T HE O F F I C I A L NE W S L E TT ER O F T HE M O U NT AI N R ES C UE C O U NC I L O F EN G L A ND & W A L E S ISSUE 6 Valuable occasion J U L Y or easy day out for 2 0 0 3 the lads? NEWS FROM THE MRC Developments & discussions Mountain rescue can only function with the commitment of many people from MRC, May 2003 – some in the van, others out of sight – with a range of skills and different ideas. Indeed, a key strength of our organisation is the mix of members from wide ly NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS differing backgrounds and experience. Nevertheless, team leaders occupy a very teamʼs competence, Mark Hodgson (Keswick) VIEW FROM THE TOP special place in the scale of things. They represent considered the responsibilities of a team leader and TABLE the sharp end of the service, in many ways responsible Julian Carradice (Wasdale) provided a very personal Tony Jones on the progress for moulding, not only the way rescues run, but also account of the difficulties facing a team leader. of UK SAR the public perception of mountain rescue. They There have been vigorous debates on the election have passed the most stringent form of peer review and tenure of office of team leaders and useful HISTORY OF MOUNTAIN by experienced colleagues only to be rewarded by discussion of what a team should not do. RESCUE IN SCOTLAND being given responsibility for all the activities of a This is but a snapshot of the varied items Bob Sharp & Alfie Ingram team of opinionated, and occasionally anarchistic, covered. Whatever the subject matter, there has individuals. always been good informed opinion present to steer MOUNTAINS FOR They are expected to be ever available not discussions in a positive way. ACTIVE DIABETICS only to carry the incidents but also to tell the world An easy day out? No. I think this has been Nikki Wallis reports on about them. The quotes and misquotes that the one of our better and profitable moves. But if you MAD 2003, Plas y Brenin press have obtained from team leaders over the know differently, please speak up. years would fill a bedside book. It would be good to draw in the teams who MOUNTAIN RESCUE Considering this vast array of operational have not yet appeared and topics for future meetings COMMUNICATIONS Past, present & future experience it is perhaps surprising that we did not are always welcome. by Dave Gough see the opportunities afforded by bringing this The date is fixed on the first Saturday in group together at a much earlier stage. December. This year, however, the venue will WILD MEDICINE There have now been four annual Team change as the PG Centre in Preston is to close. We Vaughan Mason, Leaders meetings, attended on average by leaders are looking at alternatives and if you have one Dublin & Wicklow MRT (or deputies) from 75% of teams in England and please do not keep it secret. Wales. The content of the meetings has been wide David Allan MRC Chairman NATIONAL ranging and has been characterised by three FUNDRAISING things. Firstly, the quality of the presentations. Duke of York opens DEVELOPMENTS These have been made from a background of great Penny Brockman, Central operational experience and thus have been well Buxton base Beacons MRT informed and relevant. Secondly, the ensuing discussions have been lively and full of pertinence POACHER TURNED and good ideas. Thirdly, there has been an almost GAMEKEEPER universal acknowledgement that useful things have One sunny day on Crib been taken away from the meetings. It has, in Goch... particular, been refreshing to hear larger busy teams applaud ideas from smaller teams. It would be impossible to list all the topics and contributors in this space but a flavour is worth inclusion. Each meeting has listened to presentations simply describing the way a team functions and Derby, Oldham, Rossendale & Pendle and Teesdale & Weardale are some of the interesting contributions made. John Hulse (Ogwen) Full story on page 9 addressed the difficult question of assessing a

M R C N E W S . K E E P I N G Y O U I N F O R M E D . P R O M O T I N G M O U N T A I N R E S C U E ...A WORD 2000. Since then, the MRC has been active in many aspects of the work of the UK SAR Operators Group MRC WIESL CSO UM E E T O FROM THE and its specialist Working Groups. NEWS I S S U E 6 The intangible results are difficult to list but the tangible results are that the MRC and its Regions TOP TABLE... are now written into the Framework Document, first VAC MATS ON releases under load if more but he is still keen days have become a SIX STREAM FOR TEAMS required. to get more information fixed calender event and PLEASE NOTE published in 2002, and that 5 channels (10 frequencies) For a number of years – quite a number of in the International Maritime band are allocated for ʻWhether you have a flowing. If you want to a valuable opportunity for THE FIXED The Mark 2 vac mat is in NEXT ISSUE years – there have been discussions on raising the the use of Land SAR. It is hoped that these will be travelling system or a join the group, please team members across DATES IN THE the final stages of its Issue 7 will be January 2004. profile of mountain rescue within the wider community. released for use before the end of 2003. lower from the top, you send him your details – the country to exchange MRC You can send articles, news items, production run and More recently, suggestions have been made that the The Annual Incident report has been tabled photographs, anecdotes, letters... need a safety back up. [email protected] views and learn. Next CALENDER ʻBrandʼ could be very marketable – an important factor each year. Indeed, the work of Ged Feeney has should be coming out to complaints even... hard copy or disc (in The question I would ask – and start contributing. yearʼs day will return to MRC MEETINGS teams over the summer Microsoft Word/Quark XPress format for with regard to national fundraising. contributed to a number of areas, specifically, the is this – have you tested cas care and medical copy and JPEGS/Photoshop EPS or Another aspect, somewhat less public but Report of the Helicopter Coverage Working Group. months. Any team PLAS Y BRENIN 3RD SATURDAY IN that back up with a two matters. TIFF for scans, please) to the Editor just as important, is the recognition of land search As other work progresses, so further requests are wanting more than the EQUIPMENT DAY MAY & NOVEMBER Judy Whiteside or three person load by and rescue by central government. Mountain rescue made to Ged for incident data. Work has started on one which the MRC are MAY 18 INSURANCE TEAM LEADERS 8 Bridgefoot Close, Boothstown, failing the lower ropes? If MEETING Worsley, Manchester M28 1UG is but part, a vital part, of land SAR. In 1989, the MRC the development of compatibility of incident data providing, please contact you havenʼt, then itʼs time The day was well via telephone/fax on 0161 702 6080 was asked to comment on the Home Office publication basis between the MRC, MRC of S, ALSAR and other Roger Daines on Dave Little provides a 1ST SATURDAY IN or via email to Dealing with Disaster . There was little recognition of data sets. you did, so you know it attended with 64 team brief update until the DECEMBER [email protected] [email protected] the voluntary bodies involved in land SAR. A number One area of concern that has yet to be works, rather than simply members representing Insurance Cover Update TEAM DOCTORS I look forward to hearing from you... or 01666 502731. of revisions were undertaken. In 1995, the MRC resolved is the proper co-operation with the assuming it does.ʼ 25 teams including four & Review document is MEETING submitted a paper to central government on the Ambulance Services and the use of Air Ambulances Every care will be taken of materials 540 BELAYS from Dublin & Wicklow released in a few weeks 2ND FRIDAY IN recognition of land SAR. A significant step forward in remote and difficult terrain. NEW CAS BAG sent for publication however these are MRT – good to see them time. Public Liability – OCTOBER submitted at the senderʼs risk. was the publication of the Report of the Search & The international representation of the MRC 540 belays are now out The new bag has now there. The format was the new cover Rescue Review Group (Feb 1996) with two important is another important aspect of raising its profile. For in service with fifteen EDITOR travelled the regions for a different this year – six documents have been recommendations:– some years, the MRC has been a member of the teams. But, says MRC Judy Whiteside year. The various small varied speakers gave issued to your regional Rossendale & Pendle MRT a) An SAR helicopter should be able in still International Commission for Alpine Rescue (IKAR) Equipment Officer, Mike a system in place air to reach any inland part of the UK within 2 hours and participated in the various Sub commissions. In final suggestions will now plenty of food for Finance Sub Committee WEB SITE • TECHIE STUFF Margeson, there are still whereby cover is still of call out by day or by night. October, the MRC of S hosts IKAR 2003 at be implemented by thought. The Equipment reps. Our Summary of Paul Baxendale Bolton MRT some strange and provided. Problems have Paul Horder Keswick MRT b) There should be further consultation on Coylumbridge and the MRC will be participating. Aiguille and a final Mark Sub Committee has, for Cover, incorporated ill-informed comments occurred recently in one WEB SITE • DESIGN & GRAPHICS three options for strengthening co-ordination and During the past six or so years, connections 4 made for the autumn. some time, been within the policy, is now filtering through. The area at least. Dave Freeborn Patterdale MRT consultation machinery for SAR generally. have also been developed with the Civil Aid Service, Still on the cas bag, Mark encouraging the idea that being reviewed in 540, he stresses, is NOT Any queries, you can HANDBOOK The end result was the current structure for Hong Kong. Members from the CAS have attended Taylor, who had some regional equipment readiness for renewal, Eve Burton Buxton MRT a lowering device of any contact Dave on the representation of SAR – all of SAR – to central Search Planning & Management courses and given interesting input on inspection, and care and later in the year. If you STATISTICS government. This structure, described in two short presentations at the Conferences. description. It is a [email protected] Ged Feeney Penrith MRT helmet tests at the maintenance training, have any comments articles in Issues 1 & 3, came into existence in mid Tony Jones MRC Vice Chairman purpose designed, easy Equipment Day in May, would be a good move please forward them as PRESS & PR to use rescue belay DISTINGUISHED Andy Simpson has offered to do some forward. The day only soon as possible. device capable of taking SERVICE AWARD Rossendale & Pendle MRT heat loss tests on the helped to confirm those Trustee Indemnity is in ...AND FROM have escaped while the going was good? But I didnʼt. up to three people and new and old cas bags in thoughts for many. Mike the process of being The Central Beacons Editor’s Note Because I get a buzz out of it too – though lord knows stretcher. ʻSome people a cold room lab at Leeds would like to thank renewed. Details and team proposed that Peter Articles carried in how when most of my MR related time is spent staring have asked why I have THE EDITOR... Richard Holmes for his Howells be given the MRC News do not at a computer screen working on various MRC University. Could prove documents should be been enthusing about Distinguished Service necessarily reflect publications. very interesting. help with the admin of available within the next ʻWhy do we do it?ʼ Simple question really. this device so much. Itʼs Award in recognition of the opinions of the Perhaps itʼs the acknowledgement and the day and, as ever, the month. Helicopter Basking in the Patterdale sunshine (where I was taking simple. It works. It takes EQUIPMENT E-GROUP MRC. appreciation I get from using my professional skills to warm hospitality of the Training was renewed his 40 years service to part in the Executiveʼs day reviewing the MRC and a large load, at least a help mountain rescue? As a complete ingénue , I am Plas y Brenin staff. last November through mountain rescue. One of what it stands for) having snuck outside for our x10 safety margin, itʼs Mike reports that the able to absorb and gather the information around me These national training the founder members of groupʼs break out meeting, it was an easy answer. Itʼs e-group is being used the MOD bulk policy. and distil it, I hope, into a form that everyone can simple to operate and it his team, this year the buzz of getting out on the hill (or street) and Contact Dave if you need read, understand, enjoy. Judging by the response to A Quick effecting a successful rescue. Itʼs because we love copies for your training celebrating its 40th this newsletter, Iʼm on the right track. And incidentally, N the mountains, the spirit of adventure, the sheer A days. ACPO continues to anniversary, Peter L

Thank You I hope that, ultimately, I can work the same magic on L

excitement... weʼre back to that buzz again. ʻAh, but A provides an amazing

work on your behalf to the general publicʼs perception of mountain rescue.

to everyone who has D where does that leave me,ʼ I asked, ʻa non-operational I improve Personal level of commitment, not submitted news, articles But perhaps the point I should be making is V support member?ʼ We-e-ll... theory is that there are A only to his MR and photographs for D Accident insurance and

that there are probably many more like me out there,

inclusion in the two types of people around the mountains. Those © willing to spend a lot of time and effort on behalf of has requested that all colleagues in South MRC News. who love being mountaineers and those who love This issue, for the first MR, without ever having to carry a heavy rucksack, forces set minimum Wales but across the UK, being around them – buzz by proxy. time, I have to apologise wear a head torch or sleep in a tent that doesnʼt cover at six times the both through his work as for not being able to Oka-ay. I accept that, having originally accommodate a hairdryer. Oh I know there may have salary of a sergeant on an officer of the MRC include all I have received stumbled into mountain rescue myself through a due to constraints in both been times in the past when the Bring & Buy stall and Chairman of the UK relationship in my life (and clearly not understood the mid point (ca £200k). space and budget. organisers didnʼt quite appreciate how their sterling Conference committee, However, everything is meaning of the word volunteer) there is a certain truth Cover when operating efforts might not rank quite so highly on a team kept on file for future in the theory. But that no longer applies and here I am outside the teamʼs own responsible for the consideration/inclusion, so memberʼs list of priorities as an actual call out, but still, editing the MRC News, helping to organise area should be included. organisation of the please keep up the good weʼre swimming with bigger fish now. You need all the conferences, advising on corporate identity, sitting in Just a word of warning – National Lottery funded work. skills you can muster to keep the sharks at bay. So Who knows, one the sun at a rescue team base discussing the future make sure that if you are UK conferences and day, in the not too distant cultivate your support members. Let them bring their of the MRC... Iʼve even recently been elected as courses from which all future, we may have particular strengths to the table and see what they called by others Secretary of my own team, for goodness sake. All this quarterly magazine... can do for you. They might just surprise you. (ie. ambulance control, team members can and and me ʻjustʼ a support member. Perhaps I should have benefited. Judy Whiteside MRC News Editor ..AND THEN WE PRACTICED STRETCHER LOWERS AND BANDAGING... coastguard etc), there is

