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1 N 7 T 5 6 A - 8 I 7 N 4 S 9 £4.75 WELCOME TO ISSU E 62 Mountain Rescue is the membership magazine for mountain and cave rescue in England and Wales. fir st EDITORIAL Word Judy Whiteside 07836 509 812 [email protected]

Andy Simpson There’s been a lot going on at national level. event. If your region would like to do this, 0161 764 0999 Following the AGM in May, under their new please let me know. [email protected] chairman, Peter Dymond, the MREW trustees We continue to support the JD Foundation Caroline Davenport have been looking at the proposed review of where we can. Blacks held an open day in the 01270 878 324 the organisation. Steve Wood and David Peak District, for some children they have a [email protected] Coleman (new trustee), along with Keith Gillies connection to, and asked if we would support mountain.rescue.org.uk (regional chair rep), have put together the them. In turn, we asked for your help and terms of reference for the review panel to work Buxton and SARDA members turned up for to. I am informed that the panel will be made the day. These offers of help benefit all of us, NEXT ISSUE up of the regional chairs — no executive officer showing our supporters what a great ISSU E 63 has had any say in this process and will not be organisation we are. part of the review panel, as a national officer. Al Read and Penny have again got our Libor Editorial Copy Deadline: Jake Bharier (also a new trustee) has taken bid in on time. I know most of you know they Friday 8 December 2017 on the rewrite of the CIO, looking at the legal spend hours and hours on this. Mark Lewis Editorial copy must be supplied part of the document, the bits required by the as Word document. charity commission and this has been with you Images must be supplied as high resolution (300 dpi) since the end of July for feedback. There are JPG/EPS/TIFF/PDF. some changes to job titles, but most of this part is ‘boiler plate’. The ‘standing orders’ are Advertising artwork must be supplied, ready prepared on the working parts of the document, how we CD or via email as font come together. These are still to be written and embedded high resolution that’s where we will need your input. PDF/EPS/TIFF (300 dpi). Davie Thomson stood down as national fundraising officer in September, due to work commitments. I intend to chair a meeting of the fundraising group at the November Polo match 2017 with The Duke of Cambridge, this year meeting. If you can attend, please do so. If courtesy of the BMG Foundation Polo Cup. you’d like to help us with national fundraising, please contact me. I have a plan! has also spent hours on the new radios, and After much discussion and the agreement of found the best supplier for our needs. If Jody the trustees, we had twenty professionals does as we hope, there should be more apply for the role of freelance trust fundraiser. money to buy you more radios later. Cover Shortlisting was hard work but after an intense Some of you will be aware we’ve set up a review of the applications we interviewed four ‘wellbeing’ working group to look at our applicants, and now have an excellent person members’ needs. Many of you have gone stNoationral Ry ope Rescue training courses will commence later this in Jody Dyer. Her role is to look for national through the TRIM training but when we need year. Lyon Equipment, based in trusts and grants you would not be able to help, the voluntary sector seems to hit a wall Cumbria, won the tender to apply for. That said, if she comes across in going forward. The Duke and Duchess of work with MREW to provide the something a team or region could apply for, Cambridge, and Prince Harry, have done a lot training © Lyon Equipment. she will work with you to secure that grant or to promote mental health, to explore key trust. Jody will give a presentation at the issues across the First Responders sector. November meeting so you get to know her. Prince William recently called a meeting of This is a big step-change for the organisation police, fire and ambulance and invited MREW but we cannot continue spending as we do to sit at the table. Elaine Gilliland attended the without help. On the subject of fundraising — meeting, in London and, I am pleased to thanks again to our patron HRH The Duke of report, came back with £30k ring-fenced for Cambridge, we came away with a cheque for MREW, held by the Ambulance Trust for our PLEASE NOTE £30K from the polo. use to support members’ treatment. Articles carried in Mountain We continue to support the Princes’ charities Finally, on a positive note, thanks to Jaguar Rescue do not necessarily by hosting an annual day out for children and Land Rover, we have a brand new Discovery reflect the opinions of Mountain young people. I attended the event this year in on trial for twelve months. Simon Thresher is Rescue England and Wales. the south west — once again, a great day, lots leading on this so, if your team has an event We do not accept responsibility of very happy children and young people, so coming up or wishes to use it for team training, for advertising content. thanks SWERA. The baton has been passed please contact him via vehicleofficer@ to the Yorkshire Dales for 20 18 and we are mountain.rescue.org.uk. ✪ now looking for someone to take on the 20 19

AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 3 me etin gs MREW BUSINESS AND COMMITTEES Satur day 1 8 November 201 Lanca 7 shire P olice HQ, Hutton in this issue MREW BUSINESS AND COMMITTEES Saturday 1 9 May 201 8 Hanging by a thread: Lancashire Police HQ , Hutton Personal climbing skills with To book 22 George McEwan in to MRE W business meetings, contact: D ave Close secretary@m ountain.rescue.org.uk Or spea k to the relevant office subcomm r for your ittee — contact deta available ils on the MREW website.

Peer review: Carl Faulkner sits on both sides of the 28 fence, on both sides of the Pennines

Dead men don’t wave : Heavy Whalley recalls 34 a successful rescue on Ben Bowland Pennine team members on a snowy Beacon Fell, Nevis, in 1990 March 2006 © BPMRT.

THAT BOWLAND PENNINE IMAGE: STILL ICONIC Beasties in the hills: AFTER ALL THESE YEARS... Lyle Brotherton looks 48 at the many things JUDY WHITESIDE out there that might bite, sting or simply The eagle-eyed amongst you will have spotted bother us this now well and truly iconic image featuring in a full-page ad for Integro, the recently appointed MREW insurance brokers.

The ad, in the July magazine, was primarily about making teams aware of the work Integro is doing, alongside MREW, on behalf of all team members — Scottish Mountain but, unfortunately, the relevant accreditation for the Rescue in the spotlight: image was missing, which was gently pointed out by 50 Kev Mitchell talks about Tim Cox, Bowland Pennine MRT chairman. We the support network always endeavour to credit images with the behind the teams appropriate copyright and caption but occasionally one will slip through the net. So my apologies to the team: mea culpa . It has to be said, that image is still well and truly iconic, summing up as it does the ‘working conditions’ team members often find themselves smiling valiantly through. And it’s one of many corkers we’ve received what’s in at a glance over the years, for use in the magazine, the annual NEWS: 6-9 KIT STUFF: 36 review and occasional MREW marketing material — offered free of charge, and frequently the work of TEAM NEWS: 10- 21 NAVIGATION: 40 professional or semi-professional photographers ROPE SKILLS: 22-26 CAVE RESCUE: 44-46 who earn their living behind the lens. Thanks to all those who contribute these images — the mag really PEER REVIEW: 28- 31 DOGS: 49 wouldn’t be the same without you!! INCIDENTS: 32-34 WHO’S WHO: 57

AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 5 Jake Bharier (left) spent 20 years working for a multinational chemicals company, initially as a paint technologist, and then at corporate level in the area of health, safety and environment, then a further 20 news years managing finance and support services, and strategic development, for Skillshare International, an international development charity working through volunteers. He has substantial experience of working with federations and networks in the voluntary sector, including as treasurer of CONCORD, the European confederation of Relief and Development NGOs, and president of the Workers’ Educational Association. He is still active in international development, as a trustee of a charity working with partners LYON EQUIPMENT WINS MOUNTAIN RESCUE ROPE in the Horn of Africa, and as chair of an international committee reviewing standards of governance and accountability for a global process working on development effectiveness of NGOs, under the aegis of RESCUE TRAINING CONTRACT OECD and the UN. Jake lives on a hill in Herefordshire, where he looks across to the length of the Black Cumbria-based outdoor business Lyon Equipment secured the contract in July, following a tender MEET THE Mountains, and makes apple juice. process, and will commence training a group of MR team members to become technical rope NEW rescue instructors in their regions, in October. The company will provide four courses, delivered to David Coleman (right) describes himself as ‘a Derbyshire lad’ who enjoys MREW regions in the South West, South Wales, Pennine/Peak District and North East England. TRUSTEES hill walking, golf, gardening and, occasionally, sampling real ales! He is also a Rope rescue is conducted by most MREW teams, although the frequency of use of these skills varies from qualified Coastal Skipper. Appointed as Deputy Lieutenant of Derbyshire in Three new trustees region to region. Teams that use rope rescue skills frequently have well-developed capabilities and supporting 2007, he served as High Sheriff in 20 14/15. are in place and training processes. The training provided by Lyon Equipment will focus on those regions that use rope rescue skills Professionally, he served in the Derbyshire Constabulary, in a variety of already working less frequently. Personnel attending the courses will be selected by their teams and regions, and on completion of uniformed and detective roles and ranks, before making Divisional Commander together with the the training these individuals will then cascade that training to the remainder of their teams. The aim is that the of Derby Division in 1994. That same year, he was appointed ACC (Operations) existing trustees and courses will considerably enhance the technical rope rescue skills of the individuals and teams involved, while also in Leicestershire. Appointed Chief Constable of Derbyshire in 2001, he was assisting with inter-operability between teams. officers, to take the awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in 2004, and retired from the police service Training will be headed up by Lyon Equipment’s training manager, Bill Batson MBE. Bill has a long history of organisation in 2007. mountain and cave rescue and is an operational member of the Cave Rescue Organisation in the Yorkshire Dales. forward. But who A strong advocate of the voluntary sector, he is involved with several charities, He is also a search and rescue dog handler, currently with two operational search dogs. Prior to joining Lyon are they? including Foundation Derbyshire, Sporting Futures, Umbrella, Autism East Equipment, he served with the Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Service for some 27 years, during which time he Midlands, Derbyshire Scouts and the High Sheriff’s Fund. Significantly, he has served as team leader and chief instructor. In 1996, he was awarded the MBE for ‘services to mountain rescue’ been PDMRO President since retiring in 2007. and has also received the MREW Distinguished Service Award. Bill has developed and delivered a range of rope rescue courses for the emergency services, and Lyon Equipment is proud to be considered as one of the UK’s Finally, Phil Benbow (left with his dog Flash) is chairman of the North Wales Mountain Rescue OPERATIONS: leading providers of this specialist training. Association (NWMRA), having taken over from Dr Tony Jones in 2013. He has been a member of MIKE MARGESON Provision of these courses has been enabled courtesy of the Libor funding, and forms just one of several Llanberis MRT since 1978, and is a call-out coordinator for the team. He is a former member of SARDA national training initiatives proposed by MREW. Others include Driver Training and the Avalanche Training Wales, having had three dogs on the call-out list. He is also a member of the MR SAR-H steering group. This summer has been programme planned for the coming winter. As chairman of MountainSafe, a partnership of organisations in North Wales, he helps promote the very busy for teams and safe enjoyment of Snowdonia’s mountains. the same is true for the He has climbed and played in the mountains of North Wales for most of his adult life, as well as in operations group. The Scotland and the Lake District, with a few trips to the Alps mixed in. transition to the new digital platform is moving ahead, and orders from MOUNTAIN HERITAGE TRUST Simoco will probably have begun arriving by the time ARCHIVE UPDATE you read this. It’s fair to In the last issue, I reported on the opening of the new Mountain MOUNTAIN & CAVE AWARENESS say this will be an evolving Heritage Trust archive at the Blencathra centre. As a result of talking to DARK NIGHTS project, but initial tests one of the Mountain Heritage trustees at the opening event, I managed to DAY: 29 OCTOBER 2 017 seem to be very positive. arrange an initial official meeting between them and MREW. I invited NEED PELI LIGHTS ● We’ve also now run a Dave Freeborn, who had restored our film, and Ray Griffiths, our Once again, we’re taking the opportunity to work with one of pilot incident president, to join me in meeting with Kelda Roe, the manager Peli professional lighting products are MREW’s commercial supporters, VARTA Consumer UK, on the command and control and archivist and Jeff Ford, chair of the MHT trustees, at the designed for extreme conditions and ideally campaign for this year’s Awareness Day. Building on last course. Operational archive offices at Blencathra Centre. The meeting was positive reps attended to help suited for exposure to the worst winter year’s Winter Walking Guide and the Spring Power Up approach and, in principle, MHT would be happy to help and work with us, review the material weather. The rugged 9410 LED is to mobile phones, we’re hoping to develop the theme of but have no budget or funds to help. It was also said that as a key player in the setting up and development of the a powerful, rechargeable light perfect for before it rolls out How dark is dark? Mountain Heritage Trust, the BMC would need to be in full support. I therefore set about seeking this support from search and rescue. The LEDs provide over further. This work is the BMC, which I have now received and have in writing. 1200 lumens with a beam reaching 430 As many rescue teams are all too extremely timely as Why do I tell you all this? Mountain rescue has such a rich history, interlinked with the development of metres (high mode) that cuts through well aware, families and groups out we continue to move mountaineering itself. It seems important we do not miss the opportunity to record and preserve this history, darkness and fog. With 10.5 hours of run and about at this time of year often forward with JESIP time (economy power), the 9410 features a don’t realise just how dark it can get in principles and inter- whether that be photographic or written history or historic equipment sitting in the back of your base or garage 120° tilt head to angle the beam where the countryside, especially in our agency working somewhere. The oral history should be a priority to record. The Fell and Rock Club undertook a similar project required and has 3 modes: high beam, national parks and other popular practices. recently, getting the record of older members of the club before the opportunity was lost. economy and flashing mode. There is a walking areas. ● November will see the We have just appointed a fundraiser to look at national grants and funding streams. I am convinced that this could be an 3-stage battery level indicator, a sure grip We’re planning to focus on this with biennial medical area we could get some funding, in order to contract in a project worker to bring some of this work together. I feel strongly handle provides a comfortable, non-slip grip with an extra-large space for plenty of safety advice, product conference take place, run that there is both a responsibility for us not to lose this material and at the same time a real opportunity to put together a gloved hands. information from VARTA Consumer and by Langdale Ambleside. really educational asset. Peli Area Lighting: This successful range of portable, rechargeable we are also in touch with the Campaign I’m sure there will be lighting systems has been chosen by mountain rescue teams across the UK to for the Protection of Rural England significant discussion of illuminate the work area, command HQ or emergency scene. The 9440 Area (CPRE) who publish interactive maps the new arrangements for light, fully deploys in under ten seconds and extends to over two metres in that show light pollution and, in the the Casualty Care be open to Lakes and showcase the capabilities and the wider public. successfully. We still have height. The 9440 quickly retracts telescopically to less than a metre long in certificate as well as high process, highlight the darkest areas of the UK. Further details are North Wales teams but of mountain rescue. This ● Finally, the peer review a year and a bit of funding the closed position, allowing it to be carried easily. This lightweight, portable taking shape as MR Magazine goes to press but have a look at quality inputs from our we will widen this out in isn’t just about our partner process continues apace. for the project in its unit weighs only 7.3kg and is supplied with a shoulder strap and mains nightblight.cpre.org.uk/maps and nightblight.cpre.org.uk for medical professionals. future years. emergency services: At two recent review present form, and we will charger. ● New for this winter are background. ● In February, UKSAR ensuring we get our weekends, the pagers need to start evaluating And keep an eye on MREW social media, especially Facebook Libor-funded avalanche will be hosting the Search message right will be went off for an incident — as an organisation what FOR FURTHER INFORMATION GO TO: training courses at WWW.PELIPRODUCTS.CO.UK for further information, links, graphics and tools to help your team and Rescue Conference crucially important to how almost inevitable at some happens next. to make the most of these connections for your own Glenmore Lodge. Initially, TEL: 01457 869999. for the first time — an mountain rescue is stage. Despite this, the communications at the end of October. the available places will important platform to perceived by both UKSAR weekend was completed

PAGE 6 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 7 news

COMMS: MARK LEWIS SIMOCO WIRELESS THE ‘MREW’ LAND SOLUTIONS TO ROVER DISCOVERY 5 SUPPLY MR TEAMS AND OTHER NEWS... The mission critical comms specialist is to upgrade teams across England VEHICLES: SIMON THRESHER and Wales to the Digital Mobile- Radio (DMR) network.

