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T H E O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E F O R M O U N T A I N R E S C U E I N E N G L A N D , W A L E S & I R E L A N D OO CC TT OO BB EE RR 22 00 00 66

PPSSYYCCHHIIAATTRRIICC IILLLLNNEESSSS IINN MMOOUUNNTTAAIINN RREESSCCUUEE MMOONNEEYY TTAALLKKSS WWIITTHH AANNDDYY KKIIRRKKPPAATTRRIICCKK TTHHEE SSEECCUURREE CCAASSUUAALLTTYY SSYYSSTTEEMM NNIINNEE YYEEAARRSS OOFF GGPPSS TTRRAACCKKIINNGG AANNDD LLOOCCAATTIIOONN FFRROOMM VVIISSIIOONN TTOO RREEAALLIITTYY IINNCCIIDDEENNTT RREEPPOORRTTSS TTHHEE TTAALLEESS BBEEHHIINNDD TTHHEE SSTTAATTSS

PPlluuss NNEEWWSS && VVIIEEWWSS FFRROOMM TTHHEE MMRRCC AANNDD AARROOUUNNDD TTHHEE RREEGGIIOONNSS

wwwwww..mmoouunnttaaiinn..rreessccuuee..oorrgg..uukk £2.50 mountains and mountaineering observed, ‘Unity is ...A WORD misconceived as an ideal if it achieves a dull uniformity. Diversity is enlivening when held within FROM THE TOP reasonable bounds’. We should therefore take satisfaction from the CHURCH MILLS LIMITED E D I T O R I A L catholic nature of our organisation and try to New Magnetic Rope Warning System TAMoBuntaLineEerin.g .is. an individualistic and at embrace as many of the varied thoughts as Editor times anarchistic pursuit and it comes as no possible. This also means that the larger elements Genesis Reflective Warning Rope & Blankets receive Emergency Services Endorsement Judy Whiteside of mountain rescue do not have a monopoly on Rossendale & Pendle MRT surprise that mountain rescue, spawned of good ideas and best practices and we all need to 8 bridgefoot close . boothstown . worsley mountaineering, is formed of highly motivated manchester M28 1UG people with their own ideas and views. make better use of the means to listen be it telephone 0161 702 6080 I have found that the only way to give some websites, team leaders meetings etc. editorial email [email protected] semblance of ‘leading’ the organisation is to guess During the past twelve months I have been Website which way it is headed and then try and walk at the able to travel around the country quite widely and I Paul Baxendale front. MRC officers work hard to listen to as many am able to say without reservation that mountain Paul Horder Keswick MRT thoughts and ideas from the body of the rescue is in a very healthy state. It is carrying out Dave Freeborn Patterdale MRT organisation as possible. It is clearly not feasible to rescues that no one else is able to undertake, doing Handbook institute all of them and it is also true to say that so with great skill and commitment and is Eve Burton Buxton MRT every man has an idea that will not work. universally held in high regard. Sometimes there Statistics seems to be tunnel vision focusing only on Ged Feeney Penrith MRT Nevertheless the direction of travel will always be driven by the collation of opinions from the teams numbers of rescues. It is, however, the quality of the An all too common occurrence, MRC Press Officer service that is the greater strength. As Einstein Andy Simpson and their members. stated ‘Not everything that counts can be counted an accident in a remote area. Rossendale & Pendle MRT It is unlikely that we will reach a state wherein Bad enough when the weather is there is a single unified path of travel on all matters. and not everything that can be counted counts’. www.mountain.rescue.org.uk fine, far worse at 8pm after dark Bill Murray, possibly the greatest writer on David Allan Chairman with three kids on board! A D V E R T I S I N G The Magnetic Warning Rope S A L E S groups pitting themselves against the terrain and can be fitted in seconds whilst Pat Starkie ...AND FROM each other. Big smile day. the ‘Be Safe’ Retro Reflective telephone 0870 240 4024 Then we had the introduction to ropes which, Blanket will keep up to three THE EDITOR... for me, was indeed a complete introduction. Never people warm and dry whilst N E X T I S S U E There’s one question destined to raise every abseiled, never climbed, certainly never been awaiting rescue. team member’s eyes from that familiar spot on the strapped in a stretcher and hung vertical off a Issue 19 – January 2006 carpet during cas care lectures. No, not the one we quarry face. It’s not that I’m particularly worried Deadline for copy 8 December ask any male casualty over 40 (heck, any male about heights – I’ve stood atop some pretty Editorial copy must be supplied as casualty, full stop) presenting with symptoms of unforgiving alpine slopes with a couple of planks Word/Quark document. angina, concerning whether he has partaken of a strapped to my feet, taken a deep breath and loved Both an absolute must for Images must be supplied as separate certain purple pill during the last few hours (cue every powdery second of going for it – but I really Paramedics, Police and JPEGS/Photoshop EPS/TIFF (300 dpi) sniggers all round). But the one about which drug in did not feel happy about this. ‘Does anyone want to Advertising artwork must be supplied, ready Multi-Accident Ambulance the mountain rescue pharmacopoeia you might use practice on this shallow slope first?’ asked Pete. prepared on CD or via email as font embedded Services. PDF/EPS/TIFF (300 dpi) or Quark document with to treat a casualty in the throes of an asthma attack. Nobody spoke. But me. ‘Er... actually, I’d quite like all relevant fonts and images. The reason being, you see, that about 70% of team to.’ And that was bad enough, what with slippery members apparently suffer with asthma to some grass and all that, but then it was on to the 80 foot Blanket and Ropes are made Every care will be taken of materials sent degree or another. Must be something in the drop of sheer rock (remember this is a complete with 100% acrylic yarns for publication however these are submitted Rossendale water. Maybe it’s all those hours spent beginner’s assessment, not necessarily the reality) combined with 3M™ Scotchlite™ at the sender’s risk. navigating through the Pendle clag. and every ounce of courage left me. Until, spurred Reflective Material. Front page pic Having said that, the obligatory puffers have on by my very encouraging team mates, I went. And Edale MRT on training exercise. not been much in evidence in the last several weeks back came the smile! Yesss! Tim Webber in which I have been joining the team on outdoor Meanwhile, a Tyrolean traverse had been set exercises and, recently, the new trainees on trainee up across the dip. ‘You going Jude?’ Try holding me training. Maybe the asthma thing is just an amusing back!! And off I went... squealing, as I mentioned Thank You myth perpetuated to ease the torpor of staring at earlier, with sheer delight all the way. And back for to everyone who has the carpet for an entire meeting? Whateva. a second go! Wow! I mean, wow! Later that day I BE SEEN submitted news, articles and photographs for inclusion in the So... team training. And after a lifetime of was the ‘casualty’ strapped into the Bell for a Mountain Rescue Magazine. practical creativity (well, have you ever met any journey up and down the crag. And finally, rope If your contribution isn’t other single soul who has crocheted a carpet or attached, I climbed (okay, got hauled up out of my BE SAFE here, don’t worry. Everything knitted a filofax cover? No? Then I rest my case) I terrified limpet stance more than once, if truth be is kept on file for future WITH GENESIS consideration, so please keep up am suddenly all fingers and thumbs. Completely told) up the same ‘80 foot’ which had earlier held so the good work. unable, with a vehicle full of silently groaning much fear for me. Even bigger smile day. REFLECTIVE testosterone, to close the passenger door on But back to the point... and there was actually Mobile 1. ‘Just lift the handle and pull it shut.’ Nope, WARNING SYSTEMS Editor’s Note a point, believe it or not. While all this action girl stuff won’t go. Repeat last two sentences five times until has been going on, I’ve also been giving my kitchen Articles carried in someone else slams it shut with enormous ease. a much needed coat of paint. The day the paint can Mountain Rescue Completely unable, on another occasion, to follow came out, so too did the most awful barking cough, Contact Paul Hall or Helen Dixey Magazine do not my team leader’s ‘simpler method’ than my own wheezing, shortness of breath and consequent at Church Mills, 77 Harborough Road, Kibworth LE8 0RB necessarily reflect the Paul : [email protected] Helen : [email protected] perfectly successful method of tying a figure of aching ribs. Two weeks in and no sleep, I gave in – opinions of the MRC. eight knot. Ho hum. crawling to the doctor’s surgery begging for mercy. Mobile : 07746 776 816 Further, we do not accept But there have been moments of sheer Result? I now have a (temporary) puffer. My very responsibility for squealing delight. Like the off road driving day, own Salbutamol. As team membership goes, I Pat. and Reg. Designs – information supplied in spent getting to know our new vehicles and guess I’ve arrived! Genesis Reflective Rope Ltd adverts/advertorial. following tricky little courses, team members in Judy Whiteside Editor