PAGE 2 MRC NEWSLETTER JULY 2003 JULY 2003 MRC NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 MRC NEWS MRC NEWS

THE MRC MEDICAL SUB COMMITTEE – ITS ROLE NATIONAL ONE SUNNY DAY IN PATTERDALE... Many medical sub committees spend too much time, in my opinion, controlling FUNDRAISING & costs rather than concentrating on patient care, but the MRC Medical Sub has DEVELOPMENT On a sunny day on the 14th June the MRC Executive met for a whole day in Patterdale, with one objective – to spend some time reviewing the MRC, and ask positioned itself away from politics. Previous chairman Dave Allan focused on encouraging team members to develop their cas care and forcefully cut As national fundraising ourselves some difficult questions. What exactly is the purpose of the MRC? What through bureaucratic barriers to allow members to use techniques and drugs comes back ʻin houseʼ 2006. Keep watching the relevance does it have to the average team member on the ground? How do we see that go well beyond first aid. It is great credit to Dave that this line has been the ramifications of MRC News for updates. ourselves now and where would we like to be in 5 years time? What would we like to followed at a time when regulation and protocol have advanced to supplant change have become achieve? The need for such soul searching on a day when frankly the blue skies over knowledge and experience. Mountaineers, walkers and increasing numbers of increasingly apparent. If QUEEN ’S GOLDEN Helvellyn had more than a whiff of seduction, had arisen from a presentation, earlier bikers have him to thank for improved cas care over the last 10 years. mountain rescue is to JUBILEE MEDAL in the year, by Penny Brockman, on behalf of the National Fundraising Group. Penny This has left us with a large legacy of work that needs regular attention – the Cas Care card (5 yearly), exam (yearly) and syllabus (3 yearly), and the drug develop a national FLEECE had identified a number of issues which were going to hinder our success as a national list (3 yearly) and position papers on matters such as advanced training that profile, and an fundraising force, not least of all the lack of a five year plan, first requisite of any financial organisation capable of A reminder that team need review as teams develop new priorities. Fortunately, all this is central to planner looking to develop a successful – and lucrative – future. delivering a high standard of care to the casualty. To manage this workload, we attracting unrestricted members who have We were fortunate to acquire the services of Ceri Hutton, a consultant in the volunteer have subdivided into smaller units. For example, Tim Potts, Robert Stokes and funding to the benefit of recently received their sector, who donated her time for the day. Ceri already had a clear understanding of Brian Wright bring the exam paper together. The amount of work put in to all its members, then we Jubilee Medal can kit themselves out with a the MR mindset. A keen mountaineer, she grew up with the mountains and ʻmountain setting an exam should not be underestimated. We intend to include the must create the documents on the disc given to our regional reps annually so that an up-to-date special fleece jacket for peopleʼ, her father a member of a Mountain Rescue team in the 1960s. Nevertheless, infrastructure to cope. set is easily available. Suitable ones will also be placed on the web (though not the knockdown price of the agenda that she and Penny put together for the day was nothing if not challenging. And, before we can sell the current exam paper!) A number of documents of a more sensitive nature, ourselves as a brand, we £15. The black Skye 200 Before we could even begin to look to the future, we were asked to consider the pros such as the description of cas care for the insurance companies, may also find must be absolutely sure jacket is produced by and cons of staying the same. In other words, not changing at all. It was very soon their way onto the disc to increase our openness and prevent the erroneous what that brand Keela in Zetland 200 apparent that to remain as we are carries a huge risk. Having established that, Ceri rumours that circulate endlessly. represents, both to the micro fleece and asked us to look at what we saw as the key future activities of the MRC by identifying What else can the Medical sub do? I think Casualty Care in Mountain Rescue will stay outside the sub committee and be commissioned rather than written average team member features elasticated who we want to be, what shape the organisation should take and our role, both within by members. I hope we will be able to develop teaching resources by collecting and the general public. cuffs, 2 outer zip mountain rescue and in relationship to external bodies. Once we had an understanding good lectures from regions and teams and disseminating them more widely. To this end, the MRC pockets, shock cord in of this we were able to begin putting together a mission statement encapsulating what hem with adjustable We are going to tentatively work on a few clinical areas to produce guidelines Executive and the we value and think is important, and what we get out of MR. on common problems. The first two, on head injury and spinal injuries, are in cordlock and loops at Fundraising Group met A further day is planned to develop on some of the discussions which arose during various stages of completion. Time constraints may mean that our starting cuff and collar for at Patterdale MRT base the day, which will then allow for a more detailed planning session. We came away point may be taking other peopleʼs guidelines, particularly IKARʼs, and adopting attachment to jacket. in early June to try to with a very positive view of the direction the MRC should take and the steps required appropriate ones. Available in sizes XS to establish a clearer idea to get there. Keep an eye on the MRC News for updates over the coming months. There is also the area of training team members, examiners and team doctors. XXL, the jacket has the of where we are going. MRC Executive Will we be able to support more than the occasional day like the successful A long, hot, tiring day MRC logo embroidered one at Plas y Brenin in 2002? A new format is going to be tried in early 2004 to see if we can develop a better idea of what we should be doing and what we produced some on the left breast, with should be encouraging others to do. John Ellerton MRC Medical Officer interesting insights and a the text ʻQueenʼs Golden BMC TECHNICAL CONFERENCE 2003 surprising concensus of Jubilee Medalʼ. Block Plas y Brenin, North Wales opinion. Read the report orders are invited, from Sunday 9 November 2003 IKAR comes to organisations may send observers at – far right. teams only, to John Scotland for the first an additional cost. It is also possible Edwards – time in October. The that non-member organisations be THE ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL EVENT FOR ANYONE INVOLVED IN OUTDOOR Coylumbridge Hilton invited to make a presentation to one VAT FOR TEAMS [email protected] – or RETAIL, TRADE OR TRAINING & ACTIVE CLIMBERS WITH A HEALTHY INTEREST by post to John at 5 IN THEIR OWN SAFETY venue, situated as it is of the commissions, if this is seen to From the plethora of on the edge of the Cairngorm further the business of the commission. Valley Cottages, This essential event will focus on some of the currently important issues in the world of Mountains, is ideally placed to host The international nature of IKAR often confusing Manchester Road, technical equipment for mountaineering and climbing, and also provides a forum for such a prestigious meeting of the makes language a particular problem. information regarding Greenfield, Lancashire. discussion of any technical-related subject. VAT for teams, a The conference should not be missed by anyone involved in outdoor retail, trade or training as it leaders of the international mountain The business of the medical and air Payment on delivery provides a unique opportunity for direct discussion between these groups and the end users of document has now been rescue community. rescue commissions is conducted please. For further info, equipment. The event will also be found incredibly useful by anyone who actively participates in The business of IKAR is to receive, almost entirely in English, that being put together by Penny outdoor sports and simply wants to increase their technical understanding of the safety contact John via email discuss and disseminate information something of a lingua franca for the Brockman summarising equipment they use. It represents a chance to increase your own personal knowledge of areas or telephone 01457 with which you are unfamiliar, and to question some of the most knowledgeable experts in the on all matters relating to MR. The professions involved. The avalanche everything you should 870734. UK on subjects of particular personal importance. commissions meet twice a year and terrestrial rescue commissions need to know. This is Event Presenter – Andy Perkins (UIAGM Guide, Technical Committee) normally, once in separate meetings are less open to the use of a common available to download as HELICOPTER VIDEO Keynote Speaker – Pit Schubert (President UIAA Safety Commission) and once at a general conference language and their business will be a PDF from the MRC Presentations : which also includes a plenary session transacted in English, German and website. The Sea King Passenger Recent technical reports – Neville McMillan (Chair Technical Committee) where the general business of the French with the aid of a simultaneous Safety Brief video has Bolts & corrosion – Rob Allen (Technical Committee) committee is dealt with. translation facility. The use of Gaelic, Helmets – Mark Taylor (Technical Committee) UK CONFERENCES been revised and is Ropes – Richard Terrell (Central Beacons MRT, Technical Committee) Unlike other conferences, there are the language of the Garden of Eden, being circulated to Lessons from roped access work – Ben Lyon (Lyon Equipment, Technical Committee) no formal external speakers or will be restricted to suitably lubricated Plans are underway for Open question & answer session – Technical Committee Panel presentations. The sole purpose is to social occasions. regions for forwarding to the next two UK Practical Sessions transact the business of IKAR and In addition to formal business, there Conferences, for which it teams. Through Flt Sgt Idiots on the rocks – Plas y Brenin speaker subject matter for the conference will be a full partner programme, a Crack detection in metalware – Rob Allen is hoped to secure Duncan Tripp, D Flight, Black museum of old broken gear – George Steele/Ian Hey sessions is arranged by the chairmen drinks reception, hosted by the funding by later this year. 202 Squadron, RAF of the individual commissions. It is, Coylumbridge Hilton, for the arriving Places are sure to go fast, so donʼt miss this exciting opportunity to expand your therefore, not possible to say at this delegates on the Wednesday evening Proposed venues are Lossiemouth, thanks to technical knowledge. Contact the office or email ianhey@thebmc for further information stage what the topics for discussion and a civic reception and gala dinner Bangor, North Wales in the RAF for providing the and a registration form. BRITISH MOUNTAINEERING COUNCIL will be. Members of IKAR are entitled on the Friday evening. September 2004 and videos for each region to send reps to the meetings of the Willie Marshall Chairman MRC of S Coleraine, Northern 177-179 Burton Road, Manchester M20 2BB • Tel 0870 010 4878 Fax 0161 445 4500 and team. individual commissions. Other Ireland in September www.thebmc.co.uk [email protected] PAGE 4 MRC NEWSLETTER JULY 2003 JULY 2003 MRC NEWSLETTER PAGE 5 REGIONAL NEWS REGIONAL NEWS