The DMR Tier II equipment will ensure Every year AIRSO (Association of Industrial Road Safety Officers ) hosts interoperability and will comprise the roll- the National Blue Light Users Conference. Mountain rescue has been out of over 1000 digital radio devices and invited to attend for the last few years and each year we’ve managed base stations, including the 700 Series of to send at least two people to the event. portable and mobile radios, specifically As well as attending presentations on legislation, vehicle updates, best the SDP760 digital portable radio and the practice and standards, the event is also a great opportunity to network with SDM730 mobile radio terminal, both of the chief officers and driver trainers from the statutory services as well as which are capable of operating across various training and equipment providers. This year, Paul Smethurst and multiple analogue and digital modes. The Julian Earnshaw attended and came back with some interesting updates and 600 Series base station to support instant news: push-to-talk voice communications and VoIP telephone connectivity, and open- ● Roadcraft: The ‘bible’ advanced drivers work to is releasing online learning which, on standards applications first glance, looks similar to the learning environment you will have seen when doing support completes the online helicopter training. This could be very beneficial to drivers within MR as they will picture. have access to the most up-to-date material and be able to test their knowledge at any DMR delivers greater time. Watch this space! clarity, reliability, ● Section 19 HSDT: Draft legislation was sent out to all interested parties in 20 16 and the scalability and better feedback received, along with feedback from the Minister for Transport, identified a coverage and will enable number of items that required changing. These changes have been carried out and the REACH AND RESCUE LONG REACH TELESCOPIC RESCUE SYSTEM MREW to deploy next consultation is due soon. It will only be open for four weeks so, when it arrives, I will features such as a GPS have a very short time to gather any feedback from teams and put a response together A UNIVERSAL SOLUTION FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS IN DISASTER EVENTS mapping application so for the Department for Transport. control room-based team members can precisely locate and ● Accidents and incidents: A large number of incidents occur between blue light ‘REACH AND RESCUE PRODUCTS ARE ESSENTIAL TOOLS THAT MULTIPLY THE track their colleagues out on the hill. vehicles and the public every year — to be expected given how many emergencies occur. CAPABILITIES OF WATER RESCUE TEAMS AND INCREASE SAFETY BY KEEPING THE Crucially, Simoco’s solution is fully Interestingly, the stats show a very clear distinction between the number of incidents RESCUER OUT OF THE HAZARD ZONE’ GLENN NEWELL, PRESIDENT OF interoperable with our existing analogue involving highly conspicuous liveried vehicles and covert vehicles, with the latter having a RESCUETECH, GEORGIA, USA systems. Teams will be able to swap much lower percentage of incidents. Research shows that the drivers of covert vehicles between digital and analogue networks, are much more aware of how invisible they can be to the public and so are more alert to ‘THE REACH AND RESCUE POLE HAS TO BE ONE OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE WATER so those at different stages of digital their surroundings. Something for our drivers to be aware of! RESCUE AIDS OF THE DECADE’ EMERGENCY FIRE & SAFETY LTD migration can continue to collaborate. So, what else is happening with vehicles? The floodwater driving course has been very From the start, Simoco has understood ‘IT NOT ONLY TAKES CARE OF RESCUER SAFETY, IT ALSO SAVES LIVES. THE REACH well received with every place taken and almost every team booking places. Teams have that our top priority was interoperability AND RESCUE SYSTEM IS OUTSTANDING’ FOR YOUR RESQUE IN INDIA been fantastic in offering use of their bases and vehicles, and identifying training areas. I between the existing analogue systems have spoken at length with the course provider and we hope to start offering courses and any new digital equipment, whilst also ‘THIS PRODUCT SUBSTANTIALLY ENHANCES RESCUE CAPABILITY OF FIRE CREWS dates at weekends starting mid-October onwards. allowing us to communicate effectively AND REDUCES THE NEED TO PLAN AND TRAIN FOR FIREFIGHTERS ENTERING WATER with other emergency services such as With the world’s eyes watching devastation unfold this summer TO ATTEMPT RESCUE’ WARWICKSHIRE FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE Land Rover: At a polo match in 2016, a conversation between HRH The Duke of Cambridge as a result of hurricanes and monsoons across the globe, an the coastguard and police helicopters and and a director of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) led to what could be a very exciting venture for air ambulances. We’re a complex urgency is raised to address practical methods of improving the ‘THIS VITAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT IS LIGHT AND VERSATILE. WE CAN MREW. Soon after, we organisation, so it would be impossible to efficiency of disaster response in a way that is universally RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT TO ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN LIFESAVING’ NORTHERN were contacted by JLR migrate entirely to digital at the push of a applicable. IRELAND’S LAGAN SEARCH & RESCUE and since then I have Reach and Rescue’s unique rescue poles and attachments can button. We now look forward to working been speaking regularly to with them for many years to come. make a remarkable difference to emergency response. Reach and ‘THE REACH AND RESCUE SYSTEM IS AN EXTENSION OF A RESCUER’S ARM AND Land Rover about MREW ‘Mountain rescue is a truly inspirational Rescue’s telescopic poles provide an unmatched reach of 17 A MUST-HAVE KIT’ HUNGARY’S ARMADILLO HOVERCRAFT RESCUE & RESPONSE and our vehicles. Last metres, enable quick rescues with directional accuracy, and keep SUPPORT UNIT organisation’, says Ian Carr, of Simoco. month, an offer dropped responders safe from collateral risk by eliminating the need for ‘These volunteers are out at all times of into my inbox: Would we them to venture into further hazardous environments. day and night, in all conditions, in some of like to have use of a new Reach and Rescue’s comprehensive range of more than 20 the most rugged and risky terrain in the model Discovery for insightfully designed attachments facilitate swift and accurate country. Clear and reliable comms really twelve months? rescue in all scenarios and conditions at height, under water, in can be a matter of life and death. We’ve So, hopefully before the mud and on ice – whether the casualty is conscious or worked with mountain rescue in the past, magazine is out, we will unconscious. developing their analogue network and take delivery of a brand new Discovery SE complete with lights and livery. The intention is we’re delighted to now be helping them to share the vehicle out to any team that would like to trial it. It would be great to see it move to a digital future — while continuing REACH AND RESCUE MAKE THE LONGEST, MOST VERSATILE AND SUCCESSFUL RESCUE POLE SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD appear on the 4x4 courses as well as at any large events. If your team would like to have to maximise their existing investment’. it please email me [email protected]. W: WWW.REACHANDRESCUE.COM T : + 44(0)3301 595 088 E : J [email protected]

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LAKE DISTRICT RESCUE SPARKS MEDIA INTEREST AND A SERIOUS SAFETY MESSAGE Following a ‘ 100% avoidable’ incident, one Saturday evening in September — which saw Patterdale team members called away from their own dinners only to find the 999 caller was tucking into a meal and glass of red wine at the pub — the team took their frustration to social media, urging hillgoers to take the In mid-July, Mid-Pennine team members came together at the mountains seriously. River Washburn in North Yorkshire to refresh their water rescue skills The team was initially called to assist a and to forge a stronger working relationship. Water First Responders group of walkers who were making slow and SRTs from Calder Valley, Bolton and Holme Valley teams progress descending from the fells. The gathered in the flow beneath Woodyard on the river. group of five were actually benighted without torches, having been caught out when it went It’s worth mentioning that this training was made possible by kind invitation dark. One had suffered a very minor injury but of Halifax Canoe Club and Yorkshire Water. On limited occasions, the river had they all, perhaps, ‘bitten off more than is supplemented from Thruscross Reservoir, providing a guaranteed strong they could chew’? flow of water along the river length into Fewston Reservoir — the perfect Several team members had variously left opportunity for canoe club members to enjoy a slalom competition in the their own family dinners, one a wedding, upper section, whilst we train downstream in the lower section of the river. another a party, (so far fairly ‘normal’ in the Throughout the day, team members trained together to practise the core world of mountain rescue), but when they Mid Pennine water rescue skills required to operate safely around swift water, including went to meet the original 999 caller, at the defensive and aggressive swimming through the flows, throw line rescue pub, they were disappointed to see him and tethered rescue swims to retrieve casualties from the water. The tucking into his own dinner and glass of red. team members afternoon session included more technical rescue skills training, including the tethering and manoeuvring of a rescue craft across the river and into It transpired that the missing party of five the flow using high lines. Such skills may be called upon to carry out a were part of a much larger group of 76 — and dive in to refresh rescue from a vehicle trapped during a flood. the leader of the group was safely tucked up This training was also part of a developing programme to bring together back in his accommodation when he was water rescue members from across the Mid Pennine region. All members called to ask whether he could account for water skills are trained to the same national standards and experience during recent the other 71. He couldn’t, and there were two major water rescue incidents such as the flooding incident earlier this year more walkers missing. Fortunately, they on the east coast has shown that MR water rescue specialists often work made it down to a campsite under their own MICK SMITH together to support the statutory emergency services. steam while confusion continued. All the equipment seen in these photographs, such as the dry suits, While this rescue was underway, Langdale CALDER VALLEY SRT water craft and specialist ropes, is funded by generous donations from the Ambleside MRT received a call for two public and sponsors from across the region, all supporting their own local walkers lost in the same area. Both teams teams. We’d all like to thank everyone for their continued support for began a search and eventually the missing mountain rescue teams, which allows us to train and maintain essential people made their own way down to the skills, ensuring we are prepared to help the public in times of need. valley. This group had separated and both pairs were well and truly lost. Neither really knew where they had been and neither could they use a map properly — not that this would have helped as they didn’t have one. Neither did they have torches. Team members finally reached their own beds in the early hours of Sunday morning. ‘Please, please, please,’ urged the team’s Facebook post, ‘take a map, appropriate clothing and a torch if you are going into the mountains. Then we can save our time for helping people who really need our assistance and we might even get to enjoy our dinner, wedding or party. ‘We don’t mind helping at all but we’d really like to see more people taking the

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mountains seriously. We want people to keep themselves safe.’ The post drew a great deal of media attention, including enquiries about who the large group were and whether there were young people or children involved. A later post confirmed that this wasn’t the case and neither was it a charity event. The 76 people

E 225 FOR 5 involved were generally very inexperienced

walkers from a wide range of countries. N This would make quite a respectable cricket score, writes Tim Cox , but ‘We do want to get the safety message I what’s perhaps more impressive is that it is actually the number of years that five BPMRT members have notched up. It is quite remarkable

out there again before the clocks turn back N in a few weeks time. And if the post has done that they all joined mountain rescue in the same year, 1972 and are nothing more than make more people stop N still very much actively involved today. and think about what they need to take with E Simon Harris joined the Northern Rescue Organisation acting as an exercise casualty, being them and what they actually do in the P a member of St John Ambulance. Keith Gillies, Tony Bond and Phil Lund were at school mountains, then it’s served its purpose. If it together in Preston and became involved in mountain rescue through their youth club Duke of helps to save a life, even better.’

D Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Pete Taylor joined the South Ribble FSRT and became the first

I team leader of Bowland Pennine when it formed in 1980 by the amalgamation of South Ribble and the NRO. Tony took over the team leadership from Pete and Keith is chairman of MPSRO.

M It’s not unusual for at least a couple of these five stalwarts to be seen carrying the bell NORTH WALES stretcher on a call-out. They bring to the team a wealth of knowledge and expertise gained from years of experience. It would be a very rare exception to attend an incident in an area that HYPOTHERMIA WARNINGS AFTER they could not say, ‘I remember a call-out here some time ago’. NEAR-NAKED CHARITY ASCENT OF Left to right: Pete Taylor, Phil Lund, Tony Bond, Simon Harris, Keith Gillies and Phil O’Brien SNOWDON © Bowland Pennine MRT. North Wales teams also pressed home the safety message in September, after a man who reached the summit in just his take on the challenge to raise money for a ‘I was shaking uncontrollably and they underpants developed hypothermia. dementia charity after his grandmother covered me in tin foil. On the train down I Nathan French took to the highest peak in developed the condition, but his experience started to feel really sick and going deaf and England and Wales in his Superman undies was a valuable lesson in how hypothermia my eyesight started going funny. I was to raise money for charity but a paramedic can affect the body and the need to be getting really emotional so my dad, who was was called to meet the Liverpool student appropriately dressed for the environment. with me, called an ambulance. after his descent. He expressed surprise at ‘how cold’ he got. ‘The paramedic checked me over and Phil Benbow, chairman of North Wales Feeling unwell at the summit, after Mountain Rescue Association, said teams completing the 1,085 metre climb, he PAGE 15 were seeing more unprepared visitors. descended on the Snowdon Mountain > Commendably, Mr French had decided to Railway.

T LONG STANDING SEARCH DOG

C HANDLER’S CONTRIBUTION TO I

R MOUNTAIN RESCUE RECOGNISED T Mick Guy has been involved with search and rescue dogs S

I since the early days of SARDA and, in July, his long service was recognised with an LDSAMRA Long Service Award. D

Mick was a member of Kendal MRT for ten years before joining

E Keswick MRT, where he remains an active member, 28 years on.

K During his time in mountain rescue, he has thousands of call-outs to his credit — 1600 with Keswick alone, including 237 dog searches A with his three search dogs — and he has undertaken the role of

L training officer, chairman, secretary and treasurer, to name but a few.

Left: Mick with his Long Service Award. Far Left: Search Dog Ginny prepares to fly. Images: Facebook @ Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs

AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 13 team news

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said I was showing early signs of hypothermia.’ Phil Benbow — also a member of the Llanberis team which covers Snowdon — said while it was ‘laudable’ to undertake charity treks up Snowdon, it was essential that people dressed appropriately for the conditions, planned their trip and checked the weather forecast. ‘We have a significant number of calls every year about people on Snowdon who are not equipped properly,’ he said. ‘They S make an assumption that because there’s a SARDA WEDDING café at the top and a train, that it’s a walk in E the park. It’s not — it’s the highest mountain L WITH ADDED FLY PAST

in England and Wales and people need to A respect that. SARDA Wales dog handlers and NEWSAR team members Ester and

‘Llanberis has been called to 173 rescues W Tim married in true mountain rescue style in July, in the shadow of so far this year and that will be over 200 by Snowdon, with a surprise fly past from HMCG R936.

the end of the year — the third year in a row H The pair actually met whilst training their dogs, both called Izzy, which they

we will have topped 200. That’s way too T say isn’t confusing at all — you just have to call one name and they both many for volunteers who have to give up

R come running! Unknown to them or their guests, just as their blessing was time with their family or at work. People just completed near the shore of Llyn Gwynant the crew of HMCG Rescue

need to think ahead.’ O Helicopter 936 treated them to a fly past.

Photos © Babs Boardwell Photography (babsboardwell.co.uk). FAMILY SETS UP ‘TREE HOUSE N PROJECT’ IN MEMORY OF JOSH Josh Llwyd Hopcroft was an 18-year-old loving, funny, outgoing, handsome, happy young man from Llanfair, near Harlech. But in February last year, he was reported missing and his father Dion, Aberglaslyn team leader, and other members of the Aberglaslyn team, were involved in the search for him. Team members searched through the night and on until 5.00am with no results. As it started to become lighter, Dion set out alone to carry on the search for Josh. Three and a half hours later, sadly, he found his son’s body in a field close to their family home. After alerting the relevant services, Dion, Josh’s brother Sion, and Aberglaslyn team members carried Josh’s body back to their family home. Josh had committed suicide. Eighteen months on, Sue and Dion, their family, friends and team members are for people to go when they need it most. ‘Suicides and attempted suicides have determined to turn their devastation at Josh’s Their hope is that Josh’s Tree House Project rapidly increased. Suicide is preventable, but death into a positive force for good with a will make a big impact on mental health and it needs to be everybody’s business to tackle fundraising event for two charities — ‘Josh’s help with obtaining independence and and reduce the act of suicide through Tree House Project’, a new charity, still stability within the community. preventable measures. This family’s awaiting a charity number, and also ‘No one will ever know why Josh did what closeness and strength amazes me every Aberglaslyn MRT. he did,’ writes Kieron Hollingworth, a friend day, and if I can help them in any way I can The plan for Josh’s Tree House Project is and team colleague, ‘but it pains his friends, in making this project work, I will.’ to build a cabin that can be used for private family and loved ones to think that maybe if The charity fundraising day will take place counselling sessions, speaks, group talks, he had talked to someone about what he on Saturday 28 October, at the Ysgethin Inn bereavement sessions and, most importantly, was going through, this utter tragedy could in Talybont. The event will be based on a educational talks about suicide prevention. have been prevented. We hope Josh’s Tree Sue and Dion also hope to set up a House Project will help other people in similar memorial garden in memory of Josh, situations. PAGE 17 alongside the Tree House, a place of solace >

PAGE 14 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 15 team news

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‘Day of the Dead’ theme — a traditional Mexican celebration of the dead — and will feature a children’s Halloween party, party games, music, dancing and fancy dress competitions and lots of Halloween-themed arts and crafts. Weather permitting, there will also be a birds of prey demo. And, for the adults, a Day of the Dead-themed party with live music, food and drink, raffles, auctions and — providing they don’t chicken out — the waxing of a few team members’ legs. (I expect photos for the next issue! Editor). So, if you’re in the area on 28 October, please do pop along and show your support, in memory of Josh. And if you can contribute with a donation or raffle/auction prize, email Kieron via [email protected] — your support will be very welcome. Finally, from Dion: ‘I would like to thank my son Sion and other close friends and team members, for helping me carry Josh home that morning.’

JOINT EXERCISE IN THE NORTH PENNINES, UNDER AND OVER GROUND To call out or not to call out: Late September saw six of the eight North Pennine mountain and cave rescue teams taking part in a search that is the question. exercise, based at the Tan Hill Inn. Using a scenario organised by Teesdale & Weardale SMRT, more than 60 team @ members spent almost five hours searching for casualties and evidence across a wide area of moorland, farmland and underground.

We try to organise a joint training exercise each Swaledale and Teesdale and Weardale.’ aware, having reliable access to the internet is told they were inert. More of them later. WITH ‘AVOIDABLE’ CALL OUTS ON THE INCREASE IN THE LAKES AND NORTH year,’ says Pete Bell, of Teesdale and Weardale, ‘A day of testing like this is the best way of becoming more and more important for MRT ‘Our brief was to search Kisdon Mine just outside WALES, HOAX CALLS BRING A FURTHER ADDED PRESSURE TO TEAM ‘and this year the specific aim was to test our learning fast and then adapting how we work so control vehicles. Whilst the new Emergency Keld Village. As soon as I mentioned the MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES, AS CHRIS LLOYD WRITES... communications, particularly our radio systems. things work even better for the real thing,’ said Services Network will hopefully provide this in destination, one of our members immediately said There’ve been a lot of changes in these in recent Pete. ‘Thanks go to everyone who was involved in the long term, currently teams either have to site he’d visited the mine earlier that summer. We At about 07.15hrs on a very wet Saturday morning, North Wales Police received years and we know there’s more change to come planning and running the day as well as duty their vehicles where there is mobile phone arrived at Keld (no mean feat negotiating those a 999 call from a man asking for mountain rescue. The call was broken and brief. as MREW implements a national transfer to digital inspector Barry Evans from Durham Constabulary coverage or use satellite broadband. During the roads in a Unimog), and he was able to give a He said he needed mountain rescue and he was at the top of Cwm Idwal. And that radios. We want to be sure that, whatever system and the crew of the MCA rescue helicopter from exercise, we had a couple of teams sharing their detailed breakdown of the mine. Radio checks was the sum of his three calls, made over about five minutes. As it came through each team is using, we all know how to speak to Humberside. They were with us for over an hour, access with others and this worked well. meant we had already lost contact with base, as a ‘roamer’ call, the police could not return the man’s call. The call went to one each other.’ working with search teams and building on our ‘Airwave again proved to be the system of choice both by radio and mobile. With COMRU kitted up of the Ogwen Valley team leaders. With very little information, he called for local The scenario was a light aircraft crash and the experience of their vehicle. As always, thanks for voice communication between team controls, and covering the 800m to the mine, we had members to attend and be deployed as hasty parties to search around Cwm Idwal. search for several passengers who had dispersed also go to Louise Peace and her team at the Tan although there were some issues with limited talk someone on the surface and someone back at the In extremely wet conditions, four parties of two members each were deployed to from the crash site and were wanted by the police Hill Inn for their hospitality and for allowing us to groups access – but that’s just the sort of issue ambulance with someone else ready to transport search around the cwm and adjacent hill sides. Team members came across other for questioning. use their facilities as a base.’ that, having tested our processes, teams can gear as needed. It’s a small mine and the female stalwarts heading for the hills and asked them to look out for a male needing ‘The teams also each brought along a cas care- ‘The primary focus was communications,’ says report back locally and find solutions.’ casualty was quickly located along with a selection assistance. They met a man coming down from the back of the cwm. He hadn’t trained casualty for the exercise,’ said Pete, ‘and Adam Hearn, comms officer for Teesdale and Teesdale team leader Steve Owers, took on the of those mysterious orange cylinders. seen anybody. we had one of them located underground as if Weardale, ‘so it was good to see everybody’s role of press officer for the exercise and Scott ‘By then we had found a local person prepared There was concern about the information provided. Could this man have been they’d fallen into a pothole. It all helped make the willingness to overcome various issues with radio Bisset observed as he will be taking over that role to lend us their landline and quickly established out all night and was now suffering from hypothermia? Would this explain the poor exercise work for the two cave rescue teams – and phone systems. Yet again, the value of the soon. A brief statement to all team search managers comms. We also found wifi in the Visitor’s Centre quality of the telephone calls? He hadn’t been able to give his name or telephone and COMRU – as well as the search and mountain SARCALL log was demonstrated as the universally summarised the information to be given to the so quickly established comms that way too. number and the latter could not be traced. rescue teams from Kirkby Stephen, Penrith, accessible medium for all MRTs. As we’re all press, with all further questions directed to the ‘Our casualty was female with suspected chest The search area was increased and more team members arrived at Oggi base. To press officer. and ankle injuries and these were treated in situ add to the pressure, at 09.50 North Wales Police received another 999 call reporting This was tested with a few calls to team contacts and a difficult stretcher evacuation was begun. We a man needing the assistance of mountain rescue on Tryfan. This time he was able by Sally Seed, posing as a journalist or police also located ten of those orange cylinders. Our to give a telephone number but the signal was lost before he could give his name. contact, and the process worked well. Mountain request for helicopter evacuation was not available He did give some information which implied that he was a local man. When the rescue led a joint press conference fairly early so a group of Kirkby Stephen and Teesdale team police found that the telephone number didn’t exist, suspicions were aroused. on, with questions (as you’d expect), from Sally. members was despatched to evacuate the casualty The team leader asked North Wales Police to carefully compare the messages of The final press conference, led by the police, from the mine entrance. They were able to get the Cwm Idwal caller and the Tryfan caller. There were just too many similarities in would be for real. ‘This meant I could their Land Rover close to the mine so that this the voice, the accent and the information given. This was probably a local man and concentrate on the work MR had done and pass was accomplished with speed. this was a HOAX. any sensitive or awkward questions to the police,’ ‘As an exercise it was extremely useful as it By 11.00 team members were recalled from the mountains to Oggi base. After a says Steve. gave our members a chance to interact with warm up, a change of clothing and hot drinks, they headed for home and their ‘When I attended the briefing, the search for colleagues from adjoining teams who we rarely families: it wasn’t only fifteen team members who were not best pleased. missing people of interest was intriguing enough,’ see. And those cylinders? Carrots, just carrots. Hoax calls are rare. This one was difficult to foresee. Mobile phone coverage says Chris Jones, COMRU member, ‘but the Biodegradable in case we missed any! We’re above Cwm Idwal can be poor. The weather had not been good overnight. This mention of the small orange cylinders built in an looking forward to the next opportunity to work could have so easily been a hill walker with hypothermia. And, fortunately, that extra frisson of excitement, especially as we were with other teams.’ was the only call of the weekend. Clockwise from top left: Land Rovers at the ready; COMRU team members with the Unimog; Coastguard Chris Lloyd helicopter overhead; team members await the helicopter. Images courtesy of the teams involved. Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation

PAGE 16 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 17 team news

APB mobile installations ltd SPECIALIST BLUE LIGHT EQUIPMENT INSTALLERS NORTH EAST DEVON & SOMERSET FIRE FIGHTER SHARES HIS GOOD FORTUNE Earlier this year, Scarborough and Ryedale training officer, Jon Bateman, entered the team in a Ruth Lee Ltd photo competition on Facebook to win two of their rescue manikins. But, despite fantastic local support and many votes from the wider Mountain Rescue England and Wales community, the team was pipped to the post by Ben Spalding from Devon and Somerset Fire and As specialists in the installation of blue light Rescue Service. They thought that was the Image © Cleveland MRT. equipment, we can cater for all your needs: end of it but not so... Blue lights, headlamp flash, 2-tone sirens, rear reds, covert blues, diesel heaters, run lock systems, tracker units, strobes, hands-free MAKING DEMENTIA FRIENDS phone systems, 2-way radios, speakers, GPS and Cleveland team members regularly assist the police in the search for satnav systems, plus much more. vulnerable people at risk in the community, so one group of people they Our on-site service limits down time on the regularly come into contact with are dementia sufferers and their carers. vehicle, or we can offer our equipped To help them do this better, the team invited the Alzheimer’s Society to run their highly workshops near Peterborough. regarded Dementia Friends information session at their Wednesday night training. The session was both informative and entertaining, and it’s available free to any member of ● Blue Light Conversions the community with an interest in dementia — just visit dementiafriends.org.uk for details ● Airwave Installations ● Vehicle CC TV of courses near you. ● Vehicle Tracking ● Amber Light Conversions ● Vehicle Racking ● Conspicui ty ● Vehicle Lighting Above: Left to right: Anni Wilson, Ben Spalding, to the Great North Run which he was running OUR BLUE LIGHT TORCH RELAY Mountain Rescue Manikin, Jon Bateman and as part of his fundraising for The Fire Gareth Taylor © Scarborough & Ryedale MRT. Fighters’ Charity! CONTINUES NORTHWARDS ‘Firstly,’ says Ian Hugill, ‘the company ‘True to his word, Ben stopped by the In August, members of Scarborough and offered us significant discount on a mountain base on the Saturday and handed the Ryedale and Cleveland teams joined in this rescue manikin (it fits into a rucksack so can manikin over to Jon on behalf of the team. national campaign to raise awareness of be easily carried out to the find site). ‘Many thanks to him and good luck with mental health within the emergency services. ‘Then Ben Spalding contacted us to kindly his ongoing fundraising campaign. He can The two teams had the privilege of carrying offer us one of the manikins he had won, be assured that the manikin will be a key part the torch as it passed from North Yorkshire AND also offered to deliver it to us on the way of our training regime.’ towards Cleveland and Teesside on the next leg of its journey. ABOVE: THE BUXTON MRT VEHICLE The torch arrived at Scarborough’s base in Snainton on Sunday 6 August. From there, it was carried though the team’s patch for handover to Cleveland team members at The Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge later that day. Then it was onwards and upwards to the For further information contact APB Mobile Installations Ltd Tel: 0845 331 2727 Fax: 0845 331 2722 summit of Roseberry Topping, where Web: www.apb-ltd.co.uk Email: [email protected] Cleveland MRT handed on the torch to Unit 4, Pinnacle Close, Crowland, Peterborough PE6 0GB Cleveland Police. The event has seen the blue light torch travel around the country since April in the hands of various emergency services and mountain rescue team members have been amongst a number of volunteer organisations involved along the way, along with lifeboats and coastguard teams.

Above: Our Blue Light relay torch safely handed over at the Lion Inn © Cleveland MRT.

PAGE 18 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 19 A new direction... team news being a probationary T

Mountain Rescue C I R

volunteer T S I D

. T R M K r e d A n i K

E © e P g a m I

As the Land Rover climbed slowly over the boulders on the track, I was appear as people go about their business, New orders. We are to stretcher the glad of the hand-hold above the door. Fingers tightly gripping the unaware of what is happening not far from casualty to the waiting helicopter. The initial handle to stop too much movement, my head occasionally bouncing their kitchens. ‘Across that?!’, as I look across the grough to off my forearm rather than the glass in the window, I felt the excitement We have a grid reference for the casualty. our front, all the while being buffeted from the and the tension of what I was now a part of. We now know where they are, and the now-landed helicopter’s idling downdraught, position is confirmed by the presence of the dissipates as the training kicks in again. The Looking over my right shoulder, across the That’s not why you joined. It’s not about regional police helicopter which has located casualty is loaded and off we go. ever-darkening valley, I could just make out being a hero, it’s about helping, being there. the party and is now hovering, holding And yes it is slippery. the lights of one of the other vehicles as it too I’ve been on the other end, and I know the station, acting as that initial beacon of hope And yes it is dark. wound its way up to its predetermined feeling of seeing those who can help appear for those we’re searching for. And yes it is difficult to move when you have position to act as relay station for the out of the mist. This is why I joined. But that is still two kilometres away. Two a hurricane trying to lift you off your feet. communications gear. All the while, the radio Arriving at base, I am tasked by one of the kilometres of path, peat bog, rocky outcrops, And then we are there, by the open door of chatter giving snippets of information for the deputy team leaders. Straight onto the streams, steep drops and holes underfoot the helicopter, loading the stretcher onboard task in hand, as the leader briefed us on mountain. This is it. The first two call-outs I’ve just waiting to grab your boot and break your before retreating whilst we wait for the return ASHBURTON what was happening. been on, I have been ‘2 IC — Brooms and ankle. And it is getting really dark now. of the stretcher. A stop for a kit carry change at around the Doors close, the engine winds up, the wind TEAMWORK I have travelled like this many times before, Tea’ whilst other team members went out, SOUTH years ago as part of a Sabre Squadron on but this is now my first real deployment. half-way mark, a chance to retrieve the strength increases and you feel the thing lift HIGHLIGHTED exercise, but not this day: this day was And off we go. Off through the village, off torch. Then we are off again, searching in the off. Moments later and there are just flashing WEST different. This was no exercise, and as through the farm, off the tarmac! Off onto the dark for the lights of the party. lights fading away into the distance. The IN NEW FILM Solihull’s finest battled with the ancient track- old drovers’ road and up the side of the hill, No longer on any discernible path, the four noise levels drop and you can once again bed, lurching from side to side on an old off to join with Mobile 1 which went up with of us have now spotted the lights and we are hear yourself think. off piste, the pace having quickened. News Hill gear packed away, now back with half drovers’ route that is interesting enough as a the advance party sometime earlier. Dartmoor SRT Ashburton has launched a film highlighting the vital community that the coastguard helicopter is en route a stretcher on my back and we are off, back footpath, let alone as the conduit to get us, Time goes quickly. I watch as others, many service it provides across the county and beyond. The team is well known for its means we now have to move quickly. Care across the top, back into the darkness, back five plus gear, to the RV, the feeling of years more proficient, fall into routine and I work on Dartmoor but less so for the wider support they offer in both rural and though, these groughs are deep, the sides past the weird outcrops that loom out of the excitement and tension began to be wonder if I will be of more use than urban areas across Devon and further afield. Team members were amongst slippery and the last thing you want is to go depths of the night. Light of foot this time displaced by the fear of being the ‘noobie’; ornament. No need to worry, my task is to mountain rescue colleagues from across England and Wales, called on to assist head first into the peat… knowing we have done our job, and with the of not wanting to screw up, not wanting to let carry half a Bell stretcher, the ‘friend of the in the devastating floods in York, December 2015. Finally on site with the casualty and the adrenaline that comes with that, the way the team down, let myself down. probationer’, to which my own gear is then With public donations accounting for more than 92% of its funding, the group advance party, the cas carers have already back seems shorter, the pack and the This was it. This was my first time on the hill strapped. approached Ashburton film-makers Blinkback to help spread the message. stabilised the injury, and taken care of the stretcher lighter. Maybe it’s because for me, as part of the search and rescue team. Team leader Keith Lambeth said, ‘Although responding to Dartmoor call-outs is rest of the party. The rest of us go into the that’s it, that’s my first rescue. To the rest of This was real… I’VE BEEN ON THE OTHER END, AND still our staple we also attend flooding and water incidents and missing person holding area, waiting to be tasked. The idea the team, it’s just another night on the hill, but 90 minutes before, I had just sat down to I KNOW THE FEELING OF SEEING enquiries including those with mental health factors such as dementia and self- of a stretcher carry-off returning along that to me it’s special. watch a Harry Potter film. Contemplating a THOSE WHO CAN HELP APPEAR OUT harm. Blinkback’s film highlights this diversity which frequently goes unnoticed as same route is not one that fills the soul with A bumpy ride back to base, vehicles beer as the opening credits rolled, I heard OF THE MIST. THIS IS WHY I JOINED our call-outs often happen overnight when most people are in bed. joy, so the sound of the approaching unpacked, replacement gear loaded back in the unmistakable sound of the SARCALL ‘We are very grateful to the team at Blinkback who kindly donated their time and helicopter is music to our ears. But no time ready for the next call, the debrief and the first SMS tone. Then we’re off on foot. It’s now dusk and considerable experience to produce the film. And we’re delighted with the end to enjoy the sight of the beast approaching, chance to take a drink from the flask and it’s ‘Bugger!’ the light is fading rapidly. result which highlights the service we provide and will raise awareness among now is the time to assemble the stretcher, all over. We depart, each heading away in the I read recently that you volunteer to be a Lesson 1. Don’t forget to get the head torch those who are unaware of the wide range of support we offer.’ remembering the lessons and exercises that early hours, knowing the morning alarm will mountain rescue team member, but that’s from the top of your Bergen before you get Blinkback director David Kilkelly said, ’Dartmoor Search and Rescue performs we have done. go off way too soon, and work will beckon. where the volunteering ends. The call comes loaded up like one of those pack horses from such a vital role across the region. BlinkBack is based and works within Dartmoor Lesson 2. Wear gloves when linking the I stumble into bed far too late, but still full of through and you answer it if you can. It’s not centuries past… National Park so we have a natural connection. two halves, the clips when swinging into the feeling of having achieved something a game, it’s not a hobby. Someone is out The colour has now drained from the ‘We felt that by donating our time and skills we could help raise their profile and place can do you an injury, somewhat useful for once. This new direction in life is there, in need of help. You don’t look out of landscape to be replaced by the shades of communicate their message to a wider audience.’ the window and think that it’s raining too grey that come with the developing night defeating the ‘don’t become a casualty one to hold onto. ✪ heavily, or you’d rather sit and watch the film. vision. Distant lights from farms and villages yourself’ maxim. Film stills © Dartmoor Search and Rescue Ashburton. Film produced courtesy of Blinkback www.blinkback.co.uk

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L A N S O

Hanging L S L I R K E S by a thread P

TECHNICAL ASPECTS AND TOP TIPS FOR MULTI-PITCH CLIMBING

Instructing and coaching climbers on multi pitch climbs, or climbing as a rope of three presents the instructor/leader with a variety of considerations and challenges. This article focuses on an overview on influences and options (and their pros and cons) when choosing and using appropriate ropes and rope/belay systems for leading novice climbers on multi-pitch climbs as a rope of three. However the core technical aspects (use of ropes, belay methods etc) are applicable to any team of climbers operating as a team of three. BY GEORGE M CE WAN GEORGEMC@COL DCLIMBS.COM

Our starting point to operating working with climbers on multi- remaining parallel: each climber addition they offer better effectively with two climbers is pitch routes such a challenging ties into both strands and these protection against stonefall or addressing the ‘What to do’ and demanding experience. are always clipped together. The falling on an arête. To limit the (finding out and confirming main advantage over single rope drag, and thus the fall factor, you where they are at in their current TYPES OF ROPE is that it allows for abseils as long can clip the strands separately. It climbing performance and as the rope, and each rope is is also possible to use half ropes like Rope technology has come on experience), then addressing the less weight for each climber to twin ropes ie. clipping both strands in the past decade. There is now ‘How to do it’: choice of climb carry. It is lighter than half rope together . a bewildering array of rope types but does not allow for separate appropriate to climbers’ aims and diameters to suit every strand clipping . ● Single Rope (8.9 –11mm) and abilities, what rope type and possible situation encountered in This rope is used as a single system (single vs half, parallel vs the climbing environment. ● Half Rope (8 –9mm) strand. It is best adapted to series), belay method (direct However, knowing the type of A ‘rope’ formed of two strands difficult routes which are fairly belay vs semi-direct), how to rig environment you are going to which the leader is tied into but, straight-line, to easy routes the stance and so on. By use the rope in, and what use you unlike twin ropes, two seconds without change-over belays, and are putting the rope to, simplifies following that process we should may each be tied into just one of where descent is not by abseil. find that our multi-pitch climbing the decision-making process. the strands . The leader clips only sessions reflect what is There are three main rope types one strand into each runner so ROPE TYPES AND available. These descriptions are appropriate to our climbers’ as to reduce drag. Half rope is taken from the Beal website and IMPLICATIONS FOR needs and less of the ‘I do it this recommended on climbs where based on the UIAA standard for BELAYING AND way cos I always do it this way’ an abseil descent is necessary or rope types. They are: SECONDING approach. possible. It is equally preferable I’ll be focusing on the technical whenever belays are less than You will see that I have ● Twin Rope (diameter range aspects of balancing our perfect, notably when ice highlighted several statements in around 7.5mm) climbers’ needs and abilities with climbing, because with just one the above descriptions. These This rope is always used with making safe and efficient strand clipped, you reduce the are statements advising certain the two strands together, progress up a multi-pitch climb. shock load in case of a fall. In types of usage that are of I’ll cover what options we have regarding the types of rope to use (and their pros and cons), choosing appropriate rope systems, belay methods, managing a pitch and stance management principles. I should stress that the .

n techniques described here are a w

E not meant to be the definitive c

M guide to all the technical aspects

e

g of multi-pitch climbing as a rope r o

e of three. Instead, it should serve G to promote thought, discussion, ©

g and a greater awareness of the n i

b variety of aspects that makes Left to right: Twin Rope; Half rope; Single rope. Illustrations © George McEwan. m i l C