PAGE 2 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2006 OCTOBER 2006 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 3 FIRST RESPONSE MRC NEWS fed into the detective work following the security be brought to the fore. This is testing will then be topics. There will be up to TEAM VEHICLE SECURITY EQUIPMENT NEWS With my work hat on as a crime London (July 2005) attack. One thing supported by an article from August complete. Details will be date information on that came out was the credible 2006 Emergency Services Times (below) Mike Margeson writes, researcher for West Yorkshire police the reported in this magazine policies and procedures intelligence that groups are looking for – well worth a read. Not to be alarmist, ‘The UK conference was other week, I was on an intelligence and teams will be welcome and examples of tried and access to ‘official vehicle’ to assist in but this appears to be a growing trend. not only well supported by development course with speakers from to trial the system. Further tested operational future attacks. This can either be stolen Stuart Milner 20 trade exhibitors but a wide range of specialist teams in West information can be practices. Experts from Yorkshire police. This was in the week of (remember the cave rescue team vehicle Holme Valley MRT also had a number of new obtained from across the UK will the terrorist problems at the airports. reported in the latest MR Mag?) or & Secretary MPSRO equipment contributors tracey.binks@dfmrt contribute. The manual Crime Division was talking about some bought second hand. and speakers. will be a practical, credible of the local intelligence of incidents that I guess I’m suggesting team vehicle Jamie Kean and Paul ‘Other news – the vacuum and current resource of Rosher presented the mattress production run value to all members of Can you account for ALL of your fleet? continued development of which has been slightly UK mountain rescue, its the Scottish stretcher and delayed is almost aims to share good The threat of terrorism has made institutions, companies and governments strengthen the cas bag project which is complete as the magazine practice amongst teams, physical perimeters of their sites, buildings and premises and conversely the terrorist has had to receiving good reports in goes to print and help teams develop their Barry Scott tests. distribution is imminent. adapt their methods of delivering a deadly cargo of explosives, writes Detective own practices and ‘Dave Binks and Paul ‘We have four new Bell Sergeant, NaCTSO (National Counter Terrorist Security Office). procedures, to assist Horder presented a Tangent stretchers There have been attacks In Iraq, Saudi Arabia and other fleet managers. All fleet managers need to heed the same training and guide new software programme available to teams at half parts of the Middle East where stolen, adapted or cloned message as refuse vehicles, post vehicles and company utility members, and to developed to work with cost (£1000). Also ambulances, police and utility company vehicles have been vehicles all gain access to secure premises every day. These document key procedures GPS mics on a Simoco available is a small used in suicide attacks. issues are being addressed in different transport forums as part of risk assessment radio. A trace and record number of cas bags. In November 2003 a residential compound used by throughout the country. However, you should also address and professionalism of each party and its ‘The next PPE/FPE western oil workers was attacked by multiple suicide bombers these issues when you have vehicles visiting your workshops, CHRISTMAS CARDS practice. location can be displayed Equipment Checking posing as police. In January 2004 terrorists using a vehicle compounds or garages. Are they authorised to enter? The MRC is publishing Christmas cards this year. Supplied in sets of 8 x A6 It is hoped to secure on an OS tile on screen at course will take place at carrying red crescent ambulance markings carried out a Supervised while on premises? Or removing any items they cards, the packs contain two each of four designs – courtesy of David Allan additional funding from base. This cutting edge Oldham MRT base on suicide attack on a western hotel in Baghdad. In February this shouldn’t? – together with 8 envelopes. Packs are available to teams priced £2.50 + outside the organisation technology has a number Sunday 15 October. This year suicide bombers using three vehicles carrying the However, to reduce the opportunity of the terrorist 75p p&p per set (with a view to teams selling on at a minimum of £4 per and it is intended to of applications, not least partially MRC subsidised markings and logos of the Saudi national oil facility were obtaining a suitable vehicle to carry out this scenario we must pack) from Eve Burton, 9 Princes Road, Chinley, High Peak S23 6AB. Large distribute at minimal cost the safety of knowing where course costs £12 per thwarted from entering the gates of the country’s largest oil field. look at the safety and security of all emergency vehicle fleets. orders please call Eve on 01663 750371 for appropriate p&p charge. to teams. The project is each party is. head. Booking is through A ‘Trojan’ vehicle, and by that I mean ‘any vehicle which In 2004, advisory guidelines were issued to police, fire and planned to complete by ‘Also of interest is the Peter Smith on 01706- appears harmless or friendly, but is designed to destroy or rescue and ambulance services regarding the security of their summer 2007 although heated Entonox, project 852335 or secretary@ including purchasing, VAT, concerned with the safety Executive and the training