LAKE DISTRICT for some time and would have been saved, SEA & MOUNTAIN RESCUE COURSE There was something familiar about the voice had there been a team in the area. A local Cockermouth MRT , in conjunction with Lake of the uniformed official we had just totally FAREWELL MILLOM... landowner approached the Millom Climbing District National Park Voluntary Wardens, are ignored – the teamʼs police liaison officer! What Januaryʼs MRC News introduced the Lake Club and they formed the basis of the new HELLO DUDDON & FURNESS... running a Sea & Mountain Rescue Weekend the stuff was he doing at the Riverside? Districtʼs newest team, Duddon & Furness, team. A young Peter Jackson was the first Duddon & Furness MRT was officially Course, September 5-7, at the Buttermere Then it dawned. The fleeting ʻsenior momentʼ, team leader. 32 years on, he was still there as and told a little of the history of the late launched in April, with an Open Day at team Youth Hostel to promote the work of the rescue in which we had thought and dreamt of stardom, the last team leader, and continues as joint Furness team, and this article says goodbye to base, part of a week long calender of events in services in the Lakes. The weekend involves was now turning sour. Two sad old fellows who leader of the new team – probably a unique Millom MRT . Many readers, even those who this yearʼs Cumbrian Mountain Festival, but six talks and slide shows, along with a look behind should have known better and concentrated on know the Lakes, will be hard pressed to point record in the annals of mountain rescue. months from its actual operational launch, how the scenes at the teamʼs base and the bringing their zimmerframes rather than their to Millom on a map of England, knowing little Equipment was scrounged from a variety of does the new team feel and look? Are there Workington lifeboat. To find out more, contact football boots. of this small ex-iron mining town on the sources. The first stretcher and safety helmets lessons to be learned? Was it right to merge course co-ordinator Derek Tunstall on 01946 Now it was back to reality with a resounding Duddon Estuary (just off the bottom left-hand came from the ironworks. What little kit they Baby look at you now... the Millom and Furness teams or is it too early 861051 or [email protected] thump, a missing vulnerable on the banks of corner of the old one inch map of the Lake had was stored in a loft above a garage. Few to tell? The idea swas first floated as far back the River Tees. The search did turn out to have District). For those who follow the news, itʼs people had phones and call outs involved driving down the offside, and York stretcher and side as 1993 with the publication of Rescue 2000 , a its memorable moment. One search party somewhere between Barrow in Furness round the town knocking on doors. Mountain facing attendants seat down the near side. piece of independent research by Wally Keay, MID PENNINE scored a first by searching the boom of the (Legionnaireʼs Disease) and Whitehaven rescues were not common – only 85 incidents Thereʼs also enough room for the Bell to slide commissioned by LDSMRA, which looked at NEW BABY IN ROSSENDALE famous Transporter Bridge. (The lads from Auf (BNFL Sellafield)! with 66 casualties and 8 deaths in the whole of down the centre of the vehicle and be clamped Millomʼs association with mountain rescue the Lakes for that year. The Wasdale team didnʼt the future of rescue provision across Cumbria. Following a gestation period far beyond any in, and a step which slides out from underneath Wiedersehen, Pet didnʼt demolish it. By the actually predates many of the more famous exist and it was the Millom team that carried Despite the shelves of books devoted to the previously recorded in human history, the rear, then folds out again into a full width way, there is only one other like it in the UK at local teams. The airfield at nearby Haverigg the Mickledore stretcher box up Brown Tongue process and pitfalls of change, both teams had Rossendale & Pendle MRT have finally taken double step to the double rear doors. Newport, South Wales. Maybe, Pete Howells was the home of RAF Millom MRT, one of the to its position between Scafell Pike and their fair share of heated debates, but th e delivery of their new baby, conceived after an has done something similar already). If you very first teams ever formed in the early 1940s. Scafell. positives far outweigh the negatives, according awayday trip to the Peak District. Although not JAZZ AWARD look closely just to the left of the centre of the Putting a bomber training school where the Things have come on a long way since then – to Mike Margeson. ʻThe most important point without complications, and some worries about Bolton MRT have received the James Newton boom, you can just see the search party. mountains came down to the sea gave plenty Land Rovers, radios, Bell stretchers, oxygen, for me, was that we decided to take the time to possible feeding problems – the infant has a Memorial Trophy from the RSPCA and a Oh, yeah, the result... Middlesborough 2: Aston of opportunities for those early pioneers, who GPS and Goretex. Some time ago, Sid Cross, do the job properly, with a two year timetable to tendency to choke and splutter on first taking commendation for the rescue of a seven month Villa 5... Maybe they needed us after all. return each year to the RAF Museum reunions realistically cover all aspects of team activity. nourishment – these are regarded as purely old German Shepherd called Jazz. She had INSIDE OUT IN SCARBOROUGH at the camp (now one of Her Majestyʼs Our first decision was to immediately have teething troubles, and should settle themselves jumped over a wall and appeared to have broken Prisons). Museum copies of log books for the joint call outs and one training programme – over a period of time. Proud father, Vehicle her leg. At the presentation in May, team The BBC has spent the last few months station make interesting reading – they tell of crucial for us to start working together and getting Officer, Steve Hatton, who had undergone members were saddened to hear that Jazz had shadowing members of the Scarborough & many expeditions into the hills and along the to know each other. Inevitably, this highlighted months of psychological testing from his fellow died six weeks after the incident as a result of District SRT for regional programme, Inside shore to pick up the pieces of unsuccessful any differences in existing working practices team mates before convincing them of the an operation following the fall. Out. Broadcast throughout the North of missions. and systems.ʼ need for this new addition to the family, was England, the A few years before the civilian team was Five members of each team were chosen to present at the birth and has since continued to episode will formed in Coniston, it was servicemen and NORTH EAST form an interim management group to oversee nurse his fledgling with loving, if somewhat focus on a group women, with little or no kit, or experience of the WHEN THE CALL CAME... the whole process. Little did they realise what proprietorial, care. (A phenomena inherent in of new recruits mountains, who were dispatched up the Old a workload they were taking on! It was decided Vehicle Officers everywhere, as their fellow Dave Little, Cleveland SRT , reports... It was a as they join the Man to recover the bits of a Spitfire. It had to involve as many people as possible, with team members will doubtless attest.) bright sunny Tuesday afternoon in March. team following a been flying lower than the other two in its specialist sub groups for medical, equipment Perhaps the omens were good for tonightʼs very successful group when the pilot was surprised to find the Needless to say, as soon as they set eyes on etc. Consequently, everything has been the new babe, even the hardest of hearts were game. The Boro had been high in the Premier recruitment summit ridge in the mist. The archives recount Members of Millom MRT carrying the stretcher box recently reviewed and agreed, resulting in new League and there had been dreams that we campaign. experiments in the use of bren-gun carriers as up Brown Tongue melted and team members young and old have Gary Anderson (Equipment might get a place in Europe for next season. Of Presenter Chris transport onto the fells, successfully reaching and better systems of working, giving legitimacy lovingly accepted and embraced her into their Officer) being filmed standing late though, the results had not been so good Jackson joined around as usual (allegedly!) the summit of Black Combe. Itʼs hard to imagine President of the then LDMAA remarked at a bosoms. Already, in the few short months of and we were sliding down the table. Then the the journeys team members made in the back MR Medical Conference in Ambleside that he life, she has rewarded that love with willing the hopeful team call came... ʻCould Gari and I get down to the of lorries going down to help with searches in was amazed a trade stand had a ʻ£400 service and it is hoped that there will be many members as they underwent initial selection Riverside Stadium urgently?ʼ Wales. thermometerʼ (pulse oxymeter!) for sale and years of happy, resourceful life to come. and training exercises in search, ropework, find It wasnʼt until 1967 that the Millom Fell Rescue how he could never have explained that to the But seriously, always a dilemma when the The adrenalin started to flow. As it flooded the site management and the use of specialist Team was formed. Again aircraft played a part. early volunteers who carried folk off the fells on moment comes to replace a vehicle, and faced brain, I reacted immediately – there was no casualty care equipment. He then took part in A small plane crashed on the Combe and it five-bar gates. But it is still the members, who with a blank sheet of paper – what to replace it need to listen to the rest of what was being the Probationary Selection Weekend along was some days before the wreckage was turn out for training, fundraising and the ʻreal with? With a spec that included standing room said. I slammed the phone down. So this was with another group nearing their first year with found. It seemed likely that the pilot was alive thingʼ, who are the backbone of the team. in the rear, space for a standard York stretcher it. After 40 years of being on the sidelines, our the team. Seven of us were awarded long and a loaded Bell, seating capacity for 4 or 5 chance had finally come. Star players, Juninho Itʼs hoped that the programme, screened in service certificates last year for a The new Duddon & Furness MRT line up personnel, storage cupboards for kit and a and Boksic, must have been ruled out. I am a July, will promote not just the Scarborough total of over 200 yearsʼ service to to the original intention – to create a better, keen price tag, Steve went down to Glossop to midfield general and Gari is more of a striker. team but MR in general. Team PR Officer Pete mountain rescue. There have been more effective MR provision for south west look at their newly converted ex-RAF 127 Land We roared into the playersʼ car park and started Thompson explains, ʻThis show has a very another 154 members over the Cumbria. Rover ambulance. However, further research running up the stairs to the players lounge. large catchment area. It will be viewed by years. ʻSix months in I can say, without hesitation, led to a local company specialising in the potential new recruits not only in our area but So itʼs goodbye Millom, hello Duddon that we have a new team that is considerably that of other NESRA teams and across to the – traditions and history start in 2003. conversion of Land Rovers. From a donor vehicle We are h Lake District. Whilst dramas like Rockface Just what will things be like when the more skilled and has made leaps and bounds that was an ex-army 127 Rapier Land Rover – ere! have taken MR to a wider audience it can new team gets to its thirtieth birthday? in its efficiency across the board. All involved basically an open backed Land Rover with cab can readily see this and are focused, motivated – the vehicle now has a newly formed cab and sometimes appear elitist and daunting to Stephe Cove Chairman Duddon & prospective members. Itʼs hoped that Inside Furness MRT (ex-Chairman Millom MRT) and talented. windscreen to enable seated rear passengers & Peter Jackson Joint Team Leader ʻI would say to any team thinking of merger – to see forward, and a purpose-built rear Out will show mountain rescue as an organisation Duddon & Furness MRT come and talk to us. The benefits outweigh the compartment with three darkened side windows, within which the average person can be actively (ex-Team Leader Millom MRT) One of the first pictures of the old Millom team. Peter Jackson worries and any attachment that you may have two opening, one fixed. The layout comprises involved.ʼ appears far right. Photos taken by a founder member, Ian Beck to the status quo.ʼ two forward-facing seats and storage cupboards

PAGE 6 MRC NEWSLETTER JULY 2003 JULY 2003 MRC NEWSLETTER PAGE 7 REGIONAL NEWS REGIONAL NEWS

system, with ample space for casualty care. An on the moor for use in fighting the fire. With ROYAL VISIT OPENS NEW BASE country. A recce meeting, a week later, with independent heating system heats the area, tenacity, to manhandle portable pumps and When Buxton MRT got word that HRH The the Dukeʼs Private Secretary, his Personal which also has floor to ceiling wipeboard capacity hose, dam streams to hold back the water for Duke of York had agreed to formally open their Protection Officer, Derbyshire Police VIP for extended briefing requirements. The computer the pumps and, at times, to physically fight the new base on 12 March, time was short. Minds Protection Unit, the Vice Lord Lieutenant and screen records live all radio comms and incident fire by whatever means available (although were focused. Stops pulled out. Help came staff from the Lord Lieutenancy discussed the details, as well as carrying a complete mapping this was never the brief, it is difficult to stand by from outside the team to improve the area programme, including the displays, guests to service of the county. and watch.) Team vehicles carried Fire Service around HQ, in the form of High Peak Borough be invited, car parking, helicopter L/Z, protocol Externally, the control area can be expanded by personnel and equipment into areas otherwise Council, Doveholes Community Association and publicity and so on... but still the visit was way of a pull out roof/walls from the roof platform, unreachable. At one point, the flames were and RMC, who all contributed to the landscaping not confirmed until late February. Hence the adding a fully enclosed and storm resistant room IT ’S ONLY A GRASS FIRE.... seen to leap the track over the roof of one the and turfing, rebuilding of drystone walls, laying last minute frenzy of activity. capable of holding at least 25 people. This area Easter was a sad time for local hill lovers in Land Rovers. The same vehicles were used to tarmac, clearing litter and distributing some can be supplied by hot water and used as a Oldham, as moorland above Saddleworth, aid evacuation of people and live stock from 500 leaflets to the local community, and the The new base marks a huge leap forward in triage point. A 12V & 240V system runs through Mossley and Carrbrook grew blackened and premises at risk. Doveholes Over 60s club agreed to open up Project 2000, a ten year plan, which has so far NEW VEHICLE IN CONTROL all three main compartments. External link up scarred in a series of grass fires. As one of the Some two thousand acres of prime moorland their building on the day for refreshments. proceeded beyond all expectations. It all started points and slave battery and generator ensure were lost, along with its unique flora and fauna In the two weeks leading up to the visit, work with the replacement of the teamʼs front line Teesdale & Weardale SRT President, Lord first fire crews to arrive approached an constant power. – in excess of two thousand grouse, breeding was completed on the new building, the original response vehicle, to the tune of £35,000 – on Barnard, and the Chief Constable of Durham Oldham MRT member, he was heard to Costing £22,000 plus the purchase of the base pairs of merlin, curlew, golden plover and building was thoroughly cleaned and painted the road within a year of the project launch. Constabulary, have unveiled the teamʼs new comment, ʻI canʼt understand what all the fuss vehicle, the conversion was carried out by MMB countless meadow pipits. outside, site visits were held with various Phase Two, building a new operational base, control vehicle, based on a 4.6 ton IVECO, after is about. Itʼs only a grass f... Bloody hell!!!ʼ. He of Macclesfield. organisations, invitations sent out, static and was always going to take a little longer. The a year of planning, design and build. never actually finished the sentence. With For more information, please contact David active displays worked up and practiced, briefing scheme wasnʼt helped when construction The vehicle features a full length roof platform flames of 15 to 20 feet high, a firewall Bartles-Smith, Deputy Team Leader, on notes written, plaques designed and ordered, regulations imposed by the local planning for easy access to push button hydraulic mast stretched before him for over two and a half [email protected] or the buffet organised, (the biggest buffet in living authority doubled the price tag. But, in less and additional equipment. Front and rear light miles, driven by high winds at a speed faster visit the team website www.twsrt.org memory – your Editor will vouch for that! I than three years, the building is complete and bars carry a PA system and 360º flood and spot than most people can run. This was a little bit suspect the crisp mountain is still being officially open at a cost of £85,000 and Phase lighting surrounds the vehicle. Equipment is more than just a grass fire. scaled!), car parking facilities arranged and Three, the internal reconstruction of the existing accessed through an alarmed rear roller shutter A perplexed senior Fire officer asked team publicity organised. building into a dedicated training block is now door and strapped and caged in this compartment. leader, Mick Nield. ʻIs this normal? Are these The day dawned bright and clear – if a little complete. Decisions must still be made The front driver and passenger area, with types of fire always this bad?ʼ The response nippy. Last minute touches were made to the regarding exactly what extra training facilities screened windows, incorporates the teamʼs indicated that this was far from normal and this Dave Knight, OMRT Training Officer said, static displays, active displays were practiced. the building will offer, but plans are in the search management software system. The laptop was going to be very difficult to deal with. It had ʻWith the greatest of respect to our colleagues Tents for the guests and Doveholes Band pipeline for a computer projection system to mounted to the dash relays all information to a been eleven years since the last serious in the Fire Service, their primary concern – and were erected, the forecourt swept and hosed aid group training. Phase Four, a secondary second screen and printer in the main control moorland fire in this area of the Peak District. rightly so – related to safety of persons and down, vehicles cleaned and polished, and the response vehicle, estimated at £25,000, has area, which is accessed by the side door and is ʻWhat can you do?ʼ he asked and, over the protection of property. The difference is in the union flag, together with the MRC flag (flown just arrived and should be ready for service as able to seat a further seven people. The comms next four days, the team showed exactly what interpretation of which property to protect for the very first time in England and Wales!) console (TETRA, low & high band, marine, they could do! considering the limitations of resources available. were hoisted on to the communication tower. police and ambulance) links the front area with Team members where to be found almost Our local moorland is priceless, and to watch it The Duke of York arrived by helicopter, to be the map board and office support, including everywhere. High on the moor, and often into burn is akin to witnessing the injury of a close welcomed by team officials and local photocopier. Ideal for briefings, this area quickly the heart of the blazing landscape, with friend. dignitaries. As members of the public jostled converts to carry a Bell, clamped to the floor rail comms equipment – advising the fire service of its size, location and direction of travel. ʻIn fairness to the Fire Service the flames eagerly at the barriers, HRH took time to divert Removing fences, allowing sheep trapped by always had the upper hand, moving fast and, from the serious matter of touring the base to PEAK DISTRICT I’M A CASUALTY GET ME OUT OF HERE! the fire to escape. In the midst of the fire, using in the main, inaccessible to the equipment that engage in a little banter, much to everyoneʼs Oldham MRT ʼs International Weekend may navigational skills to guide fire crews through could have made the difference. There was little delight. Then it was back to the tour, led by BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP SUCCESS not have had the customary requirement for the dense smoke – akin to navigating through chance of stopping the fire, more to channel Neil Carruthers, Team Leader. The Duke was The profile of mountain rescue in the Peak sun cream application, clouded as it was with thick mist and clag. (In oven like temperatures, and guide as best they could. Some may very interested in the role and service provided District was significantly improved through a cooler weather and torrential rain on the a mist that stings the eyes.) Staying with the argue that this was a situation in which a by mountain rescue, expressing some surprise Business Partnership Dinner, organised by Saturday, but a successful and full weekend fire crews fighting hard to stop the advancing mountain rescue team should not have that there were, in fact, so many teams David Coleman, Chief Constable Derbyshire was enjoyed by all. Delegates assembled from wall of flame and provide first aid cover, or become involved yet our particular skills were scattered across the country. Constabulary, in October. The idea was to across the UK – Plas y Brenin, Buxton, South guiding them safely over terrain unfamiliar to needed and used. The 45 minute visit seemed over in a moment, raise awareness within the local business Eastern MRA, Edale, Holme Valley, Tayside, crews more used to the streets and buildings ʻOur thanks are extended to the Greater a fitting follow on from the 1990 opening of the community of the working relationships which Kerry, the Isle of Man, Bucks, Assynt, Derby of Manchester. Manchester Fire Service for their efforts and first building, by HRH The Princess of Wales. exist between police and teams, and to seek and the Metropolitan Police – to work off hearty The same intimate knowledge of the local co-operation, Greater Manchester Police Air Approaching another Royal to do the honours sponsors to assist in the purchase of the new Oldham breakfasts in a series of training landscape was used to advise Senior Fire Support Unit, Greater Manchester Ambulance may have seemed an improbability, but the high band radios. sessions culminating, on Sunday, in a grand Officers of the lie of the land, where vehicles Service and the Salvation Army who fed all of concensus back in November was ʻWhy not Mountain Rescue Council flag flying high The dinner prompted a promise from East cableway rescue out of Wilderness gully. On a may travel, or where water could be expected us over the four days plus.ʼ try?ʼ The idea was discussed with the Lord Midlands Electricity to donate one of their Land couple of occasions the ʻcasualtyʼ very nearly Lake District teams were also involved in some Lieutenantʼs Office in Derbyshire, followed by we go to press. Attention is now turning to Rovers to the PDMRO. The vehicle, which will became a real one. First, whilst descending the spectacular grass fires, during what was one a letter requesting that the Duke be formally Phase Five, the provision of a Search Control go to Woodhead MRT is a 130 model, diesel, gully, the unwitting volunteer slipped and of the hottest springs on record for a very long invited to open the Operational Centre. Further and Team Welfare Trailer, and Phase Six, the P reg, three seat cab Quadtek back, with a sustained a rather large bruise on the left buttock time. Once again we find ourselves extending communications revealed that the Dukeʼs provision of all the necessary personal winch on the front. The team had a forward then, en route back up, a stone dislodged our deepest sympathies to those who rely on diary would be agreed in January and that protection equipment used by operational control unit/equipment carrying vehicle for above her, almost landing on her head. our local hills for their livelihood – the landowners, confirmation or otherwise would be received team members. Buxton certainly appear to be planning and co-ordinating a search and rescue Nothing like a little authenticity! farmers and sporting tenants – the very same some time later. On the 17 February, the team roaring through their plan at high speed, with but not the four wheel drive capability to take The weekend ended in usual fashion with a people that rescue teams rely upon for access heard that the visit was ʻvery likelyʼ, but not yet great success – whatever it is theyʼre on, them up tracks. The vehicle is currently hog roast and more than a few beers at the to the open spaces and crags, in order to train confirmed, because the Duke was out of the perhaps they could bottle it! undergoing relivery. Cross Keys Inn. and practice our skills. PAGE 8 MRC NEWSLETTER JULY 2003 JULY 2003 MRC NEWSLETTER PAGE 9 REGIONAL NEWS REGIONAL NEWS