PAGE 22 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 23 relevance to us working with 9–10mm rope could mean the triggered), it probably does raise instructors. Although make sure GUIDING eg. clipping rope through Alternatively, if it is a guided climbers on multi-pitch climbs. belayer failing to hold a leader the issue would you want to be they fit into your belay plate, Climbers who are being given runners behind experience, you may choose to These statements highlight the fall, or a descending climber climbing in such a place? especially if you plan to use the an experience. This may be • Attention can be devoted to use slings to link the anchors and following considerations: having problems when abseiling plate in ‘guide mode’ — some because there are other aims to one student at a time use a direct belay. How great is the risk? down steep terrain. ● thicker ropes are a pure pain to the day, or the emphasis is on • Instructor can step out of the Other factors such as how Twin ropes: ‘…does not Low or high risk? Do you then ● If you choose to use half ropes pull through a belay device used getting up a climb. The ‘point’ allowing the students to good the main belay anchors allow for separate strand balance that out against the then both ropes must be inserted in guide mode, especially if they rope/belay systems used need adopt a standard two person are, likelihood of seconds falling clipping…’ advantages that using half ropes into an appropriate belay device are wet/frozen. not reflect the way anyone else rope (instructor can solo/self or getting stuck, will all influence Twin rope systems are pretty give you — such as speed of if the second is to have any You can get thinner diameter does it. line placing runners etc as the decision as to the most specialist and it is arguable, with movement, ease of climbing for chance of holding a leader fall. In single ropes now (down to appropriate) appropriate belay method. The the recent developments in the leader etc. What about the this case, the issue comes down 8.5mm), although many of these So focusing on the overall aims • Ropes easier for instructors two most commonly used belay thinner, stronger half rope second putting their ice tool to how competent your belayer is ropes are for specialist use eg. for the session influences our to sort. systems are: technology, whether the twin through their rope? at belaying two ropes through a hard sport climbs and are not choice of rope/belay systems rope system will not be going the used. Whatever we choose to do ● Cons single plate. If the belayer is a Is the rope liable to run over designed for the rugged hard ● Semi Direct (or semi indirect): way of the Dodo. Pit Schubert in ● methods used should meet the •Can be very slow (moving novice and unused to managing an edge? use that they tend to receive on Leader tied into belay using rope; an article titled ‘Our ropes are following criteria: one at a time) two ropes through one belay In many cases this can either multi-pitch climbs. All the issues Belay plate (ATC or similar) clipped stronger than we believe’ made • Tiresome and lonely for last device then such a task, at best, be avoided, or the risk lessened, regarding belay plate into rope loop on harness. the following point about twin • Be safe student might be awkward or by good ropework, but some compatibility and the implications NB: Position of braking hand in rope use: ‘…And twin ropes have • Reflect aims of session • Risk of last student falling full challenging for them, at worse it rock types are more prone to on holding leader falls, as relation to anchor tie in is crucial an energy absorbing capacity length of rope should they could well compromise their nasty, sharp wee edges. explained above, stand with This whole process can, and using this method. over sharp edges which is, inadvertently be unclipped by ability to hold a leader fall. Choosing a rope that has these super skinny single ropes. should, be reviewed throughout depending on the sharpness of the second. ● Pros With novice belayers it is worth superior abrasion resistance or is the climb. By using each pitch as the edge, up to double that of a • Method is common practice, considering using thicker (single) edge tested might help mitigate ROPE SYSTEMS a ‘session’ you can then decide TWO CLIMBERS ON ONE ROPE normal single rope.’ ie. reflects belay and anchor ropes as this would allow both any such fears of ropes being cut what is, and what isn’t, So maybe there is still a use for As well as deciding what rope Parallel Rope System Pros methods commonly used by climbers to belay you or damaged. Although it should appropriate for your students. ● twin ropes yet. My personal view, type we are going to use, we climbers on climbs simultaneously on independent be noted there is no UIAA This helps avoid the classic • Simplified rope work in a professional context working also have to decide what rope • Leader can devote attention ropes. Not only does this save standard for testing ropes starting with series rope system • Fast to use — both students with two climbers, is they (twin system is appropriate — series, • Stronger student can help to single client you having to mind which rope running over an edge. Pit and ‘come hell or high water that climb at the same time ropes) are of no use as the ropes parallel or two climbers on one weaker by presence • Can be easier to give a tight you are being belayed on, it also Schubert has an article on the is what I will use cos it’s easy’ • Stronger student can support MUST be used with both single rope. • Leader can abseil full rope rope in extremis or hoist keeps both belayers busy doing UIAA website where he approach. weaker student. strands treated as one. Still Deciding which rope system to length, or any distance between, • Avoids full impact force on the something. In the ‘unlikely’ event describes the adventure two of For example you have two climbers might choose to use use really comes down to without bringing up students. belay in the event of a fall. (Use of you falling two inexperienced/ his friends had when one of their climbers who have aspirations to such a system for their own deciding on the outcomes or of rope, and dynamic belay unknown belayers attempting to ‘twin’ ropes was partially cut by lead multi-pitch climbs. They tell climbing. The ropes do split into aims for your session. So ● Cons increases dynamic element in hold a fall is better than one! some stonefall high on an alpine you they have led a lot of single lighter carries which has its own although the instructor may have • Rope tends to become system). For the leader/instructor rock climb. When he recreated pitch climbs, and both have their advantages. one set of desired outcomes for tangled managing their two seconds own rack etc. You start with a the situation, by cutting a twin the day, there may be other • ‘Struggling’ student can get ● Cons climbing below them it is worth ‘warm-up’ multi-pitch climb ● Half ropes: ‘… two seconds rope 1/3 of the way through, he outcomes which might be more caught up in other rope, if • Difficult to bring two climbers/ remembering that thinner ropes which is technically a bit easier may each be tied into just one found that it still managed to hold pitch dependant. Thus I tend to moving one at a time students up at same time if generally mean more stretch — than what they both say they are of the strands…’ eight falls! think of a session as not just the • Can be heavy work for the moving at different speeds. If this can be exciting for your leading at, and you decide to Having seconds follow their I think on balance (and taking whole day, but as individual leader dragging two full ropes one second significantly weights seconding climbers if one of start off in series as you can then leader up on a single half rope into account the points raised pitches on a climb. In the course behind. the rope it can be impossible them falls off and that individual have them both going through has always provoked a lot of above), the decision about of a day, or even the climb, the to take in/pay out the other rope gets to experientially discover ‘lead climber’ behaviours. After discussion. It was one of these whether to have your climbers instructor will continually appraise safely through the belay plate what is meant by ‘rope several pitches, things have practices that a lot of instructors second on half ropes or single these outcomes as conditions, • Leader is in the system elongation’. Keeping the ropes been moving slow. Time is not and guides used, yet there was ropes hinges more on the actual abilities etc dictate. Bottom line: necessitating a potentially very tight can help mitigate how on your side, so you decide to little or no official sanction from aims of the climbing (broadly Be flexible. complicated escape if required. much stretch occurs should one ratchet up the pace. You change rope manufacturers as to speaking coaching vs guiding), We can pretty much break or other fall off (also helps over to parallel so you can bring whether it was OK. Like all these and each individual climber’s down the type of work we do on ● Direct: Leader tied into/ prevent a novice second both your climbers up things, individual instructors belay skills and experience. multi-pitch climbs into three main clipped into central point linked climbing past a runner — although simultaneously, and make up tended to make their own call on Skinnier ropes potentially make areas, each with their own back to all anchors on main having ‘eyes on’ is a more some time. This scenario is very a situational basis as to when this holding any leader fall more unique considerations. In reality, belay. Belay plate in ‘guide effective way of avoiding this wee much simplified, but I hope it type of use was appropriate. problematic — unless both ropes there is a great deal of blurring mode’ clipped directly into scenario). Another option is to serves to illustrate that we can When I was researching this, I are inserted into a single belay between the different areas, as this central point. use ‘single’ ropes, with a change around our rope noticed that the three plate, in which case the belay even when guiding two climbers Two climbers on one rope NB: Only use a plate designed correspondingly lower elongation systems ‘mid stream’ if we feel it manufacturers I checked out skills of the belayer are the main up a route you can still be to be used in this way AND make factor. is appropriate. (Beal, Edelrid and Mammut), all consideration. Like all these coaching them eg. at the sure you have practised with the One of the issues that crops up had a statement in their things it comes down to the stances. Or you may choose to plate BEFORE going on a climb as an argument against using ROPE SYSTEMS PROS ● Cons description of rope use instructor making an appropriate lead your first two pitches in and using it for real). half ropes with climbers is the • Only suitable on suggesting that such use was judgment based on the series, then switch to parallel AND CONS risk of ropes being cut — straightforward, easy ground ● Pros possible. However, I think there prevailing and unique situation. whilst you switch on the Each rope system has its own although it should be borne in • Students have to be briefed • Less strain on belayer when are several caveats. Or in other words – it depends! ‘afterburners’ to boost up the unique advantages and mind that any rope — single or to climb at compatible rope is loaded Although using thinner climb quickly. disadvantages. Single Ropes: • Leader not in the system, so diameter ropes means the half, can potentially be cut. I ● speeds. Single ropes, around easy to move about when leader/instructor towing less would suggest that some of the TEACHING PARALLEL: ‘en fleche’ or arrow factors you might have to 10 –10.5mm diameter, although Novices/intermediate climbers BELAY SYSTEMS rope loaded weight behind them on climbs, Pros consider regarding this risk comparatively heavy to trawl who aim to progress. Emphasis ● • Fast method of bringing up you have to balance out that Choice of belay systems would behind you on a climb, do have • Flexible in that both can climb second(s) as two seconds can weight saving with the ability of include the following: on ‘instruction’ with a need to act if desired (fast) or one at a time (should?) reflect the aims of the the main advantage of being as a role model for the sport and Series Rope System be brought up independently, your belayer(s) to hold a potential session, and/or intended ● How likely is this to happen, more wear resistant, they stretch • Allows second student to be and simultaneously fall. Thinner ropes require for the systems used to reflect and if it does what are the tied off, if moving one at a time, progressions. For instance if less (as explained above) when common practice. • Tight rope can be given (can attention to the relative diameters teaching two novices to rig consequences? loaded, and because their larger protecting them should they SERIES be really quick to also set-up of rope and belay plate slots. belays, you may choose to use If there is a risk of a stone fall diameter means holding a fall is COACHING inadvertently dismantle the belay simple hoist if extra ‘oomph’ For example using an 8.9mm the rope to link the anchors (go to any crag, cliff, or mountain less problematic with most belay Peers/advanced level climbers • Instructor can be at the ● Pros required) single rope with a belay plate that together, and use a belay plate and you must have a stone fall devices, they are still the most who want to lead and/or get up ‘point’, or switch to series (with • Allows the first student to • When plate correctly operated has slots designed to fit a (semi-indirect belay). risk, either natural or climber common rope type used by harder routes. themself as middle person) adopt ‘lead’ climber behaviour in ‘guide mode’ belay method

PAGE 24 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 25 simpler to use — just pull in parallel rope technique, that the rope(s). tangles and crossed ropes are certain. This can lead to other Cons ● problems for both you and your • Arguably not standard climbers on the pitch. Far better climbing practice, so might not to avoid or reduce the chance of paint the picture of belaying/ such tangles occurring. anchor methods ‘commonly’ When using parallel ropes, used on multi-pitch climbs avoiding tangles and rope twists • Can be very awkward to lower can become a major second(s) if loaded (one-way preoccupation for the leader. It clutch) in control. THIS TAKES need not be though. A couple of PRACTICE TO DO SAFELY simple techniques and you can • Requires ‘bomb proof’ reduce the likelihood of major anchors — not always available rope twists occurring: especially on some winter climbs. • Parallel rope technique IS NOT double rope technique. Don’t MANAGING A PITCH confuse them! Think of parallel Earlier, I highlighted the rope technique as like a railway following in the description of half track ie. both lines always run rope use: parallel. This way you avoid using the right technique, but • Is organised such that the ‘…It is also possible to use half climbers taking pendulums if adapting the relevant techniques leader can move off with the ropes like twin ropes ie. clipping they fall off, or managing to to the type of stance. minimum of fuss and disruption. climb under/over the other Many problems can be both strands together… Making it efficient rope and becoming ‘stuck’. avoided if you work forward from ● This is one issue that comes up • Leader and seconds stacked first principles ie. what are you when discussing how to manage • Arrange the ropes so they in climbing order (eg. leader at trying to achieve with your people the ropes when leading a pitch always run separately (if you top/outside. First second in in that session? (For session you with your two climbers. Although need to clip both ropes into one middle, second second at could read pitch, as teaching it is possible to clip both ropes in runner, ensure they still run bottom/inside) aims can change whilst on a the same runner you have to separately see image above). • Seconds clipped in without route, perhaps because you think about the ‘What ifs?’ crossing ropes • Take care at the stance to have misjudged your climbers • Leader on stance with their FACT: Clipping both half ropes avoid crossing ropes, especially abilities, you are running out of back facing the side they will into a single krab on a runner, if using an auto-block belay time etc). Such an approach will move off from for next pitch whilst reducing rope stretch in plate. tend to narrow down your • Sort ropes out so leader’s the event of a leader fall will options to a manageable range. rope on top of stack (back increase the loading on that The main principles involved in STANCE coiled) piece of protection (pulley effect MANAGEMENT stance management are: — when a climber falls off, the • Outside of stance clear (eg. load on the anchor is approx 1.6 Stance management is the ● Aims no ice-axes or human runners!) times the force the falling climber general term used to describe • Safety of climbers exerts). the organisation of climbers on a • Efficient changeover at stance, on multi-pitch routes. belays FACT: With both ropes clipped This organisation includes • Reflect the aims of the GEORGE MCEWAN IS into a single krab on a runner elements such as correct belay session. CURRENTLY THE there is the danger that the plate orientation, rigging of EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF ● Basic points moving loaded rope will damage anchors; placement of climbers MOUNTAIN TRAINING • Stance can accommodate the other non-moving rope. on stance relative to a variety of SCOTLAND. HE WAS THE climbers Although whether it would cause factors eg. hazards, belaying etc, FORMER AMI TECHNICAL • If appropriate (can be vital with a rope failure I am not so sure organisation of ropes, and OFFICER AND HEAD OF complete novices) is in visual about, but at best you could have appropriate client/student MOUNTAINEERING AT contact of seconds on ‘hard’ some friction damage to the briefings. GLENMORE LODGE pitch outer sheath. It is perhaps the most difficult NATIONAL OUTDOOR • Is safe ie. good anchors, no From a more practical point part of working on multi-pitch TRAINING CENTRE. danger of falling rock/ice/leader clipping both ropes into the same routes to ‘get right’. Efficient on seconds piece ensures, when using solutions tend to involve not just

SUMMARY Rope technology has come on in the past decade. Ropes now come in a variety of diameters, with their recommend use also becoming more specialist eg. ropes for sport climbing, ice climbing etc. Half ropes can be used to bring up two seconds, but using either half ropes or thin diameter single ropes (< 10mm) does raise the issue of belay plate and rope compatibility. Thin diameter ropes do make holding a falling leader harder for an inexperienced belayer. So although using thin diameter ropes means the leader/instructor is hauling less rope weight behind them, it could mean that in the event of a leader fall, inexperienced seconds might be unable to hold it successfully. Choosing a rope system —series/parallel or two on a rope —should be based on the aims of the session rather than what is easier for the leader/instructor to use, likewise with belay methods. However, a flexible approach to using rope systems and belay options should be used as the situation on multi-pitch routes can change — more so in winter. Whatever rope type and system we use, attention must be paid to ensuring good rope management to avoid tangles and twists, both on the pitch and at the stance. It not only makes life easier and slicker for the leader/instructor but also for the climbers. More time spent climbing and coaching — less time playing at knitting on stances! ✪

PAGE 26 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 w e i Both sides of the v fence, both sides of e the Pennines r

CARL FAULKNER CLEVELAND MRT r

Cleveland MRT took part in a peer review earlier this year and, in September, I

e joined the review team when they visited Bolton MRT, so I’ve seen things how things work from both sides now. Hopefully in this article, I’ll explain why the review process as it is currently conducted is helpful, and other teams and their respective members will be able to consider if it’s something they would want e to encourage their team to actively consider.

Away from the team, my work in education To create safety and trust on your Peer of the review in painstaking detail. Teams are

p as the leader of a ‘MAT’ (Multi Academy Review you could consider: free to postpone such conversations. I would Trust), and before that as a school inspector, suggest the ongoing dialogue between both Provide time to get to know each other. means I’ve seen numerous reviews, ● parties through the weekend should be used This doesn’t require a great deal of time or assessments, validations and inspections. to scaffold these decisions. deep, personal disclosures. I would advise Some have been great, helping to drive taking some time throughout the weekend to change and some, to be frank, have been 2. BALANCE eat pizza or cake. Bolton’s recipe for Lemon bullying and intimidating, setting back Drizzle cake is definitely best practice, and The question set is good, but it’s not a individuals and teams and destroying they have promised to share it with the MR perfect tool for self-reflection. We often trust confidence. community! that answering the ‘official’ questions posed My experience of the Peer Review process While the reviewers are not there to give of us will give us all the answers, but that’s in mountain rescue was clearly very limited advice, we all love to share a story of the odd just half the story. The other half is observing but, after speaking with Tim at an information or unusual call-out, incident or recollection on the team in action. If you want a successful sharing session at Bowland Pennine team how things used to be. review you can’t have one without the other, base (great lunch provided by the way, at a but time is an obstacle that could prevent us well organised and well-resourced facility), ● Talk about how well the review is going, from showing all that we want to over the with Jill Stubbs, Cleveland’s secretary, we it’s never too late to refocus your energies course of a weekend. both felt a review would help our team. The ability to discuss your thoughts on how I think the Peer Review process as it is well the process is developing is a critical To establish balance: developing has four key elements. I’ll try and feature in any group that aspires to share reflect these and include some of the lessons effective feedback, not only because feelings ● Get out on the hill. I’ve learned along the way. are at the heart of most difficult After pizza and discussion on Friday, conversations, but also because questioning Cleveland team spent part of Saturday and 1. SAFETY AND TRUST people’s accepted way of doing things Sunday on the hill with the review team. For us this worked better than a whole day of None of our teams could operate inevitably generates difficult feelings. Ali, the questions, your team may come to a successfully without giving the highest priority team leader at Bolton was exceptionally different view. to safety and trust, and this is reflected in the skilful at this; I learned a great deal from him. process. ● Make it OK to say no. ● Have a call-out! When Cleveland team was reviewed, Tim The question set IS long and very thorough. This may be slightly harder to arrange, but responded quickly to our questions, and met I would advise seeking to work through all both Cleveland and Bolton teams had call- with us to help us understand how best we the questions, if time permits. A strength of outs during their review. It provides the should structure our review. Equally, when the process is, however, the ability to call reviewers with a great insight. John, Ken and working as a reviewer, Tim made clear his ‘Time!’ on any one section, and to prioritise Tim were in one of our response vehicles expectations and how we should engage which elements you focus on. I would when the Cleveland call-out came. We’d with team members. This helped to secure suggest this be part of your planning before held a prior discussion about how we would .

n a sense of trust and openness. deploy in the event of a ‘shout’. As it was, on i the review. In Cleveland, we have been a This did not mean avoiding difficult C this occasion, our lucky casualty benefited reviewing our ‘tech rescue systems’, the m i questions or offering only support and praise. from the attention of four MR teams! T peer review gave us chance to reflect on

© A strength of the review is in the asking of Stopping with Tim and Matt at an RTC for how well embedded that change was. We w

e unexpected questions and then working with two hours after the review was less welcome i didn’t allow the team to focus on other areas v

e the team to help them understand their but Bolton team did an excellent job, also R so deeply… after all, it is the team’s review.

r

e responses. It does mean listening and A foreseeable risk in many teams, where e P

observing with care, looking for people’s

n we all freely give our time up, will be that o t l readiness for the challenge in front of them PAGE 31

o people feel obligated to discuss every aspect

B > and their emotional state at that time.