attack from within’, has become a method of attack for the fleets whilst under repair. These guidelines are available from this target may be which Tracey Binks has mountain.rescue.org.uk vehicle customisation, and well being of subcommittee. Externally suicide bomber to secure access to the heart of any target your local police CTSA (Counter Terrorist Security Advisor). somewhat ambitious! been developing. She This is a highly practical maintenance, insurance, mountain rescue they may involve premises or site prior to carrying out the detonation. There has Disposal care reports that progress is and hands on course road tax, operations, personnel when operating representing MR with other been no vehicle borne suicide attack in the UK to date. At the end of a vehicle’s emergency service life care being made on a solution relevant to any team markings, blue lights, along river banks (often in agencies and involvement NEW HANDBOOK Emergency vehicles are commonplace should be taken regarding disposal. Ambulances and fire and for storing Entonox within member and well received driver training and flood condition) and with the working The new Mountain & Cave Emergency vehicles are a common site in city centres, at rescue vehicles have traditionally been passed to voluntary an unheated vehicle. Tests by those who have ambulance regulations. coastal fringes (with tidal arrangements between Rescue Handbook is now sporting events and where people congregate. Crowded services, or abroad to aid countries in the developing world. on a heating system previously attended.’ The post holder will be fluctuations), crossing mountain rescue and other available from Eve Burton places have been a target for the terrorist abroad, especially in This occurs in order to gain the maximum amount of resale designed by Inditherm plc someone who is prepared streams (with or without a agencies. Anyone priced £5 + £1.50 p&p Iraq, and have included local markets, job centres and social value and utilise the money to buy new vehicles. each to teams and have been successful and TWO NEW POSTS to amass the necessary casualty), boating across interested in these posts gatherings. Fully equipped ambulances and fire and rescue vehicles Aiguille Alpine Equipment members (cover price The MRC is currently information relating to all open water to access a should contact Peter Building a vehicle bomb requires a significant investment regularly appear for sale on ebay. Fire appliances are being has now manufactured a £7.50). Eve will quote p&p seeking nominations for these issues, maintain its casualty on the far bank, Smith. Applications will be of time, resources and expertise. Because of this terrorists will used as ‘party’ vehicles for hen and stag nights. The prototype bag. Following for larger orders. two new posts. The currency and disseminate and assisting those who circulated to MR members seek to obtain the maximum impact for their investment. The ‘exclusiveness’ of these vehicles is disappearing and if taken as the conference, this will be Vehicle Officer will be as appropriate. This are trapped or endangered with voting rights with a vehicle they use to carry a device to the target will be vital to the norm peoples’ awareness of them is reduced. further demonstrated at expected to deal with the includes awareness of by flood waters or by a view to making a decision operational success and an emergency vehicle would be ideal When a vehicle comes to the end of its emergency career, the next MRC Equipment many queries about training opportunities. raging torrent. The post at the November meeting. for this purpose. prior to disposal, the emergency service fleet manager should subcommittee meeting at vehicles and their use The second post of holder will be someone The nightmare scenario attack would be a stolen or ensure the removal of all livery and equipment. An information Preston in November. Full Water Officer within mountain rescue will be who is prepared to amass TRAINING MANUAL ‘cloned’ emergency vehicle approaching the outer cordon of sheet should be provided to the auctioneers/new owners the necessary information, Work is underway to any sensitive site or ceremonial event with its blue lights and regarding the penalties of using a vehicle with maintain its currency and produce a UK Mountain sirens running. It would take a very brave young officer to stop emergency/police markings and equipment. An early OH DO TRY AND KEEP UP! disseminate as fit Rescue training that vehicle before allowing admittance to the site or event. The notification to the DVLA and the Police National Computer including appropriate manual/handbook, usual response by most officers would be to open the barrier (PNC) should be made to ensure the vehicle is shown as being equipment and the supported and endorsed and allow access to that vehicle as it approached. If that vehicle no longer owned by a police, fire and rescue service or, in the awareness of training by both executive was driven by a suicide bomber, the result of that action could case of ambulances, a National Health Trust. opportunities. The officer committees. It will be a be catastrophic. Thankfully this scenario is being addressed at Liveries, legislation and licensing will be required to advise comprehensive document the planning stage of state occasions, political party There is much work still to be done, covering issues such teams on all matters of providing information conferences and major events. as national emergency service liveries, legislation and water safety and rescue 6 about the context, Obtaining a target vehicle licensing. In the interim, ensuring fleets are secure and 0