NORTH WALES SOUTH WEST TRIPLE CALL AT WINTORS LEAP Lydney Fire & Rescue carried out another undertakes a number of different tasks including While most climbers were enjoying the warm excellent job of lowering the casualty to the search and rescue. It also undertakes SEARCH AWARENESS WEEKEND NEW TEAM FOR CORNWALL clear evenings towards the end of March and base of the climb, where the casualty was Emergency Lighting, Rest & Reception Aberglaslyn MRT are hosting the North Wales March saw the official launch of the newly beginning of April, Severn Area RA and other stabilised by ambulance staff before the long Management, Flood Relief, Emergency Mountain Rescue Search Awareness Weekend formed Cornwall Rescue Group at the Eden local emergency services were kept very busy carry out, up the steep climb through the Catering, Evacuation and Civil Protection. A on 24-26 October at Rhyd Ddu. There are limited Project. Membership currently numbers 35, along the popular cliffs of Wintors Leap in the Woodcroft Quarry, to the ambulance at the structured training programme is provided places available to people outside the North although Vice Chairman and Operations Wye Valley. SARA was called to three separate entrance to the quarry. Despite multiple injuries, including specialist training courses off Island. Wales area on a first come, first served basis. Officer, Jim Gallienne anticipates doubling that The Hasty Team. L to R. Paul Fox, Dee Richards, Chris Dixon, Kevin Brown, Wendy Cooper incidents, within three weeks of each other, he made a full recovery . Members from all walks of life and professions A small charge of £10 per person will be figure. The new team fulfils a need identified by along the same stretch of cliffs. Unfortunately are organised into two teams, each having a required to accompany the booking form, SWERA back in 2002, for a dedicated group to Members of Dartmoor Rescue Group , one proved to be fatal. YORKSHIRE DALES team leader and deputy, and a Corps which will be non-refundable to no-shows. carry out search and rescue in Cornwall. Tavistock Section, their thoughts were that a The first call came as most members were Commander and Deputy as overall Command JUBILEE MEDALS ETC... Please contact Gwen Patmore for more details Members of several organisations such as 2-man running team with lightweight equipment returning from work and hoping to enjoy the and Control. The operational line management and a booking form – 01766 514081 or Cornwall Mine Rescue Organisation, Search & could cover a large area of moorland. The aim eveningʼs good weather. Instead, within half an Members of The Upper Wharfedale FRA will of the Corps is exercised through the [email protected] Rescue Tracker Association, HM Coastguard, a quick find with full back up by search teams. hour of the call, some of them were assembling be presented with their Queenʼs Jubilee Department of Home Affairs, Civil Defence The team has won an internet-ready PC from Cornwall County Council Emergency Planning, Steeped in myth and legend, Dartmoor at Woodcroft quarry, whilst others prepared to Awards by the Lord Lieutenant of North Division, via the Emergency Planning Officer BT Connections. As they do not have a base, Devon & Cornwall Constabulary and SARDA represents many challenges for those who launch SARA 1, the biggest of their inshore Yorkshire, later this year. Meanwhile, two and Assistant Emergency Planning Officer. this will be available for use at Snowdon were approached to form the group. venture there. The hapless navigator can lifeboats. members of the team have been invited to The MRT is called out by the Emergency Lodge, Tremadog. So next time youʼre down Previously, teams from neighbouring counties struggle in a sometimes featureless landscape The report was that a young male had fallen 60 attend a Buckingham Palace Garden Party. At Services around 18 times a year and is very for a climb and need to use the internet, please had been called in, placing a huge strain on when the mist suddenly descends. The majority foot, attempting to scale Easy Way Down. This the last general meeting, Chris Baker retired highly regarded as a professional, highly trained drop in. Rumour has it that there are more PCs resources. Before going fully operational, CRG of call outs are lost souls , the only clue to their male casualty was very lucky. Planning only a after 24 years as Chairman and is succeeded group with an established system of command to be given away soon – you can find out more will work with Dartmoor Rescue Group in wherabouts a car left in a lonely spot... the short walk with a friend, and wearing just by well known caver Harry Long. The end of and control who can undertake a range of from www.btcommunityconnections.com . Cornish call outs to ensure systems and proverbial needle in a haystack. trousers, t-shirt, sweatshirt and trainers, they June will see the team joining forces with the tasks. Over the past five years they have procedures are fully adequate. Cave Rescue Organisation to raise funds attended a number of missing person searches, DESTINATION SNOWDONIA When Chris put the concept forward, there had decided on the slightly quicker option of The team is currently based at Ponsanooth, were immediate reservations. Coping with the attempting to climb out of the valley via the through running the 24th Game Show, which is light aircraft incidents and assisted the police in More than 2000 members of charities from all near Truro, but is looking for something more worst of winter gales and driving rain in nothing steep path, which to this unlucky man proved held at Broughton Hall, near Skipton. open area evidence searches. over Britain will soon be travelling to Snowdonia centrally located. Their area is considerable – more than trainers and a thin jacket seemed to be easier coming down than going up. His Contact Details – Martin Blackburn, thanks to a joint marketing initiative spearheaded covering 11 OS maps – and takes in moorland like asking for trouble but, finally, it was decided friend had managed to make it to the top, but Emergency Planning Officer 01624 621742 by Snowdon Lodge owners Carl Borum and ISLE OF MAN areas such as Bodmin and Penwith Moors, to trial the runners for 3 months, on exercise he lost his footing and fell, sustaining fractures (Mobile 07624 493 491); Ian Notman, Assistant Anja Grunert, Ian McNeill of Snowdonia WELCOME TO THE MAINLAND hundreds of miles of coastline, as well as urban nights only. Out went the normal rucksack bulk, to both ankles, cuts and bruises. Emergency Planning Officer 01624 621742 Adventures and Gwynedd Council Marketing The Isle of Man Civil Defence MRT became and semi-rural areas. Already this year, the in came a scaled down version in 30 litre The hardest part of the rescue was the decision (Mobile 07624 494 402); Mervyn Dickaty, Manager, Sian Jones. The move will bring an Associate member of the MRC earlier this police have requested their Initial Response rucksacks – the Hasty Handbags! The exercises how to evacuate this casualty, safely and Corps Commander 01624 842044. large numbers on hiking and biking training year, but we know little about them, so this Team to attend call outs. This is a trial project proved extremely successful and it was decided quickly. There were three options. 1. Complete breaks before they go off to the four corners of seems a perfect opportunity to introduce them which enables Devon & Cornwall Police to talk to use Hasty on subsequent call-outs. the long carry out to the Air Ambulance, which the earth, raising millions for charity. to their new colleagues in the mountain ALSAR with a Search Manager on site, on the phone or The Hasty team is ideal for an area like had managed to find a small clearing for landing In March, Snowdon Lodge and Snowdonia rescue community. AGM UPDATE at a nearby police station, before deciding on a Dartmoor. They are deployed ahead of the near the edge of the river, but this would take Adventures played host to representatives of The team is part of the Isle of Man Civil strategy for action. As Cornwall has never had search teams and can be 4km into the moors over an hour. 2. The Fire Service team could This yearʼs AGM showed a good turn out by Charity Challenge, an international company Defence Corps, a volunteer organisation its own rescue team before, it is hoped that this before they hear the first radio checks of the take him back up the cliff to the waiting member units from around the country. The that administers events around the world, supported by the Isle of Man Government, will help familiarise them with the team and walking teams. Typically, a search area is the ambulance above. 3. Lower him down the new Executive Officers are Andy Williamson in including this yearʼs cancer charity challenge comprising 35 trained volunteers, of which 22 encourage earlier call to incidents. last known position or route the casualty was steep, muddy embankment to the waiting the Chair, assisted by Vice Chair John Dutton, ʻThe Great Walk of Chinaʼ, in which women will are part of the MRT, with the others currently in Basic training is provided by Remote Access expected to take. The objective is to revisit that lifeboat, the approved option. Secretary Margaret Bennett, Treasurer Steve raise money walking the length of the great training. The team receives equipment, training International. The courses are fully funded, area and search further until the route is During the lower, one of the paramedics was Cranswick and Training Officer Rob Bradley. All wall of China. The group enjoyed an intensive and transport, including two minibuses and two externally verified and certified by Duchy complete . Limitations are based on the issued a lifejacket with a crash course on how agreed that the coming year will be an exciting weekend of training on the hills and cycle trails 4WD and all volunteers must complete a six College on completion. Training plans also assumption that the casualty is conscious and to use it, then SARA 1 made a rapid, steady time of many changes for ALSAR, reflecting of Snowdonia. Later in the evening, months probation period, after which they include working with neighbouring teams in able to respond to shouts and horns. approach down the River Wye and out into the the growth in Lowland SAR units over the last Aberglaslyn MRT Training Officer, Richard receive waterproof clothing and equipment if joint exercises. Says Jim, ʻAlthough we have no Currently, a member must be on the call out list Severn, where it was met by the road ambulance couple of years. Many aspects of the association Beech, gave a talk on mountain rescue and a they wish to start training with the MRT. mountains and not much moor, we anticipate for at least six months before they can join on Beachley slipway. From here the casualty will be reviewed, including the constitution, search dog presentation. The Isle of Man is a Crown Dependency and, being kept busy with lost person searches Hasty. As there are usually only two in a team was taken from the boat and into the ambulance training and codes of practice, and charity as such, is not part of the UK, having its own across the county. We are on course with a go at any one time, the need to be able to take for the short distance by road to the waiting Air registration applied for. Andy Williamson Parliament and making its own laws. The live date in October and are currently in the control of a casualty site places much emphasis Ambulance. He was then flown to Frenchay comments, ʻALSAR remains committed to raising SOUTH WALES Island is approx 35 miles by 15 miles and the process of trying to acquire kit, which seems to on training within a small group. Hasty tend to hospital, where he made a full recovery. the profile of lowland search and rescue in the BIG BLACK MOUNTAINS CHALLENGE population is 75,000. The highest point is be never ending!ʼ be a very close-knit unit for this reason and the The second call to SARA didnʼt prove so UK, educating local authorities and police forces 5 am on Saturday 17 May and Big Black Snaefell, at 621 metres, the topography a low Newsgroupers may well have spotted Jimʼs camaraderie plays a large part of who we are. successful as the cliffs of Wintors Leap claimed to the benefits of properly trained and equipped Mountains Challenge organiser Len Harbottle lying area around central high ground and the plea to any teams out there who have any Fitness is crucial, running over rough terrain their first fatality of the year. A climber had fallen volunteer units.