PAGE 28 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 29 Feedback from Alistair Greenough, Bolton team w @ leader, to Tim Cain: Post call-out hot debrief PAGE 29 ‘Hi Tim. My hope was a warts and > all picture so hopefully that’s what e we gave. i TIM CAIN attending and offering skilled casualty care. To make the Peer Review normal: Yesterday evening, my phone As a team member not known for his simply did not stop with calls from ● Don’t be exclusive. casualty care skills this was a particularly members who were impressed with

v Open up the discussion. Get other interesting time for me, as Bolton team the way the reviewers conducted agencies involved. Make sure your support themselves, which is brilliant. One Eleven teams have conducted their own reviews to date: Bowland Pennine, Wasdale, Kendal, Dartmoor members were able to review the reviewers’ group is there as well. This isn’t a review for of our newest members was, to be Plymouth, Woodhead, Rossendale & Pendle, NEWSAR, Northumberland, Scarborough, Cleveland and cas care at the scene of the incident! the benefit of the committee — it should quite honest, bricking it before and e Bolton. A further four have started the process: Central Beacons, Brecon, Calder Valley and Ogwen Valley. benefit your future casualties. told me he had a great day so that This meets the remit of five teams per year outlined in the original terms of reference, however, other 3. NORMALCY r must count for something. teams have declared an interest and there is scope for at least four more teams to conduct reviews Training events and call-outs can create Even without the review document, before the end of 2 01 8, when the current pilot is due to end. Contact me for information. space for people to be open to new ideas, IN CLEVELAND, WE HAVE LEARNED this weekend has already served but there is a risk that, the next day, everyone THAT A MORE STRUCTURED DEBRIEF great purpose and I will most r In addition to English and Welsh teams, we have actively themselves, and that the process will become organic goes back to the real world and the learning CAN HELP ENSURE CONSISTENCY certainly be speaking up at the engaged with Mountain Rescue Ireland (MRI), supporting within and between teams. To that end, here are the is lost. OF RESPONSE, WHILST ALLOWING leaders’ national and regional their own review process and sharing learning. I travelled guiding principles: In Cleveland, we have learned that a more FOR STRUCTURED INNOVATION. IT meetings and to anyone who will over and acted as a reviewer for the North West and e structured debrief can help ensure listen. It really is a great thing you Mourne teams. This was an enlightening experience, 1. Team led. HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL SEEING consistency of response, whilst allowing for are doing.’ highlighting the opportunity for shared learning and 2. Impartial facilitation of self-reflection leading to BEST PRACTICE SHARED HERE, IN structured innovation. It has been very helpful cooperation. Their process is more centrally directed and continuous transformation of core business and people THE MR MAGAZINE seeing best practice shared in the MR e standards driven, a position that I feel we must strongly seeking to support improved effectiveness whilst Magazine. resist and which, I know, gives many of us cause for retaining individual team identity and autonomy. We’ve had to work hard over the last two Work in public. activities they have been involved in at concern. Hopefully we can influence MRI helping them to 3. Quality assurance of process and equipment seeking ● years to keep to our Standard Operating Share the planning process and keep an training or on a call-out. They interface with

p understand the advantages of ‘holding up the mirror’, to continuously raise standards. Procedures. After the review, Tim suggested open mind. Be precise about arrangements. the app through a very simple toggle system. where the team reviews itself, supported by critical friends. 4. Sharing good practice across the whole organisation we shared the prompt cards we have Not everyone wants to be in a room for a day A typical event can be logged in two clicks John Hulse and John Bamforth, both now ‘old hands’ at and beyond (eg. ALSAR). recently developed. Taking on the idea of the discussing your team’s responses so and three or four swipes. Simple! the reviewer role are due to travel over to support Dublin 5. Risk management. Raising strategic and operational guides our Swift Water Technicians hold, we consider breaking the day up. Shift At both Bolton and Bowland Pennine team Wicklow and Kerry teams soon. Scottish Mountain Rescue awareness. are expanding these across all aspects of mountains to make sure there is a bases they had simple and effective systems (SMR) have also been interacting with us over peer review 6. Reviewers keep opinions to themselves unless our operations. We will share them in a future representative sample of the team there to share team member availability through and we hope to develop those links. specifically asked for a view. issue of the magazine. throughout — mix up your newest members the SARCALL response system. Definitely All the teams who have with the long established. The discussion is something to share more widely. conducted reviews of their what makes the peer review a success or a As team leader, it means I am more working practices report that flop. The right atmosphere allows everyone confident we have an improving the process has been to learn together and renew their common understanding of team members’ current beneficial and even enjoyable. purpose. skill and competency levels. A good As we develop the process, we example would be knowing not just that have continually evolved the Keep some notes. ● driver training has been undertaken, but also question set so that it Our base is now festooned with Post-it how recently a team member has driven, maximises the opportunity for notes, and the odd flip chart. We will revisit and under what conditions,be it a training teams to be more self-aware. these to help us plan our next steps. It is vital exercise or a call-out. Examples of new questions that someone captures all the discussion for include: your team. To develop personal accountability in the ● Describe the team’s call- review: out activity by percentage 4. PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILI TY and what is the relationship ● Ask! As members of a rescue team, be it as a between how the team is We can’t just sit back and wait for the medic, SRT, team leader, chair, committee structured and that call-out review, and then expect it to be insightful. member, whatever, if we want our teams to profile? Seek everyone’s involvement in preparing improve we have to get engaged with the What is the team’s your answers for the questions set. Consider ● process. It’s everyone’s responsibility. Gari operational requirement for creating interest groups (transport, medics, Finch led some great work in Cleveland in rope rescue and how is the whatever), if that’s what will work for you. support of this ethos before the review, and team’s rope rescue Perhaps even better though, is to add some this paid dividends for us during the ‘difficult’ capability and equipment ‘not interested at all’ individuals to those questions. structured to match this? groups. If we want to really understand how Cleveland team has sought to build this What is the team’s secure we are operating as a team then you ● engagement through changing how we operational requirement for will need to hear diverse opinions. Get those Above: Cleveland members; Cleveland call-out record training. We’ve moved away from a water rescue and how is the responses recorded on the question set and . simple ‘hours logged’ system. The team has n meets Peer Review process © Cleveland MRT. i if you can, type them up. You want your

a team’s water rescue capability and equipment The ideology that underpins these principles is distributed been working with Rob Adams, who is now C structured to match this? leadership, where team autonomy, team identity and team review team to focus on the content not the

m Our next step is to integrate the behaviours a support member, on developing how well i

T legibility! How is cascare adapted to meet your team’s excellence are encouraged, with MREW acting as ● we want (a structured debrief, and regular we understand the skills represented within © environment? facilitating body for sharing good practice In my opinion this review process w review of our SOPs) into our team’s daily our team. He has helped us build an app that e i ● How are the team’s communications adapted to New reviewers needed! Please consider volunteering as approaches best practice in many ways. I v routines. This will normalise the behaviour. lets us not only record competency but also e

R meet the challenges of the water environment? a reviewer. Once you’ve done a review and have seen the would recommend you go for it, but take

r We don’t want to rely on only getting, and acknowledges that team members should e Looking toward the end of the pilot in 2 01 8, as more process in action, then you can set up your own and steps to ensure you get the most out of the e

P acting on feedback at unusual times (for also have currency with any given skill. Team

n people gain experience of the supporting reviewer role, my spread good practice! ✪ process. And one last tip: make sure you get

o example when we have a near miss or when members record, after receiving an email t l hope is that teams will begin to organise peer review for the review team to the pub on Friday night o something’s gone wrong). alert to prompt them to access the app, B before last orders… ✪

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i Upper Wharfedale 7 • Window fitting • Refreshment Calder Valley 17 Oldham 3 something unfortunate does happen to their animals whilst out (Last quarter: 8) 30 enjoying a walk in the countryside, but to do as this family did and facilities •WC incorporation Rossendale & Pendle 14 Woodhead 7 seek the appropriate assistance. • Whatever you require, our Search Dogs in-house design engineers can (Last quarter: 63) 81 (Last quarter: 47) 64 Photo (via Facebook), published with kind permission of the owners. @CBMRT England 1 create the solution. The consistency of our design and application leads to reliable and robust emergency vehicle North East Peninsula South Wales 3 installations. Wales 2 Northumberland NP 5 Cornwall 6 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OUR TEAM TODAY. Scarborough & Ryedale 5 Dartmoor Okehampton 2 (Last quarter: 12) 6 T: 01942 815600 W: CMSPECIALISTVEHICLES.CO.UK E: [email protected] TWITTER @CMSVD Swaledale 8 Dartmoor Tavistock 5 RAF (Last quarter:20) 18 Exmoor 2 Leeming 3 AUGUST: DARTMOOR (Last quarter: 47) 15 Valley 2 SEARCH CALLED OFF 5 AFTER WALKERS EDITOR’S NOTE: PLEASE NOTE THAT NUMBERS QUOTED MAY NOT BE PRECISE FOR ANY GIVEN PERIOD. STATS SHOULD BE Total 489 FOUND AT BUS STATION RETURNED TO THE STATISTICS OFFICER, NOT TO THE EDITOR. (Last quarter: 314) INTRODUCING

Two helicopters, the emergency services and members of the THE AT RISK DISK * Ashburton, Tavistock and Okehampton teams were involved in the thirteen-hour search. We are KEYE Safety, the owners and creators of the At Risk Disk which was The two walkers set off for a camping trip from Burrator in the West AUGUST: originally developed during our time as part of the Dartmoor National Park, heading towards Okehampton via of the Young Enterprise competition during Sixth Form. The DIFFICULT E XTRICATION Postbridge, but reported themselves lost on the northern reaches of Young Enterprise scheme gave us the opportunity to develop Dartmoor. Two telephone conversations with the Ashburton team AT OXYGRAINS BRIDGE our own product and we created the At Risk Disk to help indicated they were possibly in the Rough Tor or Cut Hill area, wet and save lives. borderline hypothermic, but no further communication had been possible after 9.00pm on Friday. Its concertina design fits into the now redundant tax disk Tavistock and Okehampton members searched through until the early holder and folds out to hold important details, such as hours of Saturday, whereupon Ashburton and Plymouth took over. Then, medical information and personal identification to aid the on the Saturday morning, a chance conversation with a farmer revealed emergency services at a Road Traffic Collision. that his wife had given two walkers a lift into Tavistock that morning. He Recently, KEYE Safety finalised a deal with Halfords so was confident it was the same two. The pair were subsequently picked the new and updated At Risk Disk is now available up from Plymouth bus station, safe and well. nationwide, in all Halfords stores and online. Calder Valley team was asked to provide urgent assistance with A Dartmoor Rescue Group spokesperson said, ‘ It would be very a difficult extrication of a driver of a vehicle, which had left the helpful, if walkers who self-rescue, having raised the alarm, make sure FOR FURTHER DETAILS, VISIT WWW.ATRISKDISK.CO.UK A672 near to Junction 22 M62 (Rishworth Moor) and come to rest they contact the emergency services at the first opportunity to let them OR PURCHASE THE AT RISK DISK ONLINE AT approximately 50 foot down the steep banking in a deep ravine. know they are OK, so as to avoid unnecessary efforts being made to HALFORDS: WWW.HALFORDS.COM locate them. We’re glad, of course, to hear they survived their ordeal, Twenty-four team members deployed to the site in team vehicles. The due in no small part to their being well prepared with the right clothing, driver had incredibly managed to self-extricate from the vehicle and appeared food and shelter. to have only minor injuries, but the mechanism of the incident dictated full ‘We trust that should they reattempt their excursion in the future, immobilisation for his extrication up the steep ground. Whilst the medical additional consideration be given to leaving an intended route card personnel cared for and prepared the casualty, team members rigged a with family members, carrying a GPS device, map and compass, to rope system and lowered a stretcher with two barrow boys. The casualty pinpoint their location periodically. and stretcher were then safely hauled up to the roadside and handed over Above: Team members return from a call-out © Dartmoor Ashburton. to the waiting Yorkshire Ambulance Service crew. Facebook: @dartmoorrescueashburton

PAGE 32 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 33 s

Nevis. Quickly formulated opinions The area was finally reached and the opportunity to snatch the casualty and t passed through the brain, but as yet not separate parties began to slowly save him an hour of bone-jarring man for public consumption. Yesterday’s search across their 500-foot portion of handling. Suddenly the mist parted and weather, his lack of experience, the the mountain. I was in the top group that window of opportunity appeared. n Dead men don’t wave statistics of the big bad Ben — this lad and five minutes into the search I could Rapid plans were made between the was a goner. see an arm waving from a red shape. ground party and the helicopter. A Over 120 people swamped the A mixture of emotions and thoughts ran quick in and out, a difficult winching

e HEA VY WHALLEY mountain and helicopters scoured the through me — relief, guilt, concern and operation, pray for the break to last — visible areas. Danger spots were professional questions on what to do let’s do it! probed carefully and fearfully. His next. Satisfaction would only be allowed The helicopter closed in carefully with CALL OUT ON BEN NEVIS MARCH 1990 parents had travelled up from if we got him off this mountain alive. a constant eye on the swirling mist. The

d Manchester. This was not another lost He was barely conscious, soaked to winch man descended into our person; it was now somebody’s son. I the skin and half covered in a plastic welcoming arms. Strops were placed. i During the bad winter of 1990, there were many fatal accidents in the Scottish mountains. I was a team leader of RAF Kinloss MRT at the time. After nearly eight days of constant call-outs, we were asked to help have a son capable of the same sheet torn to shreds by his crampons. Checks were made. Thumbs up! Lochaber, Glencoe, the helicopters and SARDA in a search. A young 17-year-old had gone missing on Ben misguided mountain enthusiasm. But he was alive. Just. GO, GO, GO. Gone. Gone to live Nevis. He was alone and hadn’t returned to the youth hostel. [Pete’s son is the now the world famous During the next fifteen minutes other another day. ✪ c Andy Kirkpatrick! Heavy] party members arrived, dry kit replaced Mountains are there for pleasure and wet clothing; sleeping bags, hats and This was a wild winter. All the teams alive was an emotional moment. Big Those five days had started with the adventure. Epics are great if you gloves eventually cocooned his body. were busy. The pressure on the burly policemen and mountain rescue RAF Leuchars MRT undergoing a

n survive. The trick is having the epic only The message, ‘You’ve been found, but volunteers who made up the teams troops were overjoyed. My pal Pete normal weekend training exercise in the once and learning from it. Was this lad it’s not over, hang on, don’t give up i was huge. We’d gone from call-out to Kirkpatrick, then leader of RAF Arrocher Alps. During every weekend, still capable of learning? now’, was firmly implanted. Repeatedly! call-out and hardly been home. When Leuchars MRT wrote a great account of the six RAF MRTs train around the hills We helped to search Five Finger Gully Down below, the news of the find had we were asked to help, we all had the the three-day search and I was given to maintain fitness levels and expertise. and expended more nervous energy revitalised everybody involved in the chance to return home but everyone permission to reproduce it in my wee The usual result is teams returning to than physical in the dangerous ground. SAR operation. A tremendous stayed. We were exhausted but a 17- blog — and now, again, here. their units, contented and weary late on In a last chance throw of the dice, a combined ‘will to live’ seemed to year-old missing was near to us all, Why here? Well, nearly 30 years on, a Sunday night. night search seemed appropriate. A transmit upwards. many of us with children. Three days in July this year, I received an email. This Sunday started to change shape small group went out again. A lone Beneath the mist line sat the Leuchars later, after the worst weather the Ben ‘Just seen this article’ ran the text. around Crianlarich on the journey Land Rover remained in the Glen, 22 Sqn Wessex, only 60 seconds flying could throw at us, the missing lad was ‘Gary is my brother and we will always home. Over the radio we heard of a hopefully awaiting a positive radio time away, poised, waiting for the be thankful for your not giving up on rescue taking part on the Buachaille in message. No such call came. The him. To say it changed things in our Glencoe. An offer of help was made searchers returned to their sleeping lives is an understatement. I am now a and accepted. bags, depressed. Many heads were mountain rescue team member in my The incident involved a cragfast down, quite rightly — we were all home town [Oldham]. Gary was also a climber high on the mountain. In true, exhausted and many were getting team member but had to leave for good MR fashion we carried the world pressure to go home and back to work. work commitments. to the scene, in the hope it would not be [I was helping organising the search ‘He is now a father of five amazing used, but reluctant to ascend the from Fort William Police Station with Inspired by Gary’s experience, as Heavy’s article notes, both brothers later joined children and has helped to save many mountain with hope alone. Happily, the Donald Watt, Lochaber team leader Oldham MRT. What impact did the ordeal have on their lives and how did the lives as an A&E charge nurse. None of climber was recovered quickly and and Pete is right, this was the last day experience affect how they approached their own team membership? this would have happened without assisted off the mountain. The team of our chance to find Gary alive. The ‘Gary and I climbed Ben Nevis in 2007,’ says Paul Smith. ‘It was the first time for him since 1990 and I everyone out over that week.’ went to ground in the Kingshouse Hotel family were with us and things were think it put some demons to bed for him. Shortly after our return, there was an ad in the local paper asking Rarely in those days did you get on the edge of the Rannoch Moor, four looking bleak. Heavy] for new members for the Oldham team. Remembering what had happened to Gary and watching what my feedback on the casualty. We all to a double room, one snorer per room. Wednesday. New search areas, but parents went through at the time – and my own worries and concerns –I contacted them straight away and worried about what Gary’s recovery Monday. The rain lashed down and no new information. Tired hearts and became a trainee. Having gone through the experience of being a family member waiting for news of a would be like after three days and the windows rattled. Inside the dining legs ascended the mountain again. No missing relative, it does help me understand what people go through, and how important it is to keep nights on Ben Nevis. We heard he had room the team tucked into a civilised stretchers. Private opinions had been looking, no matter what. That last look could save a life.’ recovered in hospital in Fort William but breakfast, girding their loins for the drive voiced — bodies don’t need rescuing, He pays tribute to the support he and his parents received during those few dark days. ‘It was beyond all that was all so it was wonderful to get back to Leuchars — or so we thought. only finding. expectation,’ he says. ‘The family running the youth hostel were amazing. They put us up and looked after us this news all those years on. It makes it Telephone call: assemble the team and My team had been tasked to search as if we were their own family. The police and mountain rescue teams kept us fully updated all the time but, all worthwhile. report to Hamish McInnes in Glencoe. the slopes north of the main footpath when Gary was found, Dad and I had gone into Fort William for some fresh air and a walk. A policeman found Mountain rescue is amazing, and the Two overdue climbers had left the above the half way Lochan. Difficult us and gave us the news. He took us to the hospital, then gave us some binoculars to watch the rescue. We effort by all the teams on these type of previous day for a route on Stob Coirre rocky ground to walk on let alone were at the helipad when the helicopter landed. The care in the hospital was amazing and again not only did call-outs is incredible. There is a toll Nan Bieth and not returned. The search in misty and sleety conditions. they look after Gary, they looked after us as well. It was a real team effort by everyone.’ though, not only to the casualty but to weather was causing concern. It As for Gary, the last thing he remembers from his ordeal, was seeing a person in the our families who sit and worry at home. seemed wise to combine RAF Kinloss distance, that he knew had seen him too. ‘I was completely unaware of the actual rescue. I Team members are unpaid volunteers. and Leuchars, Lochaber and Glencoe just think I thought I was safe now and my body shut down. That’s the last I remember and they can often miss out on team members and go find out why. until I was in hospital. birthdays and family time. Yet when we That day the teams assisted five ‘I’ve always enjoyed outdoor activities,’ he says, ‘and I worked as an emergency nurse recover someone like Gary it’s an climbers from the mountain. Three who for many years, so felt I had a lot to offer. It was also a great opportunity to give something incredible feeling. Even 30 years on, to had never been reported missing but back. I’m well aware I owe my life to the dedication of everyone involved in my rescue hear how well he is doing is needed help, and the original pair who Above: Lost, found and evacuated. back in 1990. It’s hard to repay that, so giving time to something I enjoyed doing was no heartwarming to say the least, and walked in uninjured having survived an Images courtesy of Dave ‘Heavy’ Whalley great hardship. makes the effort so worthwhile. enforced bivouac. The MR workforce www.heavywhalley.wordpress.com ‘When I was involved in a rescue or a search, I suppose I had a better understanding of Pete’s article describes an incident had put in a considerable effort due to what the casualty was going through, the thoughts going through their head. I feel the typical of many that go unreported but, the gale force winds, difficult ground psychological side of things when it goes wrong can be actually worse that the situation located barely alive. It was touch and to me, it’s what mountain rescue is all and snow conditions. Another night in you are in and, as in my case, the longer you’re stranded, the worse this can be. So with go to get him off the hill and down to the about... the Kingshouse was needed, too tired my own personal experience in this situation, I feel this pushed me on more.’ helicopter, but what a great story with a How could a dead person be waving to go home now. successful outcome. at me? My eyes must be mistaken. Tuesday. Another telephone call, When he was located, I was helping Tiredness and the constant peering into report to the Fort William Police Station Left: Gary Smith, alongside a SAR Sea King. Above: Paul Smith with his wife (who was with coordination in the Police Station in the mist were creating false images. It and assist in a search for a missing also an Oldham team member at one stage). Images courtesy of Paul Smith. Fort William. The shouts of joy over the could not be true, but if it was, by hell it seventeen year old lad called Gary mountain rescue radios that he was was some surprise. Smith, lost since yesterday on Ben