0 relating to MR involvement

2 MRC DIRECTORY

administration and First the terrorist needs to obtain their target vehicle and revisiting guidelines and procedures. This will go a long way to

N with still, moving and rapid A operation of mountain The Directory is also accessories. The aim of every fleet manager should be to preventing a terrorist using one of your vehicles in the first L L water situations. currently being updated A

rescue in the UK. The ensure that any of the vehicles in their fleet could not be used vehicle suicide attack in the UK.

D Internally, both posts will I intention is NOT to and will be available from in any future attack. The security of your vehicles or the vehicles For further information on the subject of terrorism and for V

A require attendance at the November as a pdf. D prescribe what teams accessories, ie light bars, sirens, force crests, reflective the best and most up to date advice from experts in

© MRC meetings in May and should or should not do markings and logos is paramount, these basic precautions are government and the police service log on to mi5.gov.uk or November along with PS. You’ve seen the cartoons, ordered the Christmas cards... now buy the book! but to provide a essential in the fight against terrorism. homeoffice.gov.uk occasional meetings, by ‘So You Want To Join Mountain Rescue?’ by David Allan & Judy comprehensive ‘toolbox’ of Of course, this problem is not only for emergency service This article first appeared in the Emergency Service Times Whiteside is published by Hayloft – a snip at £14.95! www.hayloft.org.uk invitation, with the

PAGE 4 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2006 OCTOBER 2006 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 5 REGIONAL NEWS