ʼ of Longtown MRT anxiously watched the climate wet and mild. However, due to the spare equipment – can you please throw it their saps the legs and can be risky at night. The from the Forbidden Wall, and, though saved weather and worried that the number of entries exposed position of the Island, extreme NEW AND APPROVED ALSAR way. Contact him on [email protected] distances covered can be huge, running for 7 from falling any further by his equipment, he may be affected. It was overcast, wet and conditions on high ground are common in winter, TRAINING hours or more is not uncommon. Of the four died in hospital a day later. windy, but as the participants began to arrive it HASTY TEAM with wind speeds of 80-100mph occurring on a How do you ensure that every searcher has the original members, only Chris remains. Dee Lydney Fire Services Rescue Team secured became clear that, far from bothered, they were Dee Richards reports... In 1991, during the regular basis. same minimum level of training across twelve Richards, Paul Fox, Wendy Cooper and, Kevin the casualty and lowered him to the base of the keener than ever! The number of entries long drive back to the South West after a The Isle of Man, as with the Channel Islands, lowland search teams? How do you ensure Brown, back him up. As team leader, Chris climb. SARA assisted the Fire & Rescue to exceeded all records and, despite the miserable Karrimor Mountain Marathon in Arrochar, Chris still maintains a Civil Defence Corps to act in that they have access to the same quality of ensures we function within the group as a carry the casualty out to the Air Ambulance. conditions, they remained cheerful throughout. Dixon, Mike Rasdall, Nigel Worsey and support of the Emergency Services. This is instruction wherever they train? ALSAR has whole. He likens Hasty to merely being a ʻcog The third call came a few days later. Another Last yearʼs event raised around £18,000 and Norman Wright began to sow the seeds of important due to the geographical position of the decided that over the next 12-18 months, in the wheelʼ... but a very big cog at that! climber had fallen approx 20 feet on Fly Wall, the team hope that this year will see even that establishing a running team that could be Island and the finite resources available. To courses and instructors will have to provide For any information on Hasty, contact Chris off Woodcroft quarry, saved from falling any record broken. utilised for search and rescue on Dartmoor. provide this support the Civil Defence Corps evidence that they are competent to be Dixon on [email protected] further by his climbing equipment. PAGE 10 MRC NEWSLETTER JULY 2003 JULY 2003 MRC NEWSLETTER PAGE 11 News from your Statistics Officer... INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS Following the untimely death of John Hinde, a new mark. As a research tool, it will continue to gain strength REGIONAL MRC Statistics Officer has been appointed by MRC of as long as teams carry on supplying these reports. It is NEWS ofS Scotland. He is Mike Walker, a member of the my intention to issue an annual report, usually in Following his article in Januaryʼs Dundonnell team and training a search dog. We have met September, giving details of the data so far received. It MRC News, relating to partnerships twice since he was confirmed in post and following early must, by its very nature, be a technical paper. It sets out between US mountain rescue teams approved. This is not intended to exclude any District teams. They can now be summoned by The Scottish Executive are to give around discussions, he had expressed a wish to investigate the to provide a statistical rationale for the reliability of the and international teams (that means course or individual, but to give them all an radio pager to searches anywhere in the Lake £300,000 to Scottish Mountain Rescue, use of the Incident software. It was clear from the start conclusions it supports. These are, and will continue to us, too), Rick Lorenz reports that the towards the cost of updating radio equipment. opportunity to meet a common standard. Rob District – or indeed outside it. Lake District that in its present form, the software may not be to the liking be, posted on the MRC web site response has been ʻless than over Bradley, ALSARʼs Training Officer, will be Mountain Rescue Search dogs have worked in The MRC of S has already raised about of the Scots. However, this gave me an ideal opportunity www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/private/stats.sw.php whelmingʼ, with no responses at all working with teams and instructors to advise Dumfries and Galloway, Northumberland and £200,000 towards the scheme. Chairman Nick to make a few long overdue changes to the application. As a direct result of both the study and our involvement from England & Wales. and guide them towards achieving this aim. North Yorkshire in the last few years. Their first Forwood is currently engaged in an equipment The version recently circulated to existing users and to in Search Management training, a handbook has been To recap, the idea of the project is to The standards for a course include covering search was on April 27 – called to assist evaluation process which will determine the some Scottish teams contains a number of features that produced. We (Dave Perkins, Pete Roberts and myself) build friendships, encourage cultural the syllabus, ensuring learning by assessment, Keswick and Wasdale MRTs in a search for actual cost of the equipment required. will make the process a little easier. The main difference have pulled together all of the research currently available and professional ties and develop co-operative ventures. quality assurance through lesson observation The announcement was made during a visit to now is that the software can be configured to the individual about missing person behaviour. It is now presented in a Teams can be matched according to and a strict recording and reporting mechanism. the Cairngorm Ski Centre near Aviemore, in user/team or national body. It is fair to say that the current manageable form for the search manager. Under the size and interest. Contact could start Likewise, an instructor must prove not only April, by First Minister Jack McConnell, who users are pleased with the product. I for one am very usual categories, familiar to many readers, it outlines the with email and eventually expand into made a firm commitment to increase funding pleased with their use of it, as it saves me many hours of circumstances and likely behaviour patterns of persons, relevant SAR qualifications and experience, exchanges where one team hosts visits via the police and to ensure that the typing! Far beyond the selfish motives, it does give the both in N America and here. It is our intention to update but also teacher/trainer qualifications and from members of the other team. autonomous, voluntary status of teams is service a unique database for reporting, research and this regularly and make it available in electronic form from experience. ALSAR is also looking to put on Participants will be asked to post a con tinued. Speaking to BBC News, he said, training purposes. Finally, if there are any teams, currently the MRC web site. Your comments, good or bad, are Instructors courses in the near future to allow short team profile on the Mountain ʻThese men and women are prepared to risk submitting paper reports who are interested in using the more than welcome. up and coming instructors to gain knowledge Rescue Association website so that their own lives to rescue walkers and climbers programmes, they need only get in touch. It is supplied Finally, in the last issue of the MRC News (Issue 5 and experience in a safe environment. everyone can learn about the partner who are lost or injured. Itʼs vital that these without cost. January, page 5), I outlined a policy for the reporting Why has it been felt that this is needed? teams. While on the topic of information and databases, I have and recording of incidents. I was underwhelmed by teams have access to modern equipment and There are currently about twelve US Several reasons, according to Rob. ʻThe been involved with the RNLI in developing a database of the responses. I know itʼs not a particularly ʻsexyʼ subject that we have committed to provide funding to and five international teams involved. If increase in litigation, meaning teams must inland water-related incidents (INREM). There will be but it does affect the way the public sees our work. It is help ensure that this modernisation project can you would like to find out more about ensure adequate training and record keeping, some overlap with our database, but they wish to cover mainly a way to inform all MR personnel how their work go ahead.ʼ how YOUR team can be involved, Rick and the need for an increased level of the whole of England and Wales. The development is still will be recorded and made available for analysis. I Miller Harris, Secretary of Lochaber MRT, is still looking for teams to sign up. To professionalism to mirror our increasing in its early stages and much discussion will be needed announced at the MRC meeting in May that I would operate said, ʻThis funding is a welcome step and find out more, contact – responsibilities. But mainly to allow all before anything concrete is seen. The MRC are represented the policy as stated in the article for the next 12 months Rick Lorenz recognition from the Scottish Executive about searchers to do the job they volunteered to do L. Andrew McNeil & Corrie. R. Les Telford & Kess in the discussions taking place and I will continue to and guage reaction. As I have implicitly been adopting its Tacoma Mountain Rescue the importance of mountain rescue.ʼ 1410 South Mountain View – to do their best to find the next misper!ʼ report progress over the next few months. methods for some years, you may not see a difference. Ave, Tacoma WA 98465 on The Missing Person Behaviour study continues. I have But at least all will know how I have reached decisions three missing walkers on Scafell Pike. [email protected] Making an impression... received many reports from our own teams and from when they find I report their figures slightly differently. or check the MRA website SARDA Scotland, Ireland and teams associated to ALSAR. The Ged Feeney MRC Statistics Officer www.mra.org LAKE DISTRICT SEARCH DOGS With all this talk of the mountain rescue brand and the desire to impress upon the tin-filling public number of cases reported has recently topped the 500 [email protected] SARDA Lakes April course in Patterdale, what a worthy job we all do out there on the hills (and, increasingly, streets) up and down the country, itʼs easy to get carried away with an impression of our own goodness. However, it would appear, brought welcome success for two handlers and To advertise contact The Editor Judy Whiteside their dogs who have been training for three from a letter which recently found its way under the front door of my teamʼs base, that we still have Telephone 0161 702 6080 Email [email protected] years to make the grade as Mountain Rescue a way to go with schmoozing the general public. And, in our defence, when we, in turn, pushed a MRC DIRECTORY Search Dogs. Both were assessed by senior letter through all our neighboursʼ letterboxes, apologising for any inconvenience, we received some MRC DIRECTORY handlers from the Association, as well as an very warming responses, one of which I have also detailed. Advertise your hotel, guest house or business here in the and take advantage of our competitive rates external assessor from England, and passed The first letter went like this... ʻI am sick and tired of being woke up by your stupid sirens and the and a very focused market – active mountain search & rescue team members, mountaineers, walkers and climbers, and with flying colours. Over two days in Brown sound of your vehicles being driven up and down the street at all hours of the night. Some people those who work, live and play with them on and off the hill – across the UK. Cove, Helvellyn and Pasture Beck, Hartsop, have to get up early in the morning for work and like to be in bed early so we can get a good nightʼs ARDENBEG BUNKHOUSE & they searched a total of five areas, finding all sleep but that is impossible with you idiots. Also I would like to be able to park my car outside my OUTDOOR CENTRE, GRANT ROAD the volunteers who helped by hiding out on the own door. I am fed up especially on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings to return and not be able GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, MORAYSHIRE fell pretending to be casualties. to park near my own front door. I know you do pay road tax the same as everyone else but how Contact Rebecca on 01479 872824 or email Les Telford, of Kendal MRT, and his dog Kess, would you like it if I came and parked outside your front door and you could not park your car. I do [email protected] UNIT 1A BOUNDARY BANK UNDERBARROW ROAD • KENDAL • CUMBRIA LA9 5RR had their training radically disrupted by Foot & not see why we should suffer any inconvenience because some stupid moron decides to go for a Mouth right at the beginning. Access to areas walk on the hills and gets lost. Followed by you stupid morons trying to find them. Also in winter we HAZELMERE – lovely Victorian guest house. We currently have several good, refurbished ex RAF 4 spacious en-suite rooms with mountain views, for training was disrupted for nearly seven have our cars damaged by salt and grit just because you are in our street. You like walking up hills Mark 2 & Mark 3 Bell stretchers in stock months, and this meant a delay in the progress colour TV & tea/coffee making facilities. Ample so why donʼt you move your stupid organisation to the top of Cribden. If we are inconvenienced in parking. Non smoking. Vegetarians welcome. Pets made by Kess. However, they recovered well anyway by noise or are unable to park our cars this Sunday, we will report you to the environmental by arrangement. Easy 5 minute stroll to Keswickʼs Ring 01539 732281 or fax 01539 568444 from this initial setback and, after successful health department.ʼ Market Square. Phone: 017687 72445 email: [email protected] assessments in the Cairngorms and the www.hazelmerekeswick.co.uk www.bellstretchers.co.uk Thankfully, followed by... ʻI was concerned to hear that you had received a complaint recently about Yorkshire Dales, completed the eight days Also quality self-catering accommodation see sirens and parking. I have been living here for eight years, and though aware on occasion of a siren www.keswickholidayhomes.co.uk needed in Patterdale. being used, it has never disturbed me. As for parking, there is no shortage in Clegg Street, there Andrew McNeil, of Cockermouth MRT, found being houses on one side only for much of the street. I am also proud to have the search and SLIOCH OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT his dog, Corrie, as a pup in the pound at GORE-TEX rescue team at the top of my street, as I know what important work they do. Although I realise it is Manufacturers of tough, durable ® Whitehaven Police station. She had been lost important for you to maintain good relations with the local community, I am tempted to say sod ʻem, fleece & Ventile clothing, made for rescue team use. and abandoned but Andrew took her on, and ROYAL OAK HOTEL and carry on with the important work.ʼ Borrowdale, Keswick CA12 5XB Designs & sizes altered to meet your needs. has made a real success of training her for rescue Lost garments usually replaced within a week. Small traditional Lakeland hotel work in spite of having had to fit his training Now, committing these comments to press may well invite some speculative criticism from our No minimum order. Please send for our current brochure. round the demands of the rescue team and his colleagues in mountain rescue – I should hardly need to say that my team strives to maintain ideally situated in the heart of Borrowdale. job as a chartered building surveyor. This professional standards and good relationships with the community as much as the next one – but Open fire & good home cooking. Designed, made & tested in the Highlands. search dog team will join the two other search I feel sure that we are not the only team to suffer from this misunderstanding of our work. And it Brochure & tariffs on request dogs working with Cockermouth MRT. would appear that ʻmountain rescueʼ still has a way to go on the image front... 017687 77214 Tel/Fax 01445 781412 [email protected] The two new handlers joined the ranks of 11 Judy Whiteside MRC News Editor & Secretary Rossendale & Pendle MRT other Search & Rescue Dogs attached to Lake www.royaloakhotel.co.uk www.mountain-rescue.com