PAGE 34 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 35 JON WICKHAM

In my day job as a buyer for an outdoor kit shop, I get to see a huge amount of outdoor kit. A few of these are of little interest to the general public, but just the thing for MRTs . m

o Winter wear to keep you safe and their members. Here is a run-down of c stuff . y

some kit you might be interested in. b a x i P

a i

v FROM THE CHIEF KIT GURU, BLACKS OUTDOOR RETAIL *

Yellow Publications, ‘Around & About’ Maps: Despite the OS being the gold standard of e g

mapping, not all of us have the eyesight to take in all those tiny contour lines and field boundaries. a m The people at Yellow Publications have realised this and used the OS license to enlarge the I 1:25,000 maps to a 1:16,000 scale, making the detail much easier to read. The maps are also laminated so they don’t disintegrate in the rain. The Blacks Autumn and yellowpublications.co.uk. Classic performance meets modern Winter range has been design: the Mammut Ayako Boots Exped Clear Cubes: Exped are well known for their wide range assembled to take on the Mammut have come bounding onto the of drybags but many don’t realise that this is just a small part of worst of the weather, we scene this year with a heavy duty their product range. A new alternative to a drybag is their Clear have all the gear that is backpacking and alpine hiking shoe that Cube range. As it sounds, they are small fabric cubes with clear dedicated to keeping you boasts a super high tech and modern sides so you can easily see the contents. Welded construction and warm, dry and safe. Whether design. The Ayako is a boot that has evolved water-resistant zippers make these very weather proof, though you’re chasing lofty peaks or over the years, being first brought to us as they won’t completely seal like a dry bag. There are four sizes from 1L to 12L, each colour coded, OUTSMART NATURE just fighting the frost on an dedicated Via Ferrata footwear. The new making them great for storing small items, particularly medical kit. Exped (exped.com) is early morning commute, Ayako claims the same tough mountain Mountain Equipment Arete Jacket distributed by Lyon Equipment lyon.co.uk. WITH THE RIGHT we’ve got reliable apparel performance, but with added hillside-worthy and equipment that will keep flex. Tyny Tools: If you’ve ever tried to attach a piece of INSULATION you safe. We’ve put some of going to get soaked from the inside from We tested the boots in long grass, on wet gear using an accessory karabiner, but it doesn’t WINTER IS FAST our favourite pieces from the being too warm? I found the Air Jacket was rock and on a muddy gravel trail. Safe to say quite work, take a look at these guys. They produce collection through the breathable enough for the level of activity I the GORE-TEX ® lining did its job and the a small range of accessory karabiners with swivels APPROACHING... wringer, so you know they’re was doing, but this may have been limited by boots stayed dry and cool all day. and stretchy silicone cords, great for attaching kit to We know that the key to enjoying this up to the task. Here’s what the non-technical jumper I was wearing As far as the fit goes, they were a bit rucksacks and securing loose items. Tyny Tools beautiful and challenging season is keeping our chief kit guru had to say. underneath. On more active days, I think roomier than I thought they would be, but that (tynytools.com) are distributed by Ardblair Sports warm. That’s why our experts invest so using the jacket solely with a base layer was easily countered by adding some trusty Importers ardblairsports.com. much time choosing our insulation range. would be perfectly sufficient. Smartwool ® socks. Because when the cold starts to bite, nothing The pockets were a good size, although The laces feature set-back anchor points Call-out by Hamish MacInnes: This classic of mountaineering literature is less than the best will do. accessibility could be limited when wearing that attach via webbing to the heel for added now available to buy again thanks to the nice people at Vertebrate Publishing. Whatever the weather: the Montane This winter we’re really impressed by a bulkier backpack. The AquaGuard ® zips stability, this can really be felt when moving Necessary and riveting reading for any mountain rescuer. v-publishing.co.uk. jackets like the Microlight Alpine from Rab, Air Jacket did their job and kept my phone and over rockier terrain. and Mountain Equipment’s Arete Hooded Montane claim that the Men’s Air Jacket is keys nice and dry. The Air Jacket Although cushioned, JON WICKHAM IS EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORY BUYER AT GEORGE Jacket. Both use natural down that has been tough enough to take on the worst of the managed the damp but temperate you still get ample FISHER IN KESWICK. HE IS ALSO A MEMBER OF BOWLAND PENNINE MRT treated with a water-resistant coating, allowing British weather, so we thought it best to put it conditions with aplomb. Granted, a bit feedback from the you to benefit from the extra warmth natural to the test. of light summer drizzle wasn’t what it ground which gives a down provides, while they dry quicker and My first thoughts were that the jacket runs was made for, but it felt robust and more secure feel. hold less water. a little baggy, but after putting a jumper technical enough to handle much What makes the But that’s not to say that synthetic jackets underneath (I’d usually wear a fleece but it more. Ayako adept at are on the wane, far from it. The new Icarus wasn’t too cold out) the jacket fit much more dealing with mixed POCKET FIRST AID and Phoenix Jackets from Montane utilise closely and sat Wrap around warmth: the Mammut Ayako Boot conditions is the ® ® AND WILDERNESS MEDICINE a new generation of Primaloft technology. comfortably over Mountain Equipment Arete Memo Foam

s ® BY DR JIM DUFF PrimaLoft ThermoPlume mimics natural the top of my other Jacket interior. Memory down more closely than ever before, with layers. The foam surrounds the foot which protects from k Picture the scene, it’s a frosty morning with & DR ROSS ANDERSON small silky tufts. Overall it creates a packable conditions on test knock after knock, this makes a huge the sun low in the sky. You know as soon as jacket with exceptional performance in wet day were not too difference after a few hours transitioning from o you step outside you’ll see your breath hang REVIEWED BY MIKE MARGESON conditions. typical of August — different terrain types. Discover the latest cutting edge insulation in the air, you know your waterproof just won’t All in all, the Ayako is still a tough mountain o they were wet be warm enough. That’s where the Arete First aid and pre-hospital care in the remote in your local store, where our experts are because it’s school boot, but with the added flex and fit factors it Jacket comes into its own. is perfectly functional as a hillwalker. It might b environment presents a serious challenge for on hand to help you outsmart nature. holidays, but it was The jacket has an athletic fit, meaning it sits even the most experienced outdoor professional. also windy with a not be the best for multi-day treks where close to the body for optimum warmth, and While there will never be a replacement for training and experience, this recently OR YOU CAN EXPLORE OUT ENTIRE bit of a nip in the air. asphalt is the main terrain, but for scrambling warmth is its speciality. updated and popular guide provides a wealth of information all collated into one INSULATION RANGE ONLINE AT The Air Jacket and hiking it’s a ‘shoe’ in. The Arete is filled with super lightweight place, and reflects current best practice. COTSWOLDOUTDOOR.COM. uses PERTEX ® We have gear for any kind of adventure that PureDown that simply locks in heat. It’s put is made to keep you safe and comfortable. Montane Air Jacket Shield AP fabric, a together in the same way as your favourite There are a number of books or guides on the market, but this edition’s pocket size and plasticised cover makes technical layer with All of our Autumn and Winter range is DON’T FORGET, ALL MOUNTAIN RESCUE sleeping bag, with cross-stitch baffles that for a handy reference text that can be realistically taken on a trip or expedition. The diagrams are clear, and the a 20,000mm available online and in-store. TEAM MEMBERS RECEIVE A 20% provide warmth from the very core. language avoids medical jargon for clear, easily understood terminology. hydrostatic head which is double what is DISCOUNT* IN-STORE AND ONLINE. The Arete is innovative in its design in that The order and progression of the text works well, and will be familiar to anyone who has undertaken a basic life required to be classed as ‘waterproof’. On support or mountain rescue Casualty Care training. The sections on primary and secondary surveys are excellent. it’s super easy to store when not in use. The this day, the fabric was more than capable of *JD SPORTS FASHION STORES INCLUDE whole jacket simply packs into its own There are appendices covering key areas such as avalanches and altitude sickness with algorithms providing a handling the constant drizzle. The hood has BLACKS, MILLETS, TISO AND ULTIMATE pocket, so it can easily be thrown into a bag useful aide memoire to instructors and leaders working with groups in remote mountain areas. Information is also a stiffened peak, which also meant that OUTDOORS. SINCE MAY 2 016, THE JD or pack. I’d say the Arete is a go-to layer on included on first aid kit contents and medication for a wide range of illnesses and conditions. keeping my head and upper body dry was FOUNDATION HAS SUPPORTED MREW dry, cold days. It can easily handle easy enough. THROUGH THE CARRIER BAG CHARGE temperatures in the minuses, and is laden POCKET FIRST AID AND WILDERNESS MEDICINE. ESSENTIAL FOR EXPEDITIONS: MOUNTAINEERS, HILL Good waterproof performance can mean a SCHEME OPERATING ACROSS ITS RETAIL with practical features for both walkers and WALKERS AND EXPLORERS – JUNGLE, DESERT, OCEAN AND REMOTE AREAS IS PUBLISHED BY CICERONE compromise on breathability. What’s the OUTLETS. casual wearers. WWW.CICERONE.CO.UK 252 PAGES. PRICE £11.95. ISBN 978-1-85284-913-9 point in having a waterproof barrier if you’re

PAGE 36 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 37 . m o c . y b a x i P a i v e g • Flu-like symptoms in the early stages, swollen bumps within minutes. For most a m

I such as fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, people they’re completely harmless, but headaches, fever, chills and neck stiffness. extremely uncomfortable. Some people also report feeling hot, weak, nauseous or dizzy. WASP/HORNET Hornets are the largest of the eusocial MIDGE wasps and correspondingly their stings are Midges are most active in humid areas at larger too! dawn and dusk, or in cloud cover when the intensity of the sunlight is diminished, but are Identifying a wasp or hornet sting unable to fly when the wind-speed is ≥7mph Wasp and hornet venom is so nocuous that the sharp pain is felt the instance they sting. Identifying a midge bite A small pinprick mark on your skin and no Midges feed for 3-4 minutes and are sting in the wound, unlike bee stings. A painless, however, itching sets in after about swollen red mark may then form on your five minutes, when a small red swelling skin, which can last a few hours and may be occurs and nearly always on exposed skin. painful and itchy. Sometimes a larger area as midges feed where they land. Once one around the sting can be painful, red and midge has found a food source, they emit swollen for up to a week. This is a minor pheromones to attract other midges, this allergic reaction that isn’t usually anything to leads to nearby midges swarming and worry about. means people are rarely bitten just once. While they’re not usually serious and won’t BEE pass on diseases, they can be annoying to Unlike wasps, bees are not generally deal with, causing swelling and painful aggressive and only sting when provoked, itching. Some people can react badly to usually by getting trapped in clothing. midge bites and these symptoms may be particularly intense, or last for longer than Beasties in the hills Identifying a bee sting usual. You’ll probably hear its buzz, because as it leaves the sting site it has to pull away from MOSQUITO the sting and sack it leaves in the skin, the Whilst it is well known that these insects bee dies as a result of this. You need to can transmit Malaria and more recently the The warm, wet conditions of late After having not long ago read about the for any of the other bites or stings is the only be done visually and feeling areas of remove this as soon as possible, as the Zika virus, in the UK they do not. venom sack continues pumping after being summer created an unusual former England rugby captain, Matt Dawson, same, any differences are noted by insect. your skin as they are painless. Then remove Identifying a mosquito bite proliferation of biting and stinging undergoing heart surgery after being bitten As any of these insect bites or stings, the tick immediately, as you’re more likely to detached from the bee. A round, puffy bump will appear, which insects in the region of Scotland that I by a tick in Britain, I am more vigilant than I including ticks, can cause anaphylactic become infected if the tick remains attached 1. Scrape it out sideways with something soon becomes red, hard and swollen and live – from midge, which I regard as have been before, in removing ticks attached shock, it is also detailed in the treatment to your skin for more than 24 hours. with a hard edge, such as a bank card, or very itchy. You may have multiple bites in the just a plain nuisance, to horseflies to me and my dog, then watching for section. your fingernails if you don’t have anything same area, randomly spaced. which bite painfully, and then ticks, symptoms of Lyme disease. The difficulty Advice is also given about how to avoid TREATMENT FOR TICK BITE else to hand. arose in that I didn’t really know what being bitten or stung in the first place. which require more consideration in Remove them using a tick removal tool, 2. Don’t pinch the sting with your fingers TREATMENT FOR WASP, their removal and then subsequently symptoms to look out for, nor did I know how TM such as made by O’Tom and follow the or tweezers because you may spread HORNET, BEE, HORSEFLY, checking you show none of the to correctly treat horsefly bites or any other TICK manufacturer’s instructions (Great video at the venom. stings/bites come to that! MOSQUITO AND MIDGE BITES symptoms of Lyme disease. Related to spiders, these arachnids feed on www.otom.com/en/) or, by using a pair of 3. If you can’t remove the sting it will usually NHS England and Wales and NHS AND STINGS the blood of mammals to which they attach fine-tipped tweezers that won’t squash the come out by itself and is often not harmful. Scotland report these six insect stings/bites themselves when the host (in this instance tick. Gently grip the tick as close to the skin If you catch the insect in the process of as the most common, all of which we, as The sting will cause pain, redness and you!) brushes past foliage with a tick on it. as possible and pull steadily away from the attacking you, never squish it, as this empties responders, plus our casualties, may swelling for a few hours. As with wasp stings, After landing, they may migrate to warm skin without crushing the tick. Wash your skin the contents of its stomach or venom sack encounter: some people may have a mild allergic moist areas of your body, armpits, hair and with water and an antiseptic soap into your body and leave the sting, proboscis 1. Tick reaction that lasts up to a week. LYLE BROTHERTON groin or simply remain on your leg or arm. afterwards, then apply an antiseptic cream buried in your flesh. Instead, sweep it away 2. Wasp/Hornet IS FOUNDER OF THE After having bitten into you and affixed to the skin around the bite. with a sweeping motion of you hand. 3. Bee HORSEFLY ULTIMATENAVIGATIONSCHOOL themselves, they grow from just 1mm across 4. Horsefly Ask for an urgent GP appointment or go .CO.UK CHARITY AND up to the size of an eraser at the top of a They are 10-25mm long, dark-coloured Post-bite/sting AUTHOR OF THE ULTIMATE 5. Mosquito to A&E if you develop : pencil when full of blood. flies, generally found near to cattle, horse The priority is to keep the wound clean to NAVIGATION MANUAL. 6. Midge. • A distinctive circular rash ( erythema stables, ponds, pools, woodlands, and prevent an infection. Rinse with either an Identifying a tick bite migrans ) at the site of the tick bite, usually grassy areas. These bites/stings were reported only when antiseptic wash or drinking water. around 3-30 days after being bitten. The Unlike midge bites, it can take much longer an adverse/unusual reaction took place, as Tick bites are easy to identify. This is To reduce swelling, pain and relieve itching, affected area of skin will be red and the to recover from a horsefly bite because they most insect bites and stings clear up on their because the tick remains attached to the a topical anti-inflammatory is recommended, edges may feel slightly raised. Around 70% cut into the skin rather than pierce it, which own in a few hours or two to three days. skin for days after it first bites — up to ten such as: of people with early-stage Lyme disease can cause the wound to become infected. I researched how to identify which beastie days — and are typically singular because • Boots 1% hydrocortisone cream develop these. The size of the rash can has bitten or stung you (or the casualty), treat they don’t bite in groups or lines. Most tick • Boots 10% Ibuprofen gel vary significantly and it may expand over Identifying a horsefly bite the injury and symptoms to be aware of bites are harmless and will cause no physical • Lloyds Pharmacy 3% Benzydamine several days or weeks. Typically, it’s around The bite is instantly painful because they afterwards. The remedies detailed are only signs or symptoms. Having said this, a cream. 150mm across, but it can be much larger have jagged, saw-like teeth which slice open those recommended by the NHS and/or the staggering 3,000+ cases of Lyme disease or smaller than this. Some people may skin, then they release an anti-coagulant to Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University were recorded by the NHS in the UK in 2016. develop several rashes in different parts of stop the blood from clotting. The bite will be College, London. The important thing is to firstly recognise PAGE 41 their body. easy to see with a spot of blood oozing from it. With the exception of tick bites, treatment that you’ve been bitten by a tick, which can > Horsefly bites develop into large, red, itchy,