and 100,000 information cards around the region. voluntary service provided to your community, Lakes’ teams visited as many outdoor shops, then it is worth paying a visit to the regional pubs, hotels, B&Bs, outdoor centres and other website which has links to all your local teams outlets as possible. Media coverage was very www.ldsamra.org.uk. There you find virtually successful with live and recorded interviews on anything you need to know about mountain Radio Cumbria and Bay Radio, live interviews on rescue. Thank you for your support in the past and Border TV, BBC Look North and BBC Manchester. hopefully, your continuing support for the future. Under the headline ‘Highest number of mountain ‘This publicity campaign is being supported by the rescue fatalities on record in the Lakes – how can Cumbria Tourist Board and HSBC in the we halt this trend?’ we aimed to raise awareness Community. We are extremely grateful to HSBC of what mountain rescue is and what it isn’t, who have fully supported the project as part of PAUL CHESHIRE, SECRETARY KESWICK MRT through a series of questions. their commitment to supporting the community.’ AND RICHARD WARREN SECRETARY LDSAMRA ‘Do you know how many teams there are within BEING INTERVIEWED LIVE ON ONE O’CLOCK Cumbria serving their communities? BORDER TV NEWS OUTSIDE KESWICK BASE ‘Did you know that the 450 team members within those twelve teams covering the Lake District are MID PENNINE PHOTOS: BOLTON EVENING NEWS LAKE DISTRICT all fully trained but unpaid volunteers? CALDER CELEBRATE QUEEN ’S AWARD Calder Valley SRT celebrated their 40th Richard Warren (Secretary, LDSAMRA) ‘Did you know it costs between £30,000 and anniversary on 17 June with an official open day writes... In the last issue of the magazine, we £50,000 each year to cover the cost of running a ‘With so many different organisations in the frame, IT’S A DOG’S LIFE attended by civic dignitaries from the parishes Search rescue dog Chi is recovering from his own reported that the accident statistics for 2005 in the single team? Collecting boxes are your way of the public can be forgiven for being confused as and town councils of the area. Guest were joined misadventure when his leg was accidentally caught in a Lake District were showing some worrying trends. keeping the service going and improving it. to who to call in the event of an off-road incident. by past team members and representatives of strimming machine. Owner Dave Marsh, of Bolton The total number of incidents were 395 with 19 ‘Did you know team members are on call 24 hours In addition to all this confusion there are the extra local community organisations and the MRT , had been cutting three foot high grass in his fatalities reported in mountain related activities, a day, 365 days a year and most have full time jobs? demands being made on funding with different emergency services. The open day was blessed garden but didn’t spot nine year old Chi who had dashed the highest figure on record. Ten were reported as ‘Did you know that we are all quite happy to be groups trying to meet their own particular funding with glorious sunshine as over 250 guests and up to him after being startled by the noise of a bird scarer. ‘collapsed’ with medical problem, mainly heart purely volunteers and on call? needs. members of the public mingled around the team The strimmer caught the animal’s leg leaving it almost related. It is interesting to note that in only two ‘Did you know that this year 57% of all calls were ‘How do we plan to increase public awareness headquarters viewing team equipment, archive severed above the ankle. Chi was rushed to the vet where cases did companions attempt CPR. made via mobile phones? In many cases we and what will you see that is different? There will displays and the team vehicles. a specialist operation saved his leg from amputation. It was partly due to this worrying trend, and partly struggle to get back to the informant as they move be posters located in every single outdoor shop, The event was opened by Chief Constable of Dave said, ‘I was in bits for two weeks after the accident due to a need to increase public awareness of the from their location or switch it off? outdoor centre, hotel and community centre West Yorkshire Police, Colin Cramphorn QPM DL, because I love my dog and couldn’t believe this mountain rescue service, that the region decided ‘Even today, many people who walk the fells on a throughout the region. When you buy an item in a who praised the team for their commitment over to embark on a publicity campaign. The regular basis still believe mountain rescue to be a shop, there could be a business card sized card happened. I didn’t see him because the of the grass until the years and reflected on the strong bond campaign was launched on 31 August with the fully paid, full-time professional service funded by placed in the bag along with your purchase, it was too late. One of his legs was badly broken – it was between the paid emergency services and press release and distribution of 50,000 posters taxpayers. advising you exactly what to do in the event of hanging off. I took him to my vet and because of the mountain rescue volunteers. Mr Cramphorn also ‘In addition to the needing the mountain rescue service. This will complexity he thought it might have to be amputated. But Cameron McNeish takes stage at Kirby attended the event in his role as the Deputy Lord public’s limited hopefully lead to fewer delays in getting the he referred Chi to a specialist vet hospital called Rutland Lecture 2006 Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and presented team understanding about correct emergency resource and equipment to House, in St Helens, and they were able to sort out the Speaker at the Friends of the Lake District’s annual Kirby Lecture is president Bob Uttley with the Queen’s Award for what mountain rescue you – especially important in life threatening wound before he had a major operation to pin his leg back the writer, broadcaster and mountaineer Cameron McNeish. He will Voluntary Service. The award had been give an illustrated lecture, entitled ‘Wild Landscapes – A Spirit of is and isn’t, or how they circumstances where the team needs to get to you together.’ Place?’ exploring our should call out a within that golden hour. If the team needs a Dave and Chi have been together since Chi was a seven relationship with wild places mountain rescue team, helicopter then they will ensure you get the correct week old pup. Ian Barclay, the veterinary surgeon who performed the operation has been in the on Friday 20 October at we are also concerned profession for 25 years. He said, ‘Chi had a big chunk of bone missing from his leg which made it difficult 7.30pm at Keswick School, type of helicopter for the job. Vicarage Hill, Keswick. Entry over the growing ‘The following accident statistics for 2005 in the to treat. We had to put plates and screws in the leg, which is hard when there is a large area of bone is free and open to everyone number of incidents, Lake District have shown some worrying trends missing. He was put under anaesthetic and the operation took about two hours. It seems to be healing so please do come along and particularly fatalities. and LDSAMRA would like to reverse this trend. well now so I am optimistic that the leg will recover.’ join us for the evening. The poster campaign is ‘Of the 395 incidents attended, 19 fatalities were Asked for an update on Chi’s progress, before going to press, fellow team member Dave Healey said, For more information about a response to this and Friends of the Lake District reported in mountain related activities, the highest ‘Last time I saw Chi, he was the fastest thing on three legs. He would raise his leg in the frame and rush phone (01539) 720788 or to concerns within the figure on record. Ten were reported as ‘collapsed’ around something chronic. He was still the very playful Chi as seen on call outs and training – full of visit our www.fld.org.uk mountain rescue with medical problem, mainly heart related. It is energy and willing to play despite his injury. He appears to be doing really well. There was a lot of community over the interesting to note that in only two cases did concern when we heard about this accident. It was as if one of our own family had been injured... well G G number of agencies companions attempt CPR (cardiopulmonary he really was part of the MR family.’ Best wishes to Chi – let’s hope he continues to thrive. HANDLE WITH CARE becoming more and resuscitation). This must surely act as a wake-up more involved in call to hill users to learn basic life support. It is no Each year millions of people visit the Lake District National Park. It’s mountain rescue – communities, supporting other activities including a special place, away from many of the pressures of everyday life. use saying ‘it will never happen to me’. Major either in a support role charity events, community clean up events and Friends of the Lake District work to keep it, and the rest of Cumbria, special trauma claimed six victims. Two rock-climbing NORTH EAST support to organisations such as scouting. He for the benefit of everyone. (Air Ambulance) in deaths resulted from leader falls, one caused by a THE WHAT GOES ROUND COMES went on to praise and thank the many supporters When we were formed, more than 70 years ago, we were at the forefront of the preference to road large rockfall on a popular crag. Both of these COLIN CRAMPHORN PRESENTS CHAIRMAN ROUND CALL OUT BOB UTTLEY WITH THE QUEEN’S AWARD of the team including landowners and local movement for the Lake District to be designated a National Park and our work ambulances; or the incidents occurred within eight days! The other Gari Finch, call out officer for Cleveland SRT continues today. Whether you come from near or far, we want you to enjoy the FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE businesses. The team received an engraved Maritime Coastguard four deaths resulted from falls on steep, rocky writes, ‘Wednesday nights are practice nights for Lake District, but why not join us and help keep it special, too? glass tablet and parchment signed by the Queen. Agency (MCA) taking ground while hill walking. These occurred toward us. One Wednesday in July, as we were about to announced the week previously and came as a Following the formalities of the open day To find out more about us or to become over co-ordination of the end of the day, consistent with other accidents start our practice at one end of our patch, the a member contact: great surprise to team members. members of all decades enjoyed beers, food and rescues on the four reported when people are becoming tired. This mobile rang. It was North Yorks police informing Friends of the Lake District (MR) President Bob Uttley said it was a great honour for public access lakes; good old ‘crack’ in between dancing to a ceilidh us that a walker had fallen and in need of Freepost LA1186 must be taken as a sign to improve people’s the team to receive the award and recognised the and disco. A proud day for the team and all Kendal, Cumbria LA9 8BR the fire and rescue awareness that fitness levels are important in safe assistance. (At the opposite end of our patch, of work of team members past and present. The members past and present. Tel: 01539 720788 service with swift water movement on difficult ground. course). The walker reported that her injuries www.fld.org.uk award not only recognised the provision of a ‘Caring for the countryside in the Lake rescue and cliff rescue ‘If you would like to know more about this were not serious but that she was near Round Hill, District and throughout Cumbria for the Reg. Charity No: 228443 rescue service but also its work with the local benefit of everyone’ on the horizon. could see the B1257 (Bilsdale Valley road) and