PAGE 12 MRC NEWSLETTER JULY 2003 JULY 2003 MRC NEWSLETTER PAGE 13 MOUNTAIN RESCUE • SCOTLAND

the Scottish MLTB, with a brief specific to the provision of search and PAST AND PRESENT rescue and mountain safety. It has reciprocal representation with the MRC and the Irish Mountain Rescue Association and is a full, independent member of IKAR, the International Grey Mareʼs Tail rescue Kommision for Alpine Rescue. It is represented on the United Kingdom required. It responds to key issues SAR Operatorsʼ Group and on the as they arise and is proactive in Communications Working Group. looking to the future needs of Unlike the MRC, there is no Scottish mountain rescue. In recent regional structure, only two working years, matters relating to funding, levels – General Committee publications, constitution, equipment, (Executive Committee) and the communications, first aid/medicine, teams. A key function is to collate training and insurance have all been and analyse mountain accident discussed. The Committee has information in Scotland. The Annual sought for and gained significant Report listing each incident in external funding to develop a new Scotland has been published for stretcher that takes account of modern many years in the Scottish materials and construction. It has Mountaineering Club Journal, but also responded positively to the there are currently discussions need to revise its communication about how this vital information can systems and been successful in be made available to a wider market. gaining significant funding from the There is also close liaison with the Scottish Executive to replace essential MRC Statistics collator in regard to hardware for all teams. Discussions the development of a UK-wide data are ongoing in regard to revised and base. For a number of years, the enhanced insurance benefits MRC of S has worked very closely through the Police and ring-fenced, with the Order of St. John which has revenue funding through the funded vehicles for all teams, and Scottish Executive. In 2001, the bases for those in need. Discussions Committee initiated its own are ongoing to see how the Order Distinguished Service Award for Words Bob Sharp & Alfie Ingram can continue funding in other ways. individuals who have made a highly Photographs Ian Dawson & MRC of Scotland All rescue teams in Scotland have significant contribution to mountain independent status and guard this rescue in Scotland at team and/or position very strongly. The MRC of S national level. It has also gained The Mountain Rescue Committee Hostels and Tourist Boards resulted Mountain Rescue Committee of £1600, which continued through to Changes to radio frequencies acting as a central focus for charitable has no controlling or regulatory copyright for its logo and redesigned of Scotland began life in June 1965, in massive bureaucracy and very little Scotland was formed – an independent 2002. Income was discussed regularly . were discussed in the mid 70s when donations. The MRC of S is function, but has developed over and manufactured new Post plaques with Dr John Berkeley the first was achieved. In 1962, by which organisation with nine representative In 1979, the Committee agreed to the National Controlling Committee administered by an Executive many years a set of ʻGuidelines for for all teams. Chairman, Hamish MacInnes the time the sub-committee had gone organisations and five regional levy each team the sum of £20 to was established – the cost of crystal Committee that meets quarterly, Good Practiceʼ which all teams use Despite the many advances in Secretary, John Watson the through a name change to become representatives from areas in assist with administrative costs – changes was important and teams comprising a Chair, Vice Chair, as a foundation for their training and rescue, equipment and training Treasurer and Ben Humble the the Scottish Branch of the MRC, W. Scotland where mountain rescue discontinued in 1994, with the proviso were advised not to buy new sets Secretary, Treasurer, Medical operational work. These are monitored provision over the years and the Accident Report Collator. Prior to H. (Bill) Murray, President of the teams operated. A further five members that it would be reintroduced should before seeking advice from the Officer, Training Officer, Equipment 1965, civilian mountain rescue Scottish Mountaineering Club at the could be co-opted if required. the finances of the Committee Committee! Teams were also Officer and Statistician, and reps provision in Scotland was devoted time, took a leading role in reorganising Some of the organisations – such require such funding to operate. advised to appoint ʻpress release from ACPO (Scotland) and ARCC essentially to the installation of first the whole set up. as the Scottish Youth Hostels Various Minutes through the 70s personsʼ to reduce the increasing (Kinloss). It can also co-opt additional aid kits at the more popular In June 1965, at the Red Cross Association, and the British Red reported that morphine was little ʻundesirable and inaccurate press members and at present there are mountaineering areas of the country. rooms in Bath Street, Glasgow, the Cross Society – involved in the early used and should therefore be statementsʼ, and the Committee was members representing the Scottish As early as 1960, it was realised days, are no longer members, whilst removed from the list of kit kept in advised 25 years ago that use of the MLTB, MRC England & Wales, that the absence of some kind of teams such as Dounreay MRT, the Posts. The RAF suggested MRTs Red Cross logo was illegal and Mountaineering Council of Scotland overseeing and co-ordinating body Ayrshire Hill Group, Lammermuir should use strobe lights to guide in something should be done about it. and the Scottish Mountain Safety was un satisfactory. April of that year Search & Rescue Group and Moffat helicopters during both night and Twenty five years later action was Forum. saw an initial attempt to co-ordinate Hill Rescue Group have long since day. There was discussion on how taken! The General Committee meets mountain rescue with the formation of been incorporated into currently climbers could be better advised Today, the MRC of S represents twice a year. It comprises reps from two organisations – one a sub affiliated members. Interestingly, the about avalanche dangers. The and co-ordinates mountain rescue in the 28 mountain rescue teams in committee of the Mountain Rescue Scottish Cave Rescue Organisation, Committee suggested it might help if Scotland. It liaises with all the Scotland (23 civilian, 2 RAF, 3 Committee (responsible to that although listed in the early 70s, but an article was written by a departments, authorities and Police) and SARDA, as well as other Lochaber Team. Dead Manʼs Bogie. c1970 committee for Scottish affairs) with which had no contact with the Committee member and submitted providers of search and rescue organisations including the eight Jack Arthur of the Red Cross as its Committee for quite some time, to a climbing magazine. services in mountainous terrain and, Police forces, the Royal Air Force, and revised as required and changes made to meet these and Chair, the other the Scottish Council recently returned to the fold as an Discussion on equipment was through the Scottish Home & Health Royal Navy, HM Coastguard, demonstrate a commitment to prepare for the future, the MRC of S for Mountain Rescue (which in itself affiliated member. common. At one point, the shelf life Department, maintains a series of Bristows Helicopters, MRC, professionalism, health and safety remains true to the basis on which it was to have a dual function) led by It is interesting to look at some of of nylon ropes was discussed – it mountain rescue posts at strategic Mountaineering Council of Scotland, and structured training within a was founded – to make provision for Donald Duff of Fort William and the issues that were significant in the was suggested that 2 years was a locations throughout Scotland. It Scottish Mountain Safety Forum, voluntary context. The MRC of S the assistance of anyone who may stretcher fame. Not surprisingly, the early days, many still high on the maximum. The RAF confirmed that administers and organises seminars Scottish Ambulance Service, recognises the need to respond to find themselves in difficulties in the resulting amalgam of no less than Donald Duff with Duff Stretcher. agenda today. In the late 70s, the SAR helicopters for civilian use and training courses for team members sport scotland and Scottish Cave an ever changing world and adapt mountains of Scotland. Sheep Fank Wall, Glen Nevis. c1956 twenty seven representatives from Committee received an annual training would be possible only ʻwhere life and provides grant aid to teams in Rescue. There is also representation and develop when and where organisations as diverse as Youth grant from Shell UK, of around was in immediate dangerʼ. respect of training and equipment by on various organisations, such as PAGE 14 MRC NEWSLETTER JULY 2003 JULY 2003 MRC NEWSLETTER PAGE 15 A 24 year old Oxford student, studying NATIONAL FUNDRAISING for a PhD in fluid dynamics, has raised ! Vaughan Mason NREMT over £450 for the MRC by running in cine ild Meeddiic Paramedic Deputy Team Leader the London Marathon. Tim Stallard W M Wild Dublin & Wicklow MRT, Ireland moved to Oxford after five years in Sheffield, where he did his first degree The Group has now spent some time looking at the failures and successes do not have the infrastructure – a location chosen for its proximity to February saw Larch Hill Scout camp in year. From America, Dr Sam Chewing, trauma Eastern Region Ambulance Service (ERAS), of national fundraising to date. It was felt that, before we could go any further, in place to support the the Peak District. Having done a fair Ballinteer, Dublin strewn with sick and injured surgeon & cave rescue specialist; Jack Grandley, DWMRT, Glen of Imaal MRT, Civil Defence, we should identify what was needed to ensure long term success. Ian fundraising initiative – MRC bit of climbing, the flat Oxfordshire patients and american voices dispensing advice. Flight Paramedic STAT Medivac in Pittsburgh & SARDA and Irish Air Corp SAR Squadron. Henderson, Llanberis MRT, rose to the challenge to guide the group through sponsorship forms, a landscape proved a bit of a problem, The reason? It was this yearʼs venue for the FBI tactical medic; Dr Rebecca Lindsay, GP from The scenario was a plane crash in the mountains this process, and the results were fed back to the Executive. The need for a Certificate of Thanks and so so he looked for an alternative way of stronger ʻbrandʼ (not only the logo but the vision, mission and values of the on. This meant that Judy had keeping fit. Tried rowing for a term, but Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician Whistler, Canada; John Evans, Remote Medic & requiring the skills of the various agencies organisation) and a long term plan was clear. to work hard to put these grew tired of seeing the same stretch (WEMT) course hosted by IMRA. Climbing Ranger on Mt Mckinley Alaska; John involved, with the WEMT students treating the of river in the dark, so decided to take Consequently, the Executive spent a day in June reviewing the MRC. Ceri together. Thanks Judy. While this course may be unfamiliar to the Hinds, Crew Chief & Flight Paramedic, Dartmouth casualties while the other agencies took care of up running – ʻa great way of exploring Hutton, who had been introduced to me by Neil Dowie, of Keswick MRT, had National Fundraising may well majority it has been run in Ireland since 1996 and, Hitchcock Air Response Team, New Hampshire & search planning, logistics, search, rescue and the local countryside when you kindly offered to donate consultancy time to support mountain rescue. She conjure up an image of many more recently, in Scotland. It was developed by FBI tactical medic. evacuation to a casualty clearing station run by the havenʼt got a car and a good method faculty members (Doctors, Paramedics and From the other side of the water we had Joe ERAS in the big inflatable tent! and I put together an outline agenda of the day and the results that needed hours filling in application of getting fit for alpine walk-ins.ʼ EMTS) of the Wilderness Emergency Medical OʼGorman, Course Director & EMT with ERAS and As with any mass casualty exercise there is a to be achieved. You can read more about the day on page 4. forms and writing letters to As his brother had always said he Services Institute (WEMSI) in Pittsburgh, DWMRT; Gerry Butler WEMT DWMRT; Kenny certain element of controlled chaos but the use of One of the changes in the National Fundraising programme has been the trusts, but this type of activity wanted to do the Marathon, Tim decision that we were not ready to pay an external consultant to fundraise for cannot be sustained long term. entered him in 2002 as a (somewhat Pennsylvania and its affiliate WEMSI Europe. Roberts WEMT Dublin Airport Fire Service & Team Major Incident Medical Management & Support us. Peter Panteli had raised over £40,000, but it was restricted funding and Neither would it allow the MRC harsh) 30th birthday present, and had WEMSI is a part of the Center for Emergency leader DWMRT; Dr William Lumb, UK Cave (MIMMS) principles allows greater efficiency in unable to support his own consultancy costs, so it was mutually agreed not the freedom to decide how to enter as well to make sure his Medicine of Western Pennsylvania, the largest single Rescue Medical Officer; Dr Marie Crawford, GP on dealing with a large number of casualties. to renew Peterʼs contract. The money he raised has been used to support money should be spent, as we brother turned up! However, they didnʼt medical campus in the US. the Isle of Skye; Sgt Jim OʼNeill WEMT Irish Air Thankfully, unlike last yearʼs exercise, we were not the purchase of a vacuum mattress for every team and the National Training will always be bound by the get in, so reapplied this year. What is wilderness medicine? Broadly defined, Corp SAR and Kevin Forde WEMT Irish Army interrupted by a mountain rescue call out or, as in Courses. conditions of that application. His decision to raise money for the ʻwildernessʼ is a remote geographical location Medical Corp. other years, a thick fog descending on the entire A lot of charities obtain income through the public having the ability to gift And we would find it very Mountain Rescue Council came from more than one hour from definitive medical care. Our students also came from varied fields in area rendering incident management very interesting. aid over the internet and so, in the last couple of months, there have been a difficult to raise money to his interest in climbing. Aware that ʻWilderness medicineʼ could be defined as skills Ireland and the UK – cave rescue, Irish air corp While not all of the course is directly applicable number of members working on implementing this for us. A large amount of support central costs such as teamʼs did their own fundraising, he necessary to assess and treat injuries or illness in and army, ambulance personnel, mountain rescue, to Ireland, it does develop studentsʼ ability to think had almost decided to focus on a time has been spent reviewing other charity web sites to look at other income insurance which can only be a prolonged pre-hospital setting, often in severe civil defence, Dublin Fire Brigade and remote laterally faced with unforeseen circumstances single team. Lochaber sprang to mind generation ideas and the language used on these sites. We now have a draft funded by unrestricted income. expedition leaders. outside the scope of street based EMS training. due of a couple of incidents involving format for an updated MRC web site. Short term activity such as friends of his, but he eventually decided Nestling at the foot of Students faced large volumes of information and The national fundraising phone line has been relocated to Andy Simpson income generated from on the MRC because of fundraising Three Rock Mountain, Larch stressful scenarios but came out feeling more (MRC Press Officer) who kindly took on this thankless task, requiring a number applications and letters will not effectiveness. ʻI was likely to get funds Hill provides good lecture confident of their own judgment and decision making of hours a week. So far, weʼve had a number of success stories. One person bring long term financial stability from a few climbing friends for an facilities and large grounds skills when dealing with patients. They also had wants to provide a legacy to the Mountain Rescue Council, and a number of to the organisation. We need individual team, but thought people with rough terrain to hold the quite a lot of fun! phone calls have been received from members of the public who want to to build an infrastructure that who donʼt know much about the many outdoor scenarios. The US National Registry of EMTs has accepted donate to specific teams. Eve Burton (Buxton MRT) is supporting Andy in the can support the raising of funds organisation would be more open to From their arrival on Sunday, the WEMT course as satisfying its requirements for administration of these phone calls. through gift aid, donations, support a national body. Not sure how students are deluged with a a refresher programme for EMT-Bs. 48 hours of The national fundraising email address has also been busy. This year, we legacies and events. Some of correct that it, but I seemed to do series of indoor lectures on the curriculum are applicable towards its sections okay,ʼ said Tim. We couldnʼt have put had our first person doing a sponsored event. Tim Stallard, who ran the this will be quick wins and others diverse topics such as 1A and 2 continuing education requirements for it better ourselves... London Marathon for the MRC, definitely deserves our thanks. The Gentian will take a long time and wilderness trauma, cold recertification for both EMTs and paramedics. The Club also contacted us via email wanting to donate to the teams in the areas demand an organisation that environments with minimal facilities available. The disorders, neurological assessment, pharmacology, Course has also been granted recognition by the they had visited in 2002. Your team may be one of the lucky ones – if so, your has to change. No organisation can stand still. If it does, it will find that Wilderness provider may have to remain many hypothermia, altitude sickness, bites and stings. Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh – Pre- cheque will be arriving soon. ultimately it cannot control its destiny and becomes reactive rather than hours or days with an injured person. Whereas Interspersed with the indoor lectures are practical Hospital Care Faculty and is currently being All this has proven that there are some members of the public who have proactive to internal and external influences. most prehospital books and courses are designed sessions, including patient packaging in vac mats, assessed by the PHECC to provide continuing loyalty to a team or region, whilst others have no particular allegiance but Iʼd like to thank the teams and team members who have contacted me for those with rapid access to hospitals, the WEMT stretchers, patient assessment, minor surgical, education credits for recertification of the NQEMT. want to do an event or provide money to MR in general. This latter category with ideas and contacts and to gain assurance that their activities are course was developed for those that respond to splinting and medical direction via radio. And after is the market we need to capture. co-ordinated with National Fundraising. Please continue the good work. Contact Websites emergencies in remote areas such as mountain the rigours of each day there is the evening review As the phone calls and emails come in, it becomes more apparent that we Penny Brockman Central Beacons MRT WEMSI www.wemsi.org rescue, cave rescue and disaster relief teams. It is in the local hostelry! WEMSI Europe www.wildmedic.org also applicable to expedition leaders and guides On Friday, there was a written exam, with the Center for Emergency Medicine provided they have some form of medical direction. following day devoted to a large scale mass casualty your comments... www.centerem.com First Response... We had an excellent range of instructors this exercise in the Wicklow Mountains involving