PAGE 38 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 39 n PAGE 39 PETER SAPSFORD > IS A RETIRED ADULT EDUCATION MANAGER,

o TEACHER/TRAINER OF Ice is a great way to help reduce the • Pale and clammy appearance Preventing insect bites and stings Challenging the map and swelling from stings and bites, particularly • Occasionally, abdominal pain, vomiting

i MOUNTAIN NAVIGATION (NHS Guidelines) wasp, hornet and bee stings: use an ice and incontinence AND ASSESSOR OF • DO use an insect repellent — those

t compass message WALKING LEADERS. HE’S cube or an ice pack and place it on the sting • Hives/urticaria or swelling in the mouth, containing 50% DEET ( diethyltoluamide ) ALSO A REGULAR LAKES for around 20 minutes. although this may be absent. are most effective over exposed skin — DOGSBODY. In very rare cases they can cause cellulitis, Action if the casualty is conscious: especially at sunrise and sunset when an infection of the soft tissues. It’s best to

a insects are more active PETER SAPSFORD clean the wound with an antiseptic soap and • If they feel faint, lie them down on their • DO apply to clothing — not man-made warm water, then apply an antiseptic cream back and raise their legs. Do not sit or stand fabrics Perhaps 20% of call-outs can be traced back to a navigation error. to the skin around the bite. them up • If the casualty is not feeling faint, sit them • DO NOT spray any insect repellents g The published advice focuses on how to cope with the consequence over cuts, wounds or irritated skin, or use Ask for an urgent GP appointment or go in an upright position if they have problems

i of errors rather than how not to make them. Frequently the specific breathing under clothing navigation advice to hill walkers is to ‘take a map and compass to A&E if: • Loosen clothing around neck and waist • After returning indoors, wash treated • The area affected remains red, hot and and know how to use them’. But how do people know if their • If they are conscious and have medication skin with soap and water v painful (it may also be swollen and blistered) navigation knowledge is adequate? A minority will take an interest (such as an auto-injector or EpiPen) help • Wash treated clothing before wearing it after more than three hours, as you may in examining their technique and a fraction of them will take a them use it, if they’re unable to do it again. be developing cellulitis, which is a skin course. The majority will be self-taught which leads to the huge themselves and you have been trained infection that can be serious if untreated. TO DEET OR NOT TO DEET a range of navigational ability evident everywhere, and a degree of and are competent to do so, then do so. • Lymphadenopathy — lymph glands can over-confidence. DEET ( diethyltoluamide ), is the most swell to more than a few centimetres in Action if the patient is unconscious: common active ingredient in insect response to a bite or sting and may be felt • If the casualty is already unconscious, repellents, at concentrations between 30- n My concern here is not with those what you see and hear? If so should include that men are more likely to under the chin or in the neck, armpits an EpiPen should only be used if there is 50% — always start low — applied directly to whose problems are because they these problems be addressed by rely on landmarks and external cues or groin, where they can be found in prior permission from the casualty or the the skin or to clothing, and provides know very little or just that they have nudging people’s complacency and in the environment, and women larger clumps. made a one-off error, but it is with getting them to recognise that their more likely to use an internal, responder is medically qualified to protection against most biting insects such those who have no awareness of skills have room for improvement? cognitive map and an intuitive sense ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK administer as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, horseflies and their limited knowledge. Bad news for some. There is of direction. Nordic nations • Tight clothing, especially around the even leeches. From experience of teaching evidence that over relying on GPS outperform the rest of the world Anaphylactic reactions are characterised neck should be loosened and the patient DEET is an effective solvent and can navigation and assessing potential can impair your sense of direction. although it is not yet clear why. by the sudden (minutes or less) onset and should be made as comfortable as dissolve some plastics, including watch walk leaders I have recognised We lose the ability to see the bigger Hopefully, the VR version will show rapid progression of the following features: possible glass (crystal) and nail varnish, even some several sources of navigation picture and it can leave you with less that it’s not age that causes declining • Difficulty in breathing due to airway • Casualties who are breathing and synthetic fabrics containing rayon. problems among people who would knowledge of where you are, not navigation skill but computer skills on swelling or spasm and the casualty may unconscious should be placed in the WHO studies have shown 20% Icaridin describe themselves as experienced more. When using GPS we don’t the game! make snoring or wheezing noises when recovery position (common trade names are Bayrepel, hill walkers with some map and register surroundings in the same So, if many people’s navigation they breathe • If the casualty’s heart stops or the KBR3023, Picaridin and Saltidin ) to be as compass skills. way, neither in urban nor rural skills are inadequate or declining • Faintness breathing stops, administer CPR. effective as DEET without the irritation Firstly, a combination of having no settings. Satnav takes away the and they don’t realise it, how do we • Anxiety (they may get a ‘feeling of associated with DEET, plus, Icaridin does not interest in details of the route or its drivers’ knowledge of how they got motivate them to realise that impending doom’) dissolve plastics. ✪ surroundings, concentrating only on improvement is needed and that it conversation and being over relaxed can be fun? I think we need to add a about what’s happening. The result BAD NEWS FOR SOME. THERE challenge to the message ‘Take a can be a surprise that the path is IS EVIDENCE THAT OVER map and compass and know how to running out and confusion starts. RELYING ON GPS CAN IMPAIR use them’. ‘IMAGES OF A WARMING PLANET’ Secondly, the lack of ability to YOUR SENSE OF DIRECTION. Asking some simple test of the BY ASHLEY COOPER + TGO estimate or calculate distance WE LOSE THE ABILITY TO SEE basics — can you do this and that BOOK OF THE YEAR, ‘RISKING LIFE travelled from the last known location THE BIGGER PICTURE AND IT with bearings, contours, distances, results in attempting to relocate in an CAN LEAVE YOU WITH LESS features, poor visibility, timing? etc. AND LIMB’ BY JUDY WHITESIDE. area a long way from reality and Then a message that if you can’t, GO TO sometimes across a huge radius of KNOWLEDGE OF WHERE YOU then your navigation has some room possibility. This can then be followed ARE, NOT MORE for improvement and with your MOUNTAIN.RESCUE.ORG.UK by ‘the fit the map syndrome’, falsely interest and motivation you are AVAILABLE IN THE SHOP TO BROWSE OUR BOOKS identifying only a couple of general there. Equally, through GPS use, bound to enjoy your learning using features and continuing into further outdoor navigation skills can be the options on the web, in disorientation. For some this is not neglected and grow rusty. magazines, books or on courses. just their ignorance of pacing or Worse news for people who age! A I think the issue is that people think timing technique, but just an sense of direction declines they can navigate adequately but unrealistic basic idea of how far we consistently after teenage years. don’t know how limited their skills are have walked in the last half hour. This is from research* using an app and they only find out when all the NEW FROM JETBOIL: THE MIGHTYMO Thirdly, inability to use contours and game that had three million players, factors combine to give them a bad The MightyMo is an ultra-stowable, single burner stove with huge power. Weighing only 95g, this compact basic relocation skills. Many now developed into a virtual reality day. Can we shake their

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i * http://www.seaheroquest.com/en Use the MightyMo stove with the Jetboil Frypan or Cooking Pot (sold separately) for improved efficiency. v

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PAGE 40 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 41 MREW media trainer and PR consultant, Sally Seed , looks at an aspect of publicity and PR and offers some advice for the future. Developing a win-win-win

Your time is valuable. Fundraising and the workload,’ says Huw Jones. m o

c community events can be a big pull on ‘Throughout the ident run, we’ve been . e resources so it’s wise to focus, prioritise and proud to represent mountain rescue and the m i t s then make the most of the opportunities that same applied at Countryfile Live, supported m

a arise and see them as an investment. by MREW with supplies of merchandise, e r

D A few such opportunities have arisen for mag azines, leaflets and the promo film,

. r e

t MREW nationally and for teams in recent which ran on a loop for the four days. a

e months and now seems a good opportunity ‘We had lots of interest from walkers, Central Beacons team members at Countryfile Live h

e to share ideas. climbers and biking enthusiasts, from across with presenter Ellie Harrison © Huw Jones. c a

p the UK. We also met quite a few people S

• Bloggers on the radar: Many supporters interested in becoming involved as volunteers supermarket) and there’s always the chance © (and potential supporters) of MR now get e and pointed them in the direction of their local the connection could develop into something p

y their news online and this is extending to the t

teams. They were long, tiring days but very longer term. s equivalent of online magazines — vlogs and w rewarding to be able to spread the word about Similarly, if a holiday camp site regularly e

N blogs. There’ve been a couple of examples the good work of MR UK-wide.’ makes a donation, could you help out at an recently where team members have worked There’s no way MREW could justify paying event over a Bank Holiday or give a talk in with supportive businesses to reinforce the the huge stand costs for an event like this, but the bar to visitors and staff who are keen on connections, make new links and raise working with a business supporter created a walking and could use some advice? It awareness with this rapidly growing and win-win situation for both Blacks and mountain doesn’t have to be complicated — groups of increasingly influential media audience. rescue an d a win-win-win if you count those children love to see inside a team Land Rover, Thanks to Julian Earnshaw of Bowland who’ll be rescued in future! their parents appreciate seeing them strapped Pennine MRT, who went along to a camping (securely) into stretchers and a lot of adults weekend in June, organised by VARTA • Strengthening links : When significant could learn from seeing the contents of an Consumer UK for a group of outdoor bloggers. employers get involved in supporting MR, MR rucksack. This was a good opportunity to reach several there are opportunities to work with employees writers and opinion formers and make sure so that a brief donation is developed into an The key thing with all of these is that you they understood how MR works, its voluntary ongoing relationship. This might be a may need to set the ball rolling and ask — so nature and expertise. Obviously, VARTA had supermarket or local holiday site connection, you’re in control of the time commitment and commercial objectives in mind, building on or even something simple like the team’s can pursue the ideas that seem to be most their practical and financial support for MREW, usual fuel station or vehicle mechanics. In all beneficial rather than waiting for something but Julian was able to raise the profile of MR these cases, there are opportunities for photo to happen or having to react to an offer that in general and his team in particular. calls when money is presented but there are isn’t really a good use of your resources. other possibilities. Good luck — and look out for other ideas to • Sharing a platform : In August, Blacks If your team is the local supermarket’s adapt in the pages of MR mags to come! Outdoor, part of the JD Sports group, involved charity of the year, why not invite staff to look members of Central Beacons MRT in their If you have recent media experience you’d around base or to send younger managers presence at the BBC Countryfile Live event in like to share or to see covered in future, get out with you on a training day? A wider group Oxfordshire. It made sense to introduce some in touch via [email protected]. of people get to know more about you, you of the people who have been on screen in the Thanks. ✪ get some more interesting pictures and stories BBC1 idents during 20 17. It was another time for the local papers (and for that display in the commitment for members of the team but they planned ahead and made the most of it. ‘As a team, we were really enthused to be asked to be part of Countryfile Live and, with THE KEY THING WITH ALL OF THESE IS THAT YOU MAY plenty of notice for planning, we were able to NEED TO SET THE BALL ROLLING AND ASK – SO cover the whole long weekend and spread YOU’RE IN CONTROL OF THE TIME COMMITMENT

NOW YOU NEED TO FOCUS ON THE SKIN! How can you create an effective insulative layering system without careful consideration of the next to the skin layer? Your skin covers about 2m 2 and is your body’s most sensorial organ detecting pressure, pain, heat, cold and greatly influencing your sense of wellbeing. All clothing layers will help protect your body but your choice of next- to-skin clothing has the single biggest impact on your performance, safety and comfort. Armadillo Merino ® specialises in next-to-skin garments made with merino wool for use through out the year in the most extreme climatic environments. These skin-side garments deliver: • Performance optimising properties Maximise your output by delaying the onset of sweat, reducing your thermal load and managing stress levels.Natural flame resistance up to 600°C, avoiding melting synthetics or flaming cotton against the skin. • Better health Avoid the nasty clothing toxins released by synthetics from body heat, by wearing a natural and effective next-to-skin barrier that also aids skin health. • Way more comfort Why shouldn’t you wear a garment that is soft against the skin, fits comfortably in all the right places and doesn’t stink? ARMADILLO MERINO ® IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.ARMADILLOMERINO.COM

AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 43 e

u ResCon 2 01 7

c The BCRC Rescue Conference s Hosted by South and Eighty cavers, representing Finally, Dougie MacDonald techniques and requirements for Mid Wales Cave most of the UK cave rescue (from the MCA) and Clark Broad the installation of resin anchors, teams, enjoyed an introductory (Bristow Helicopters) covering the and rock splitting with plug and

e Rescue Team (SMWCRT) at Penwyllt Friday evening meal of Cawl details of the latest developments feathers (sadly it didn’t cover how

r the British Cave Rescue (traditional Welsh lamb stew), in SAR helicopters plus a series to avoid sunstroke while installing Council conference in huge chunks of bread and of safety briefings and short film your anchors or splitting rocks!) June was blessed not cheese, and some excellent clips on working with helicopters, Comms were covered by only with an interesting apple crumble and custard (not what to do and what NOT to do. exercises and demos of both necessarily all in the same bowl!), The morning was rounded off Cave Link (John Roe) and Nicola and engaging series of with a bar run by South Wales with SMWCRT team members 3 (Graham Naylor and Peter e talks, workshops, and Caving Club, while watching a demonstrating the stretcher Allwright). demonstrations but series of caving and cave rescue obstacle course — the In parallel with all these probably the hottest

v slideshows and films (produced requirement being to carry a workshops, a series of talks and sunniest weather by Andy and Antonia Freem) in stretcher with a casualty that had covered topics such as the encountered in Wales the marquee. a bucket of blue liquid for a Rescue Benevolent Fund (Bill for years – it was a relief Saturday started bright (literally) stomach around an obstacle Whitehouse) and kit innovations

a for many delegates, and early with the arrival of the course without spilling any! The for casualty comfort and rigging after the long climb to AW139 Coastguard helicopter winning team would be the one an emergency bivouac (Ali OFD Top Entrance to from St Athan. The crew gave with the greatest depth of liquid Garman). Plus tours of the escape underground! conference delegates guided left at the end of the course (no SMWCRT rescue facilities, Land c tours of the machine and a secret top-ups allowed — the Rover loading and equipment chance to see the wide range of liquid should still be blue at the demonstrations. equipment on board. This AW139 end, and clingfilm was banned), In addition to Lyon will be replaced in October by a moving outside the designated demonstrating new stretchers, larger aircraft, capable of course at any point incurred a rigging, and a new Quadpod, carrying more people, as part of 5mm penalty. Hywel Jopling had a display of Over the weekend there were various rescue stretchers — some excellent performances by including a ‘large’ bariatric the competitors — the ultimate stretcher, which would certainly winning ‘SMWCRT’ team didn’t test underground anchors if used WORDS & PHOTOS appear to have spilt anything! to it’s capacity. Starless River and KELVIN LAKE They each received a goody bag SP Medical Supplies were also in kindly donated by Cotswold attendance, allowing people to MIDLANDS CRO Outdoors. inspect and purchase new kit. The afternoon sessions on Saturday was rounded off with Saturday and Sunday comprised a coach trip to Dan-yr-Ogof a series of Round Robins, Q&A show cave and Cathedral Cavern sessions and workshops both on where they were entertained by a the surface and underground, Welsh male voice choir, a rugby giving delegates a good choice club bar and hog roast (with of topics and skills to experience. superb cracklin’!), a choice of First aid topics covered vegetarian options, plus a good Casualty Care training selection of chocolate cake, tarts requirements, developments for and cream. Caving can be tough dive rescue of a stretchered at times. improvements to the Coastguard casualty, tilt rig options and Returning to Penwyllt, we made helicopter rescue service. casualty securing with a K&B good use of the warm summer The morning continued with stretcher and the Petzl NEST (run evening for conversation and introductory talks by local MP, on the surface by Paul Witheridge chats at the SWCC bar and a Chris Davies, Bill Whitehouse from Lyon Equipment), and prize draw with prizes generously (former BCRC chair, who had to rigging for vertical stretcher haul donated by Lyon Equipment and compete with the roar of the options (demonstrated by Michael Starless River. helicopter as it took off), DCC ‘Slug’ Hales from CRO in OFD 2). Congratulations to Peter Dennis Gareth Pritchard (talking about Rescuer safety was covered by (conference coordinator), and all strategic changes affecting Dan Murray (Derbyshire CRO) the team members involved, for

. voluntary SAR teams working with an underground workshop their hard work in making the m

o with police), Dr Brendan Sloan on bad air detection, weekend such a success, not c .

y (BCRC medical officer, on the physiological effects and forgetting Ashford Price and b a

x subject of changes to Advanced appropriate responses. While everyone at Dan-yr-Ogof for the i P Casualty Care training and Vince Allkins ran an interesting excellent evening entertainment a i v management of controlled ‘hands-on’ workshop in the safe and meal. ✪ e

g drugs), followed by Jon Whiteley and effective use of cordless a m I (Devon CRO) on SARCALL. drills in cave rescue, plus the

PAGE 44 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 45 e u c s e r

e v a c . A

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY R F W U

OF MOSSDALE CAVERNS y b

d e

TRAGEDY REMEMBERED i l p p u s

The summer marked the 50th anniversary of s o t

the Mossdale Caverns caving tragedy, the o h p

worst caving incident in British caving history, e v when six young cavers drowned when the i h c passages they were in became engulfed r A by flood water.

The Upper Wharfedale Fell dams, trenches, many using their Several Upper Wharfedale team Rescue Association conducted the bare hands. It was twelve hours members who took part in the rescue attempt which lasted some before rescuers could get rescue attempt are still in the team, four days and involved over 300 underground. The risk to the including Chris Baker, who had the people — including CRO, other rescue cavers was very high and at enormous responsibility of being adjacent rescue teams, caving club times they had to be brought out. team leader at the tragedy. members, the emergency Rescuers had to work in chest high A memorial service took place at authorities, and many local people. water. Conistone Church, attended by Mossdale Caverns, high up on Sadly, after many hours of frantic local people as well as UWFRA and Grassington Moor in North digging, the dreadful reality came caving clubs members, many Yorkshire are graded ‘super when the rescuers found all six having taken part in the attempted severe’ and prone to serious men had perished. Their bodies rescue. Family and friends included flooding, although on this fateful trip were not recovered and the Rachel Taylor, the daughter of one there were no indications of likely coroner at the subsequent inquest of the victims. Rachel, from flooding, the quantity of water decided they should remain in the Bradford, was only two years old entering the cave was well below cave and the entrance be sealed when her father died. As she grew normal and the weather forecast as a grave. No criticism was made up, she became a great friend and

. was for bright periods with just a of the young mens’ decision to fundraiser for UWFRA. It was a m

o chance of thundery showers. venture deep into the system. deeply moving moment when she c .

y Such was the enormity of the Three years later, caving friends of read out a poem she had written in b a

x rescue situation at one point the the victims got into the cave and her father’s memory. i P

a cave entrance was under four feet moved their remains to a higher A plaque naming the victims marks i v of water. Frantic efforts were made level which was then named The the place where British caving’s e g

a to try divert the water, building Sanctuary. darkest day occurred. ✪ m I

PAGE 46 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 s g o d

h SARDA WALES UPDATE c SARDA Wales bring the tally of Scent Specific As the November assessments loomed, Skye and Izzy

r Trailing Dogs in the UK to four with a double pass for and their respective handlers increased the levels of Skye and Izzy, writes Tim Sherlock . training to try and ensure success, at what was fast becoming something of great interest to many. Both teams SARDA Wales has long been at the forefront of were put through the rigorous process of four trails over two a developing trailing within the UK but, recently, ‘Team Boris’ days, in differing terrain and complexity including urban with handler Steve Nelson, have carried the torch on their environments and mixed scenarios to reflect the work they own. Last year, with Steve as a mentor, Jamie Ketteridge would hopefully one day be doing. Both teams were

e then a member of NSARDA Anglia joined the ranks, but successful, a great result for all involved, putting two more SARDA Wales had two of their own heading towards trailing dogs on the call-out list and taking the tally to four in assessment, which could provide a much needed boost to the UK. s the ever-increasing demand on Team Boris. Steve congratulated them on their hard work but warned The two hopefuls were Damian and Skye, a Sprocker them that ‘this was where the real work started’. Since then, Spaniel, and Tim and Izzy an Irish Red and White Setter. A both dog teams have been involved in many searches, in member of Cheshire SAR, Damian has also been a their own team areas and further afield. member of SARDA Wales for five years. Tim is a member SARDA Wales now has six open area dogs and three . y of NEWSAR and joined SARDA in 20 13. Damian and Tim trailing dogs, allowing the flexibility and ability to respond h p

a have trained alongside each other, with Steve as their appropriately. SARDA Wales chairman Antony Griffiths r

g said, ‘With an increased number of requests from North o coach and mentor. t o

h SARDA Wales has very high, tried and tested, standards Wales Police to assist in the searches for missing people P

e for the trailing dog teams, evolved from those developed in the urban environment, two more trailing dogs on the g

n by Tom Middlemas and Iain Nicholson for NSARDA. Tom team is a huge benefit and, on some of the bigger a r

G has spent a lifetime training dogs across the world and he searches, it’s nice to see both the open area and trailing

b

o and Iain, a previous SARDA Wales trailing dog handler, dogs able to assist in the search effort.’ R SARDA Wales is always looking for volunteers to either

© developed a reward-based system of scent discrimination.

a On completion, the dogs move on to working trails, building become handlers or as support, or hiding for the dogs as n o

h on the foundations of scent discrimination and the game of dogsbodies. If you wish to find out more visit our Facebook R

g hide and seek to make a fun yet extremely successful page or email [email protected]. o D

game for the dogs. h c r a e S

WARNING: CUTENESS ALERT Calder Valley team announced an anticipated new addition to the family in July with eleven-week-old Springer Spaniel Orion!

