terms of time of work when you're on the call-out list as it can get very busy in the summer, especially on BH weekends. It's best to be self-employed or have a very understanding employer.
HTH
I must say I am surprised to learn that none of your expenses were cover at all. This doesn't completely put me off however but I can see it adding up a fair amount over the months/years. I live near Queensbury so I'm nearest really to to the Yorkshire Dales. This is about a 20-25 mile drive to the bottom near Skipton to as far as 70/80 miles away to the most northerly point of the Dales. Would you considered this as ok?
I'm in a fairly low paid job at the moment so I will have to consider whether or not I could manage financially. With regards to fitness I'm sure I'd be fine as I'm a keen runner (mainly doing long distance fell races/runs) so very suited to the job in some respect at least.
Did you find the job as interesting as I'm imagining it? One of the main reasons I'm wanting to do it is to make my life a bit more exciting so this is important.
Locke said:
Thank you very much for taking the time to write me such an excellent reply.
I must say I am surprised to learn that none of your expenses were cover at all. This doesn't completely put me off however but I can see it adding up a fair amount over the months/years. I live near Queensbury so I'm nearest really to to the Yorkshire Dales. This is about a 20-25 mile drive to the bottom near Skipton to as far as 70/80 miles away to the most northerly point of the Dales. Would you considered this as ok?
I'm in a fairly low paid job at the moment so I will have to consider whether or not I could manage financially. With regards to fitness I'm sure I'd be fine as I'm a keen runner (mainly doing long distance fell races/runs) so very suited to the job in some respect at least.
Did you find the job as interesting as I'm imagining it? One of the main reasons I'm wanting to do it is to make my life a bit more exciting so this is important.
Not sure which team that would put you in specifically, either Swaledale, Upper Wharf, or the CRO (cave rescue). I've done joint searches with Swale and the CRO (the CRO team leader is a great bloke - mad as a box of frogs).I must say I am surprised to learn that none of your expenses were cover at all. This doesn't completely put me off however but I can see it adding up a fair amount over the months/years. I live near Queensbury so I'm nearest really to to the Yorkshire Dales. This is about a 20-25 mile drive to the bottom near Skipton to as far as 70/80 miles away to the most northerly point of the Dales. Would you considered this as ok?
I'm in a fairly low paid job at the moment so I will have to consider whether or not I could manage financially. With regards to fitness I'm sure I'd be fine as I'm a keen runner (mainly doing long distance fell races/runs) so very suited to the job in some respect at least.
Did you find the job as interesting as I'm imagining it? One of the main reasons I'm wanting to do it is to make my life a bit more exciting so this is important.
WRT the distance, you'd be on the limit - we had a lad who travelled from Hull and back for every training session but it would be a slog. I think you're nearest team would be either the CRO based in Clapham - http://cro.org.uk/cro-home-page/the-area-we-cover/
Or upper Wharfdale which are based in Grassinton IIRC, both of which are a chunk further for you than Skipton.
Most call out times are typically 1 to 1.5 hours from alert to feet on the ground - why everyone should carry a bothie and silver blanket when walking - so you would make most call-outs.
Fitness - you'd be more than fine. But you need to be good with maps. Do you do orienteering?
Re interest. It's a funny one that. There will be many many times when you leave home at 3am in the morning and get within a couple of miles of the RV point only to get a text standing you down. Words cannot describe how annoying or frustrating that is at that time of the morning, and most mispers are reported after dark. I've also spent hours looking for the source of a Emergency flare, which by the description we all knew was a Chinese lantern - again all night.
But you do genuinely get to save people's lives occasionally, and some of the rescues can be very technical. It can also be very very sad - seeing a family finding out that their relative has been found dead is hard.
I found it rewarding I have to say, and you learn a lot of useful life skills. But ultimately it does have a major impact on your life. For example, after a hard day at work and you fancy a beer, you have to stop yourself because you might get a call-out. And typically most call-outs occur at the weekend when you're wanting to do things with friends and family.
I stopped partly because of internal politics - which can be bad sometimes in volunteer organisations - but mainly because I wanted to spend more time with my son who's three.
If you're in Queensbury surely your nearest team would be Calder Valley http://www.cvsrt.org.uk/ . Though they're not recruiting at the moment. It's something I fancy having a go at once the kids have grown up a bit and I can dedicate more time to it. The above post was very helpful and insightful, thanks! 
Locke said:
With regards to fitness I'm sure I'd be fine as I'm a keen runner (mainly doing long distance fell races/runs) so very suited to the job in some respect at least.
Not necessarily; the difference is the weight as described above, and not all long distance runners can convert to yomping pack mules. Best way to find out is to load up and try it. Have worked alongside MR, one should not underestimate the commitment needed; you really have to want to do it and be prepared to sacrifice other aspects of your life. Very good luck if you do choose to go for it; very commendable.
From the RAF side - there's only one way to get `hill fit` and that's by just getting out there and doing it. As a fell runner you should be okay, but you might be surprised what a difference carrying a pack full of kit will make. It's really improved my fitness though. As another experienced poster has said, it's very rewarding at times and you will gain a lot of experience. I'm definitely glad I volunteered.
ben_h100 said:
From the RAF side - there's only one way to get `hill fit` and that's by just getting out there and doing it. As a fell runner you should be okay, but you might be surprised what a difference carrying a pack full of kit will make. It's really improved my fitness though. As another experienced poster has said, it's very rewarding at times and you will gain a lot of experience. I'm definitely glad I volunteered.
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