WHEN THE MRC PRESS OFFICER PUT HEAD same theme as your article. Iʼm of the same opinion relief (VAT) on certain items such as radios, medical tooth and nail on what they believe to be right. would achieve far less. How many times outside of ...AND AGAIN... OVER THE PARAPET... now as I was then. Mountain rescue teams and their equipment and vehicles. Many years ago, LDSMRA Let me make it quite clear that this is not banging the mountain rescue have we heard that ʻBig is bestʼ and In many ways, Stewartʼs right but, unfortunately, most of Your article on page 2 of the MRC News (January respective area associations should be left to manage was the first to fund, with police help, and manage its Lake District drum, or giving the impression that we are how many times in our daily lives have we thought that my comments about the MRC and its powers (or lack 2003), reminded me that once I had the reputation of their own affairs. There is nothing more efficient, in my own team membersʼ insurance scheme, with generous greater than thou, but these are the facts. I am sure this philosophy is a complete load of nonsense. With all of) could equally be directed at regional organisations. being outspoken and, on the odd occasion a tad own opinion, than having local knowledge and financial benefits for team members. The Lake District there are many more pioneering advancements from due respect, I rest my case. I have attended meetings The Lake District has, clearly, empowered LDSAMRA controversial. Some may say I still am! discipline to create a successful service to the people and North East teams used advanced medical other areas where the initiative of individual teams has of the MRC for 30 plus years and, contrary to some, I with the authority to deal with issues and problems – First, I must applaud you in going on record that you that need our help. How many times have we, in all equipment and set up training programmes which led succeeded without MRC help. Once a battle has been do think there is an important role for the MRC, but not this canʼt be said of most regions. Maybe we should think the MRC should be more authoritarian in the walks of life, suffered a deterioration of service, when to team members performing advance medical won, other teams can benefit and adopt those ideas if in the way that you see it. However, I am aware that look a little closer to home for solutions to local management of mountain rescue in England & Wales local management has been replaced by a distant techniques on the fells. I could list many more ʻbattlesʼ they wish. My fears are that if the MRC became an some teams need more support from the MRC and rely problems. In the case of my own region (Mid Pennine) with a mandate to be judge and jury when teams, as central agency, many miles from the action. I donʼt that teams and panels have successfully won through autonomous body, which is centralisation in another on them for guidance. Other teams need far less. Sorry a strong constitution would be a good start. However, you put it, ʻact out of agreed bounds.ʼ think it would go down very well, team members with their determination and tenacity but, more to the point, form, initiatives would grind very slowly, if not stop Andy. I admire you for nailing your colours to the mast, as Stewart points out, this isnʼt the first time the subject Most of what you said has been whispered behind many hundreds of rescues under their belt, and who the local independence of a small group has been altogether. Small efficient organisations are far more but I must respectfully disagree with your thoughts. has come up, and Iʼve no doubt it wonʼt be the last. closed doors for many years. On the odd occasion, operate in high risk areas, being managed in every there to see it through to the end, with the will to win as effective than large ones. For one, there is less Stewart Hulse MBE Either way, something needs to change before some President Langdale Ambleside MRT when your likeminded thoughts have surfaced in sense of the word by people on a National Committee, they set out on a dedicated course of action and not bureaucracy. Convincing a team or area committee that daft team takes the good name of the whole of MR public, they have been quickly despatched to the who have far less experience. I have always held the capitulate at the first hurdle. something is worth pursuing and fighting for is far down with it. dustbin, as rocking the boat on such a sensitive issue view that mountain rescue is a practical emergency If we look back over the history of mountain rescue, it easier and less frustrating than getting agreement from Andy Simpson would banish supporters with personal ambitions to the service and should remain so. If problems arise within a has shown that the end result of most major a national body. Concensus of opinion would vary MRC Press Officer & Rossendale & Pendle MRT wilderness for ever. Many years ago, I was one of the team or area, a quick solution is nearly always found at advancements is more achievable when local teams enormously and decision making would drag on for unofficial discussion group that ʻvented ideasʼ on the local level. Patterdale singlehandedly fought for tax and areas have taken up the challenge and fought ever. In my opinion, nothing would be done and you PAGE 16 MRC NEWSLETTER JULY 2003 JULY 2003 MRC NEWSLETTER PAGE 17 MOUNTAIN RESCUE RADIO COMMS Mountains for Active Diabetics COURSES 2003 International Conference A Short History and Forthcoming Changes 2003 Plas Y Brenin, Snowdonia It was back in 1991 that I first became involved with (United Kingdom Search & Rescue). Within UKSAR an At the end of April, the contents and mountain rescue radio comms, as rep for the British Operators Group (OG) was established which had the methods pf presentation of the Search “...this patient is no longer fit to practice alpinism” Cave Rescue Council on the Radio sub committee. At requirement to form a Communications Working Group Field Skills course and the Search March saw the first ever international conference not usually addressed in specific practical terms by Another widely that time, radio comms had just moved from amplitude (CWG). At the CWG inaugural meeting in April 2001, the Planning & Management course were and meet for diabetic climbers, mountaineers and health care teams or doctors unless, of course, they misunderstood fact, modulation to frequency modulation and most teams had National Controlling Committee (NCC), which had overseen critically reviewed and revised. The adventure enthusiasts, organised by the UK branch also happen to be diabetic and into these pursuits – this occurs due to been issued with the Philips PF85, as recommended in the Search & Rescue radio channels, was merged with following courses will be run in 2003:– of IDEA (International Diabetic Expedition & the reason for setting up MAD. the presence of the Morritt Report of 1988. the CWG. At the inaugural meeting a sub committee was SEARCH FIELD SKILLS Adventure) at Plas Y Brenin, Snowdonia. Although attitudes seem to be slowly moving higher blood sugars resulting in the body being The Low Band channel initially allocated (CH1) was formed to produce a user requirement specification for Over 85 people from Italy, USA, Luxembourg, away from putting every single diabetic into the unable to use sugar as a fuel instead using fat, administered by the Home Office and on the Chief land SAR. This sub committee had representation from This course addresses the skills South Africa, Belgium, England, Wales and ʻdisabledʼ category, there are many out there who, which then produces by-products which smell of Constableʼs block licence of the Police Authority which the Home Office and Scottish Office, the MRC and MRC required by searchers in the field. It Scotland attended, with many descending on the due to an incomplete picture of all that is involved, pear drops. Although not commonly known, this can administered the relevant teamʼs rescue resource. A second of S, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). considers the vital role of search parties cliffs and mountains during the weekend – whilst or misleading press articles focusing on ʻwhen occur on the hill or during exercise if a diabetic channel (the next channel in the frequency plan) was The user requirements provided for a dedicated air to and how they maximise their efficiency and effectiveness. Snowdonia was bathed in some of the most glorious things go wrongʼ, still believe that all people who undertakes exercise with a high starting blood sugar made available from the DTI on payment of a licence ground channel, a calling channel, several simplex Cost: £280 weather that had been seen for a while. have diabetes should stay at home and not do much level which throws the body into a decompensated fee, reduced if the team was a registered charity. This channels for operational use and a repeater channel. As Date: 6-8 September Mountains for Active Diabetics and the MAD else. mechanism where it is unable to use the sugar that channelʼs terms and conditions had more restrictions an interim, air to ground communications could take Location: Bangor 2003 programme at Plas Y Brenin was organised by There could be nothing further from the truth – is present. This results in an uncompensated feed than CH1 but, after much arguing, to little avail, these place on CH73 and the use of CH0 would be permitted active mountaineer Nikki Wallis, Chairman of especially when you look at some of the fine forward mechanism, which will not correct itself were accepted as part of the available radio comms. in serious situations. Recently the MCA made available SEARCH PLANNING SARDA Wales (now training Jacob, her second mountaineering achievements and exploits of, for without medical intervention ie. fluids and insulin. By the early 90s, radio comms had settled into a way 5 pairs of frequencies within the marine channels for use & MANAGEMENT mountain rescue search dog, a Husky/Labrador example, some members of MAD and IDEA – Many diabetics now use subcutaneous infusion of life. In 1995 Clive Smith, the then Radio Officer did not by land search and rescue teams. A bandplan has been This course addresses the vital skills cross), a Warden for the Snowdonia National Park Gasherbrum II, Aconcagua, Everest, Cho Oyu, lines attached to insulin pumps (as opposed to the stand for re-election, and I was voted into the newly developed which will include the High Band channels required to plan and manage a search Authority, a member of Llanberis MRT – and, Ironman Triathletes, Olympic level cyclists, South old syringe and vials) which deliver discreet pre- named post of Communications Officer. One of the first currently available on the Police Authority block licence. operation. amongst other things, a Type 1 diabetic with a Pole expeditions, ultra elite mountain runners, programmable dosages of rapid acting insulin and tasks was to try and modify the terms and conditions of Changes within the Home Office could mean support Cost: £480 lifelong passion for mountains and climbing them. scuba divers, mountain rescue team members... offer infinitely more fine tuned control. both channels. With CH1 it was to permit use of CTCSS for the Low Band frequencies being withdrawn much Date: 9-13 September Friday nightʼs programme included three lectures, Blood glucose monitoring devices and diabetes However, all responsible, experienced diabetics (Continuous Tone Controlled Sequential Squelch) and earlier than scheduled and the move to High Band Location: Bangor which culminated in an audio-visual extravaganza management therapies are becoming more accessible will carry some readily accessible glucose on their DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) tones to enable simplex equipment to take place within the next two years. The There will be a refund to volunteer presented by one of Britainʼs top climbers, Jerry and have vastly improved person to treat the odd hypo (which repeaters to be used. With CH2 it was landline control of current High Band channels may be transferred to the members of the MRC and MRC of S Gore – also a Type 1 (insulin dependant) diabetic, over the past decade and occurs if the blood sugar starts to hill top radios which would provide benefits when MCA so that all allocations come under one authority. rescue teams. The amount of the who has undertaken many serious expeditions and more and more diabetics are drop below the normal level of multi-incidents in a particular area occurred. Gathering With these proposed changes likely to take place it would refund will depend upon the level of big walls all over the world – Shishapangmaʼs north venturing into the mountains. approx 4mmol). They will also carry pace in the background was a proposed digital trunked be prudent for teamsʼ radio officers to keep in contact with grant aid and the uptake of places. As east ridge, first ascents in Tibet and Pakistan, and There is no reason why this a small diabetic management kit, radio system (now known as Airwave) that the regional comms reps. Consideration should be given to of the end of May, there were still big wall projects in Borneo. should not be so. containing a blood glucose monitor emergency services where expected to move to by the any purchase to be made, and guidance sought from a places available. The evening began with a lecture on diabetes Diabetes can suddenly and spare bits and bobs for the ʻjust turn of the century. reliable source. Do not buy replacement equipment in For further information, please physiology and biochemistry, a difficult but essential affect anyone, at any age, in caseʼ scenario, usually found in a As the 90s drew to a close mountain rescue stood at haste and repent later when it does not fulfil the requirement contact either topic eloquently presented by South African active for no apparent reason – pretty accessible location. a crossroads with its radio comms. We could carry on of the final bandplan. Dr ASG Jones MBE diabetic Stephen Posnett. Nikki introduced the second although stress seems to potentially exacerbate an Most diabetics you will come across on the hill using Low Band but the Philips PF85 that most teams The bandplan will include marine channels 24, 62, 63, 01248 364131 lecture with an audio visual of diabetic action shots underlying predisposition. Exercise provides a will also probably have quite scarred or pin holed used was nearing the end of its serviceable life. We may 64 and 83 and will be appended ʻAʼ or ʻBʼ depending on Or: Peter Howells from all over the world, followed by an overview of motivating goal to manage the condition and a fingertips from taking frequent blood sugar readings be able to migrate to the digital trunked system being which frequency of the pair is being used ie. 24A. The 01633 893447 adventuring safely with diabetes geared to the wide mechanism for lowering blood sugar levels, thus (hourly readings are ideal as these blood glucose supplied to the Police but network coverage could pose Home Office High Band channels will be renumbered 91, audience present – diabetics, teachers, instructors reducing potential for the long term complications readings then give an indication of whether insulin a problem in mountainous areas. A third option may be 92, 93, and 94 (repeater) and the original Scottish channel or guides responsible for diabetic participants – and that can arise from elevated blood glucose. action has finished or still active). to move to High Band. Whichever route was chosen will revert to 53A. Equipment (portables and mobiles) Y also some thoughts for health care professionals Members of MAD strongly believe that outdoor If a member of your team is diabetic (Type 1 or 2), there was a cost implication. As an interim solution a needs to operate across the frequency range 146 MHz T