Orion and his owner and handler Gary Smith, have dived straight into training which is expected to take approximately two years to achieve the standard set by SARDA. The pup has three distinct markings on his back that look similar to the stars in the constellation of Orion’s Belt, and Orion is also known as The Hunter in Greek mythology, so it seemed an appropriate name for a search dog. Gary joined CVSRT in 20 15 and has been very actively involved with the development of their current search dogs, regularly acting as a dogsbody and assisting as a navigator for the team’s dog handlers on call-outs. Search dogs have been a part of CVSRT since 1977 and, over the years, there have been fifteen dogs and ten handlers. If you would like to follow Orion’s development and training, he already has his own Facebook page @redtagspan.

PAGE 48 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 49 TAKING THE MOUNTAINS TO HOLYROOD

Mountaineering organisations met with members of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood in September, thanks to the involvement of the MSP and enthusiastic mountaineer, Liz Smith. The theme for the evening was ‘Enjoy Scotland’s Mountains Photos: © Scottish Mountain Rescue. Safely’ and, hosted by SMR and Mountaineering Scotland, it was attended by SMR team members, MSPs, cabinet ministers, cabinet SMR recently sent representatives national courses, the purchase, part — bank the cash. Each can secretaries, clubs and partners to meet MPs and Peers in care and maintenance of is a great help so more cans are from across Scotland’s Westminster and will work to equipment, vehicles and bases, better and lots of cans adds up to mountaineering community. develop those crucial relationships. all of which demand time. a steady trickle of behind-the- The aim was to celebrate the SMR works hard to tell the story And then there is fundraising. scenes work. dedication and expertise of the of Scottish Mountain Rescue to Each team receives approximately There is no accurate figure for volunteers and professionals who anyone who will listen. This a third of their annual running cost the amount of time it takes to run keep people safe in Scotland’s Scottish Mountain Rescue, included maintenance of a from the Scottish Government, a rescue team. However, to mountains and wild landscapes. website as well as Facebook and and this money is distributed via operate as a modern charity, Liz had also submitted a motion Twitter feeds, all of which SMR. This support is gratefully comply with relevant legislation, in parliament recognising and behind the scenes contribute to getting our message received and much appreciated. maintain readiness of kit and praising the work of both across. For most teams, it is possibly the personnel as well as largest single income in any one fundraise... for all SMR Funding: SMR provides year that is not restricted to a team members the collective access to funding at a particular use. But each team still number of hours must KEV MITCHELL VICE CHAIRMAN SCOTTISH MOUNTAIN RESCUE national level that would be has a funding gap. Individual be a significant multiple difficult for individual teams to large items, such as a new of the hours spent on reach. At a time when the vehicle, may receive grant call-outs. Most people are In 2016, the member teams of the Scottish Government, St John Facilitation: SMR provides a pressure on volunteers is sadly support from a variety of sources, So remember, if you aware of the work Scottish Mountain Rescue Scotland, JD Foundation and structure for teams to meet, share increasing and there is a growing but in order to be operationally are in difficulty, of the active responded to 436 incidents, others is a crucial part of the ideas and discuss best practice professionalism expected in ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a whatever the time of mountaineers in giving up 22,697 hours of their complex funding jigsaw teams and common challenges. To this mountain rescue, SMR works year, each team carries out its day or night, whatever mountain rescue time to go to the assistance of have to complete every year. end, and with the help of funding with individual teams to develop own fundraising activities. Some the weather conditions teams across people in need. There are about St John Scotland is a perfect from the UKSAR Training Fund, national funding sources that and wherever you are 850 organised into 23 example of the support for SMR SMR delivers national training complement their own in Scotland, there will Scotland, but that’s JUST AS IN ENGLAND AND the tip of the independent civilian member that for the most part takes place courses that are largely run by fundraising. be a group of teams plus three Police Scotland in the background. Their support WALES – AND IRELAND – iceberg of support team members for team SMR represents 23 of the 27 volunteers ready to teams and one RAF team. Every and funding, provided over the OUR MEMBER TEAMS organisations, with the cross- and help that members. Topics are mostly civilian MR teams in Scotland and come to your help. And behind team member is a volunteer. last twenty years, has made it specific to mountain rescue and, our member teams are spread DEPEND ON THE SUPPORT those people stands a large party backing of 36 MSPs. enables rescue Each one of them is ready and possible for mountain rescue by using our members to deliver across the country from Assynt to OF MANY PEOPLE AND network of others providing ‘Without Mountaineering teams to respond willing to drop what they are teams to transform themselves courses, relevance for Galloway, Aberdeen to Hebrides. ORGANISATIONS support that makes it possible for Scotland and the Scottish to incidents. doing, leave their beds, walk out from the days when they worked participants is guaranteed. There The time spent on incidents is the rescuers to get out of the door Mountain Rescue service,’ said on family, abandon their work or out of cupboards or boiler rooms is a course running somewhere in just one indication of the and onto the hill. Liz, ‘our hills and mountains social event to assist total with ancient Land Rovers, into the Scotland every two or three commitment needed to run a teams have support groups of For further information on SMR, would be a lot more dangerous strangers. professional, well-equipped, world- weeks and, in the last year, 200 rescue team. All individual people who do not go out on the including links to the teams, visit and it’s only right we celebrate For every incident team class organisations operating places on training courses were member teams are charities and hill on rescues but are willing and scottishmountainrescue.org. You their hard work at Holyrood.’ members respond to, family today. As a result of their support, filled. have voluntary boards able to carry out fundraising and can also follow SMR on Facebook Above: Liz Smith MSP (left) members, work colleagues and most teams now have their own responsible for ensuring that their other tasks. But for most teams, @ScottishMountainRescue or with Tavish Scott MSP (right) friends are there to help and dedicated rescue post and Representation: SMR provides charity runs according to the it is the operational team Twitter @ScottishMR. ✪ © Scottish Parliament. support in the background: modern vehicles suitable for the a collective view of the individual requirements of the Office of the members who fundraise. providing additional childcare, increasing demands and teams to be heard at a national Scottish Charity Regulator. A simple example of the work This article first appeared in The covering work appointments and expectations placed on them. level. Here SMR works regularly Training is a considerable time involved is that collecting can on Scottish Mountaineer taking care of all the day-to- day Scottish Mountain Rescue with our primary partners Police commitment for the individual the bar. Someone has to manage details of life that never end and (SMR) is the name of the national Scotland, the Scottish Government, team member. Most if not all it, ask every business if they don’t pause because of call-outs. support organisation for mountain Scottish Ambulance Service, teams train at least once a month would like a can, buy and badge Our member teams also rescue in Scotland. SMR is an UKSAR, Maritime and Coastguard on average. Some teams take a the can, collect and replace it depend on the support of many independent charity with a Agency, Bristow Helicopters, summer break, holding no when full, count the donation DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE SMR ANNUAL REVIEW people and organisations. At the voluntary board and works to Mountaineering Scotland and training between say June and (which should involve two most simple level, the hill walker enable the individual teams colleagues in Mountain Rescue August, recognising that people), keep records (each FROM SCOTTISHMOUNTAINRESCUE.ORG dropping a coin into a collecting across Scotland provide a world- England and Wales as well as members need a breather. Other collecting can should be uniquely PAPER COPIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST can in the hotel bar at the end of class service. To achieve this, Mountain Rescue Ireland, among teams train year round and some numbered with the amount and VIA [email protected] the day is a great support. Public SMR concentrates on three others. As many important teams train twice a month. In location of the donation donations along with support from areas. decisions are made in London, addition to team training there are recorded), and — finally the good

PAGE 50 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 51 SEPTEMBER: SOLO ‘3PEAKSRUN’ CHALLENGE FOR MOUNTAIN RESCUE AND SARDA ENGLAND s d n u e f u Three years ago I’d never run anywhere except perhaps for a bus. Yet, in September, I found myself stood on the summit of Ben Nevis with the c g

wind howling and the rain horizontally slicing at my cheeks, totally s

elated to have run there, all the way from the summit of Snowdon — n e

with a diversion over the summit of Scafell Pike along the way, i attempting a challenge referred to by a local BBC Breakfast Radio r presenter as ‘completely bonkers’. s i r My 500-mile ‘3PeaksRun’ Challenge idea MRT — who feel the pressure of such o a began to form when two things happened. popular activities. Many of those who f Firstly, I discovered the sport of ultra- undertake the Three Peaks are unaware r marathon and trail running and was so that these are charitable organisations, inspired to see people of all ages and manned by committed volunteers, and shapes running arguably insane mountain reliant on donations to operate. enthusiasm, I bounded up the Pyg Track races, I wondered whether I too might be I also chose to support SARDA England as almost with ease, wishing I would feel as capable of such a thing. Then figured I’d symbolic of the rest of my route, outside the strong as this every day. But, just 48 hours have to start running if I was ever going to immediate area of the Three Peaks and in later, with my feet rashed and raw and my find out! recognition that search dogs help people joints sore and stiffening, I had to wonder Secondly, as a keen hiker and long from all walks of life in various situations and whether I was really up to this challenge after distance walker, I was always on the look out in urban areas — not just hill-goers. all. I reminded myself of the time I’d recently for a new outdoorsy adventure and had The physical and mental health benefits of spent at the SARDA England training meet heard about the National Three Peaks. time spent being active outdoors is without where I’d told myself that when the running Researching the challenge, I realised I question and I wanted to take the opportunity got hard I just had to remember the WHAT’S NEW AT PARAMO THIS AUTUMN? wanted to undertake it in a more immersive to encourage others to enjoy getting outside, boundless energy and enthusiasm of the Páramo delivers serious comfort this winter for mountain professionals: way, spending time in each region and under and to share useful resources and guidance incredible search dogs to spur me on. Still, • NEW Men’s and Women’s Torres Activo Jackets: Lightweight 60g synthetic insulation (55% recycled fill) delivers my own steam. I considered cycling between from experts about being prepared and safe they had four legs after all and I certainly practical warmth while you are active or stationary, even when wet. Fully adjustable hood; innovative spiral-cut sleeves for the mountains and knew many had done that, in the hills. hadn’t expected to be struggling just two free movement even when overlayered; harness-friendly handwarmers; internal map pocket doubles as stuff pocket. days into my challenge! • NEW Men’s Ostro and Women’s Alize Plus Fleeces: Incredibly soft, high-loft fleeces are directional and water- However, where I might not be repellent – the mid-layer to take your Ostro/ Alize system into winter. Combine with Ostro/ Alize windproof for Analogy level a particularly great runner, waterproofing (Leeds Rainroom tested to withstand 4+ hours intensive rain). Zoned fleece fabrics ensure optimum insulation; endurance was something I snug, fitted hood gives face protection; 5 generous pockets. had plenty of. As the days went • Updated Women’s Ventura and Men’s Enduro Mountain Systems: Páramo’s highest specification, durable, by, I grew stronger as the miles mountain-friendly designs offer fantastic ventilation and features. More and more professionals choose Páramo when passed beneath my heading outdoors – gear verified for Fair Trade, renowned for performance and guaranteed for durability. increasingly battered (very soggy) trail shoes. TO FIND OUT MORE, VISIT PARAMO.CO.UK OR RING THE CONTRACT TEAM ON 01892 786446. I planned the route to stay off road as much as possible and combined a total of 22 local and national trails to get me all the way through Wales, England 40 YEARS OF NIKWAX – KEEPING PEOPLE DRY and Scotland, along mountain trails, cycle paths, rail trails, WITH CONCERN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT coast paths, canal towpaths and city parks. Nick Brown, CEO started Nikwax, the British outdoor aftercare company, in 1977. As an outdoor person who backpacked Top: Snowdon summit shot: Tina Page with her trusty mascot Patch. Above: Tina’s entire kit for the trip; In the spirit of adventure, I put in the mountains he wanted dry and comfortable feel, and as a graduate he needed to earn a living. Map showing the Three Peaks © Tina Page. Nikwax was born and initially focused on preserving and waterproofing leather mountain boots. Producing aftercare products pretty much zero planning into with minimal environmental impact has been at the root of the brand from the beginning, and Nikwax solutions have remained where I might be sleeping each PFC-free since. What followed was the first range of water-based garment and footwear waterproofing and cleaning products. but I was unable to find a record of anyone After a whirlwind few months of planning night but carried lightweight camping gear to These effectively replaced harmful aerosols, could be easily used in a washing machine and were safe. who had completed the challenge solo and logistics, launching a blog and social media keep my options flexible — cue impromptu Today Nikwax is a multi award-winning brand both in terms of its development of innovative products, as well as its entirely on foot. So that became my goal. feeds, spreading the word and trying to get nights in a soggy bivvy bag, convivial environmental credentials. Nick Brown, says: ‘As consumers become more aware of the environmental challenges, they As the conventional 24-hour challenge was a few training runs and a spot of Pilates in, meetings around a roaring fire in the hearth will want the brands they choose to have a history that they can be proud of, combined with the ability to invent new and so popular and had divided opinions, I also whilst also working seven days a week on- of a remote bothy, sharing wild camp greener solutions to the practical problems of life.’ wanted to raise awareness, as well as much board a boat — a challenge in itself — the sunsets, a late evening bunkhouse on a needed funds for the charitable organisations day finally arrived when I stood at the foot of NIKWAX IS AVAILABLE AT MOST OUTDOOR RETAILERS. VISIT: WWW.NIKWAX.COM in each of the regions — Ogwen Valley MRO, Snowdon. Wasdale MRT, Fix the Fells and Lochaber With well-rested legs and brimming PAGE 55 >

PAGE 52 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017 AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 53 Earlier this year, hill-lover Steven Rogers hit on a novel fundraising idea. As am a member of the Facebook group ‘I Love The Lake District’: why not produce badges for group members to buy and wear on their adventures, in order to identify fellow members?

Another member suggested raising funds for mountain s rescue at the same time. At the end of June, he was d able to present a cheque for £720 to be shared

between the twelve teams. The presentation took place n u

at the LAMRT base in Ambleside. e ‘Mark Bains (LAMRT chairman] did a fantastic job of f showing us around the base and explaining the work of u

mountain rescue’ says Steven, adding that a few thank c

yous are in order. g s ‘Kim Rogers, who did all the postage and packing, n

Kath Bland, who suggested fundraising for the Lakes e i

teams, Janet Pickering who did the design for the centre r

of the badge and Julie Bewsher who helped me with s PayPal and bought the first badge.’ i r Badges were sold all over the UK, Holland and as far o JULY: BADGE IDEA RAISES away as Australia. Since June, the badge selling has a f FUNDS FOR THE LAKES TEAMS been handed over to the admin of the Facebook group r and fundraising will continue through them.

AUGUST: HALIFAX LADIES CIRCLE HAND OVER HUGE CHEQUE Calder Valley team members welcomed members of the Halifax Ladies Circle to their base in Mytholmroyd, accompanied by a rather huge cheque (literally).

Stacey McGowan and the ladies had kindly nominated CVSRT as their charity of the year in 2016 and did a fantastic job raising funds throughout the year. The ladies popped in to meet the team and present their cheque for an incredible £3178.67. Right: Team leader, Ben Carter was on-hand to gratefully accept the generous donation and to thank everyone at Halifax Ladies Circle for their hard work.

railway platform and even an invitation to the devoured in two days! Countless others absolute luxury of a B&B with a soak in a followed my progress via social media bath, a cooked breakfast and a kindly host offering endless encouragement and who selflessly offered to wash all my wet and support and I was very touched by their smelly clothing the same day. (I’d waded kindness. through a river so things were pretty ripe by After 19 days and 18 hours of negotiating that point!) the miles through wind, rain, sunshine, In fact, despite being a solo and darkness, fog, bog, mud, fallen trees, city unsupported challenge, one of the most streets, 7-foot padlocked gates, feisty cows, memorable parts of this adventure has been inquisitive horses and bridgeless rivers I left the incredible people I’ve met along the way. the summit of Ben Nevis, the final challenge Several runners managed to track me down in my bid to be the first woman to run the en route and met up to share a few miles on National Three Peaks. Just a steady downhill the trail, many bringing flapjack (my fuel of to the warm welcome of the Glen Nevis choice) and, despite my fear of showing SYHA hostel remained. After 505 miles, myself up in front of ‘real’ runners with my three mountains and over 42,000 feet of total slow plod, it was a joy to spend time with elevation, I was filled with a zen-like calm as them and hear about their own running well as the excitement of heading towards a adventures. Plus, no one ever once big plate of comfort food, a hot shower and Above: Tina and Patch on the summit of a mentioned how slow I was! a dry, cosy bed. Not so ‘bonkers’ after all! somewhat inhospitable Ben Nevis © Tina Brian Allport, from SARDA England, Page. brought along search dog Tess as I crossed AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS, TINA’S the border into Scotland — as well as a very FUNDRAISING PAGE AT PAGE 53 > appreciated deliciously sticky flapjack tray UK.VIRGINMONEYGIVING.COM SHOWED £1927 bake from Val Allport which I pretty much RAISED BUT THERE IS STILL CHANCE TO DONATE

AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 55 Mountain Rescue England and Wales who? All MREW officer email addresses end with @mountain.rescue.org.uk *management team CHAIRMAN & TRUSTEE: VICE CHAIR: MIKE MARGESON SECRETARY: DAVE CLOSE MIKE FRANCE vice-chairman@ secretary@ chairman@

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR: MEDICAL: VEHICLES: ASSISTANT SECRETARY: PENNY BROCKMAN MIKE GREENE SIMON THRESHER JULIAN WALDEN treasurer@ medicalofficer@ vehiclesofficer@ assistant-secretary@

PRESS: ANDY SIMPSON TRAINING: AL READ ICT: MARK LEWIS pressofficer@ trainingofficer@ ictofficer@

PRESIDENT: RAY GRIFFITHS VICE PRESIDENT & TRUSTEE: PETER DYMOND [email protected] [email protected]

specialist advisers

EDITOR: STATISTICS: SAR-H: PR SUPPORT: SALLY SEED JUDY WHITESIDE ROB SHEPHERD JOHN HULSE [email protected] editor@ statisticsofficer@ SAR-H@

trustees

STEVE WOOD PHIL PAPARD SHIRLEY PRIESTLEY NEW TRUSTEES: steve.wood@ philip.papard@ shirley.priestley@ PHIL BENBOW, JAKE BHARIER & DAVID COLEMAN

British Cave Rescue

CH AIRMAN: DANY BRADSHAW VICE CHAIR: BILL WHITEHOUSE SECRETARY: EMMA PORTER chairman@c averescue.org.uk vicechair@c averescue.org.uk secretary@c averescue.org.uk

MEDICAL: RICH MARLOW TRAINING: JIM DAVIS INFORMATION: IVAN YOUNG medical@c averescue.org.uk training@c averescue.org.uk informationofficer@c averescue.org.uk

EQUIPMENT: MIKE CLAYTON COMMS: JON WHITELEY TREASURER: HEATHER SIMPSON equipment@c averescue.org.uk communications@c averescue.org.uk treasurer@c averescue.org.uk

LEGAL: TOBY HAMNETT DIVING: CHRIS JEWELL FOREIGN SECRETARY: PETE ALLRIGHT legal@c averescue.org.uk diving@c averescue.org.uk informationofficer@c averescue.org.uk

AUTUMN 2017 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 57  up

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PAGE 58 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017