E and emergency medics. pursuits also develop lifelong skills of self reliance, the best first aid training you will get regarding the

High Band frequency was sought via the Home Office. to 174 MHz and be capable of operating on both 12.5 F Saturday saw many of the delegates climbing at confidence and motivation, essential to the treatment of a diabetic casualty on the hill is likely to

This would give compatibility with Scottish MR teams, air kHz and 25 kHz spaced channels. The equipment A Dinas Cromlech in the Llanberis Pass. An array of successful ongoing management of diabetes. be from them. Diabetic team members can be the to ground communications (CH73) and the ability to have should be programmable from a PC and have a S classics including Cemetery Gates E1 5b (5.10a), Some of the factors that adventurous insulin ideal first aiders for casualties who have diabetes, other emergency channels as well as locally sought minimum of 32 channels in ʻbanksʼ. CTCSS is desirable, & Cenotaph Corner E1 5c (5.10c). Some headed for dependent diabetics should understand are: whether it is just a management issue secondary to channels, all in one radio. In 1999, the then Scottish as is alphanumeric display. A trial of several handheld

H the exposed delicate scramble up and over Crib * altering basal insulin (background insulin) rates the initial complaint or the cause of the call out, as channel (53A) was transferred to the Home Office for radios was carried out by Bolton MRT and SARDA. A T Goch towards Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa 1085m), the according to adventure pursuit and intensity they will have an understanding of taking blood sugars

England and Wales, and the Scottish Office. The Home report is available on the MRC website under comms L highest point in England and Wales, others for the * how to keep insulin warm when in extreme hot or and what the readings mean. Office also made available for use by the MRC a pair of titled ʻVHF High Band Handportable Selectionʼ. A

E classic North Ridge of Tryfan (915m) in the Ogwen cold environments It is highly probable that incidents involving

frequencies to be used either as simplex channels or If you wish to discuss any points raised in this article my E

H Valley. * how to deal with diabetes at altitude or when diabetes as a secondary management issue (for configured as a repeater using CTCSS. email address is [email protected] C I That evening David Panofsky from the USA climbing on an exposed big wall example a climber gets hit on the head with a rock, Reports from the Marchioness disaster brought to a At the 2003 AGM Phil Ord took over the role of MRC Hon V W opened the lecture series with an introduction to the * maintaining a balance between carbohydrates and suffers a minor head injury, oh, and by the way also E head, along with other things, the lack of interagency Communications Officer. D IDEA 2000 project, and a general discussion of insulin during endurance events has diabetes) will increase over the next decade as N communications. From these reports was born UKSAR Dave Gough A practical considerations for diabetes and mountains. * or even monitoring your blood sugars when in more and more people with diabetes participate in David explained how the International Diabetic more remote inaccessible situations and what to do extreme outdoor pursuits. Is this the MR rucksack of the future? Expedition on Aconcagua, which placed seven with the readings, and also... The aim of MAD-IDEA is to disseminate practical diabetics on the summit on January 13, 2001, has * what to do when things go not quite as planned – advice and diabetes management information to 12 months ago I came into contact with a new company, and crampon attachment loops, the back system is a Technical Spec: metamorphosed into a clearing house for all things dealing with major hypoglycaemic episodes or those contemplating mountain pursuits, and to educate Deuter, and was lucky enough to acquire an Air fully, and easily, adjustable. Padded back, shoulder * Size: 45 + 10 litre surrounding diabetes, mountains and adventure. diabetic ketoacidosis associated groups and organisations on some of Contact 45 + 10 litre rucksack. Iʼve played with a few straps and hip belt are all standard. * Weight: 1950g The next presenters were members of the Italian The latter factor is where, potentially, mountain the issues likely to be encountered. rucksacks over the years but there was something Apart from the comfort, adjustability, durability & colour * Fabric: Textured rip stop ADIQ (Diabetic Climbers at High Altitude) Cho Oyu rescue teams may be involved and itʼs down to the Another international diabetes and mountain different about this one. It had a host of features which scheme (red & black) the bag is compatible with * Colour: Red/black were specifically suited to MR. Deuter 10 litre pockets (exactly the right size for a new * Price: £100.00 Retail expedition post-monsoon 2002, including diabetics astute first aider to be aware of medical issues forum is being organised for next year in Ecrins The bag is a split (zip in/out) main body made from High Band Tait radio), the hip belt also now has a The 50 + 10 has just been Vittorio Casiraghi (member of the Italian Academic which may have either contributed to the incident in National Park, France and plans are underway for heavy-duty textured fabric with base access zip, double zipped pocket just the size for a Voda Pager. reviewed in Trail March 2003 Climbing Club) and Marco Peruffo, a diabetic since the first place, or just indicate a secondary issue to the 2005 International Diabetic Expedition & layer base and side compression straps (actually long Since this bag first found its way into the team and was These bags are available from Xi Training the age of ten and one of four expedition members manage in addition to other injuries sustained. Adventure mountain project. enough to hold a karri mat) on either side. Two aluminium subjected to the usual ʻequipment doom & gloom!ʼ it www.xitraining.co.uk (if you contact them as to reach the summit of Cho Oyu. This expedition How do you know if the unconscious casualty on For more information visit www.idea2000.org stays support the load behind the padded back. Inside soon proved to be a very popular item – nearly 50% of a MRT member they will give a discounted price.) are straps and pouch to hold hydration system or survival all our call out members have one! was among very few on the mountain not relying on the hill has the medical condition of diabetes? Not http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/madidea bag, a small mesh key pocket and pocket for 2 laminated A 40 + 10 ladies version is now available with the A personal review by high altitude porters, guides, or supplemental oxygen. all diabetics wear ID bracelets or carry cards (as the or contact Nikki on OS maps. Outside are 2 ice axe attachments and centre same spec. Alan Woodhead Bowland Pennine MRT Adventurous outdoor diabetics are faced with First Aid books will have you believe). [email protected] daisy chain. Volume adjustable hood with 3 pockets many complex and initially daunting issues that are And diabetics do not always ʻsmell of pear dropsʼ! PAGE 18 MRC NEWSLETTER JULY 2003 JULY 2003 MRC NEWSLETTER PAGE 19 Reade’s Route. A tale of Gamekeeper turned Poacher?

Last May, Ed Roberts and Mike Potts from Stafford MRT a great relief. The loadie was soon set off for a days rock climbing in the Llanberis Pass. What with Ed, who was busy reassuring me and explaining things. I managed should have been a pleasant day out on the crag turned to stand up when I discovered my into something altogether different. Here is their story... body was aching all over. Ed carefully lowered me onto the ledge where the loadie and he were positioned. I Mike . Crib Goch was looking its or seven feet before placing another at his discomfort. I asked him to was soon secured and examined stunning best that morning. It was runner. slowly check his extremities with physically. The helicopter came bright and sunny, but not too hot as Mike . Felt very relieved to have movement in an attempt to gauge overhead again and lowered the the breeze took the edge off the passed the crux move. I rested the extent of his injuries. He did this winch. I felt hot, tired and very heat. We walked and scrambled up before climbing comfortably for and seemed to have no fractured relieved as I was laid down on the a very busy Crib Goch with our another six feet and placing a nut in bones. He then asked about getting floor of the helicopter. The crew climbing bags on our backs. Below a crack. Having moved beyond this upright, which I felt would alleviate examined me further and discovered the summit, the tall clean Crib Goch suddenly the big jugs disappeared his distress. I went back to the belay a deep gash to my upper thigh Buttress rises for 250 feet from the and I became unbalanced. I seem to and pulled the ropes to aid him. All caused by landing on a ʻfriendʼ on scree slope of the upper Cwm Uchaf remember sliding rather than falling this was done at a very slow pace my harness. Now the harness was Cwm Glas with spectacular views down the rock and, reassured that I and he managed to right himself into applying pressure to the wound and across the Glyders. had some protection just beneath a sitting position. I then secured him stemming the flow of blood. I had a Ed . We had decided to do ʻReadeʼs me – it failed and popped out – my to ensure his movements were large bump on my head (helmets Routeʼ – 220 feet V Diff – on the gentle slide became a fall which I minimised . recommended!!) and couldnʼt move North Face of Crib Goch, first canʼt really remember at all. Mike . My head was pounding. I was my shoulders as Iʼd torn the ligaments climbed in 1908, and not to be Ed . As he passed the runner he hot (very hot). All around me in them whilst falling. confused with ʻReidʼs Routeʼ, an E1 went up another 4 or 5 feet when he seemed calmed. Why was I lying Ed . Pottsy was soon winched up 5a that lies to the right of our fell. The runner came out as his down? Where the f*** was I? Why and heading west to Bangor. I ʻReadeʼs Routeʼ. Llanberis guidebook weight came onto it, and he fell was Ed shouting? I didnʼt have a declined a lift, choosing to climb describes it thus: – behind the pinnacle coming to rest clue where I was or what I was down and walk to Llanberis Pass, ʻA classic outing. The stride across behind a flake out of my line of sight. doing. I didnʼt know what had which would also give me a chance the gap from the top of the pinnacle Heʼd fallen about 30 feet. I called happened since weʼd left Stafford on to regain some composure. Mike. I is quite memorable. Start immediately out, but there was no response and Friday afternoon. I felt suddenly light felt quite numb and shaken by the left of Crazy Pinnacle Gully, and after a few attempts I secured him headed (almost drunk in fact – nicely incident as I lay in bed at Bangor scramble up broken slabby ground onto the belay. With the remaining drunk in a beautiful place with hospital, my kit and clothes quickly until it steepens. Belay on a stance rope, I configured a system using a friends). What was going on? cut from me. But Andy Elliott and overlooking the gully. Climb easily belay plate and prussik loop, so I I was confused and Ed starting Graeme Sargent appeared and the up the rib past numerous ledges to a could move across the ledge in an speaking to me. We started giggling banter soon prevailed, after seconds large platform below a steep wall. An attempt to contact him. and talking c***. As I was lying down of sympathy and concern. Reality. easy rake leads into the left-hand I managed to get far enough across I checked out my body for injuries. Everyone involved had been great branch of the gully. Ascend the wall to see the top of his helmet, and saw The adrenalin was pumping and the and it was brilliant to see Ed when with a difficult move on the left, and him lying in an inclined position with only thing that I was aware of was a he walked onto the ward – absolutely go up to a stance at the foot of a his head slightly down. At this point, massive headache. I got upright and brilliant! Cheers Ed!!!! large pinnacle. Climb the pinnacle I was still unable to reach his position was surprised when Ed told me that Cpl Mike Potts and stride across to a crack in the as my movement was restricted by a helicopter was on its way. & Jnr Tech Ed Roberts wall – the crux. Ascend the crack to the amount of rope available and the Ed . The helicopter soon arrived MRS HQ Flt, RAF Stafford the top of another pinnacle. Finish up terrain we were on. With no overhead and proceeded to winch. I the rib by a shallow groove.ʼ response and not being able to later discovered that this winch FOOTNOTE It is standard RAF I decided to lead the first pitch, as conduct a full casualty survey, I operation had 180 feet of cable and procedure for any accident involving the interesting crux of the climb needed immediate assistance and was superbly done so close to the personal injury to be followed by a would present Pottsy with a challenge. phoned ARCC requesting Sea King ridge crest). Meanwhile, I was giving formal inquiry. So, at the first belay stance, Pottsy 122 from Valley. At this time Mikeʼs Mike assurance, and told him not to The inquiry into this incident took the gear from my harness and airway may have become occluded move. I quickly prepared a sling for completely exonerated Ed of blame. prepared to lead the next pitch. He as he started snoring. This lasted for the loadie, so he could position In fact, he was praised for his made steady progress to the top of a a few moments after which he began himself safely on the ledge where I handling of a difficult and stressful pinnacle, which he had to step off to come round. Owing to my was. The crewman got down to me, situation. He has since been awarded a on to a wall behind – the crux. He position, and the situation, I was unhooked from the winch and the Commander-in-Chiefʼs placed a runner above himself at this unable to give ARCC a grid ref and helicopter flew away. When the Commendation. Mike has made a point to safeguard this move, and gave the location by name. Within turbulence and noise calmed down full recovery and is back to climbing successfully made the step across. a few minutes, I heard the helicopter the loadie said that it would be better with a vengeance. At this point Mike took the opportunity making a radio check which was a if Pottsy could be lowered to our to rest, and then made steady great relief. Meanwhile, Pottsy had position. progress up this wall for another six started talking and was complaining Mike . The sight of the helicopter was

PAGE 20 MRC NEWSLETTER JULY 2003