PAGE 6 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2006 OCTOBER 2006 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 7 FIRST RESPONSE REGIONAL NEWS and Rescue’. Training needs will still the Bilsdale TV mast from where she was. Round ‘Eventually one of our IN AN IDEAL WORLD.... be different between mountainous Hill is well known to us, as it’s the highest point on vehicles made the find I’m sure it’s a thought most of us have had at some point, either driving and lowland teams but search and the North York moors. So a cunning plan was about two miles south of home from a national or regional MR rescue is a transferable skill. For developed to send two Land Rovers up to the Round Hill 1, and we meeting or perhaps after a few beers example, rope skills on a mountain Round Hill area and the rest of the team and our evacuated the lady off the with fellow MR colleagues, but what can be applied to situations on high other vehicle to meet with the police at a car park hill. When we asked why is the ‘ideal world’ for mountain angles, confined space and on the other side of Round Hill from where we she could not generate a rescue in England and Wales? underground rescue. I’d like to see a could send in a walking party. grid reference the lady It’s a subject that often has extremes national training syllabus with NORTH EAST WALES TEAM MEMBERS RESPLENDENT IN NEW KEELA KIT ‘We met the police who confirmed the details we indicated that she was of opinion – passion or indifference. considerations for those local training had been given initially but as, by now the using a guidebook map for navigation, which anniversary of its first callout – to assist two fallen The passion could stem from tradition requirements. Search and rescue searching Land Rovers had made no contact with accounted for why she could identify the B1257 climbers at Pistyll Rhaeadr. As became the norm, or, what some may feel, the blindingly should be a service for whoever the injured lady, we asked them to triangulate her and the TV mast. She had navigated her way very the team (then the Clwyd Rescue Team) was obvious. The indifference can come needs us. If, as we’re regularly told, mountain mobile signal and get some additional details well with it, for she was not local to the area. We stood down on arrival, as the casualties had been from a feeling of contentment or rescue should appear in the front of from her. It was at this point that one of our eagle had a swift debrief as time was approaching rescued by local climbers. 25 years on and 262 satisfaction or, more worryingly, a the Yellow Pages, let’s have our own eyed team members spotted another Round Hill 2300hrs and retired to the next round of the day in callouts later, NEWSAR has grown from six to ‘What’s the point?’ There are many in-betweens and other reasons. 999 control room for ‘Search and named on the map. This one was on the other a place of refreshment. Yes, we did remember to forty members and continues to thrive. In July, What’s important to remember with Rescue’. The full time staff here can side of the valley from our location, but from it you stand Scarborough team down – they were team members past and present celebrated the our national body is that it’s there for be doing press releases or national could see the TV mast and the B1257. Round Hill somewhat disappointed, as they had to continue event with an anniversary dinner, together with us – the teams and their members. It fundraising during the quieter times! family and friends. One of the team’s founders 2 was within walking distance for the lady, so with their committee meeting! If only all rescues is vital that teams both feel they can Let’s start small with an aim to have a when we failed to get a grid reference from her were as straightforward! and the first team leader Noel Hulmston, was also contribute to MR and have the paid team of specialists at national and no indication as to whether she had crossed present. Mountain Rescue president, Peter Bell confidence to explain what they level – supporting the functions at the B1257, another party was sent out to cover ICELAND YOUTH TEAM VISIT TEESDALE and the Chief Constable of North Wales Police, would like to see in their ‘ideal world’. ground level either through Eight youth team members accompanied by two Round Hill 2. Richard Brunstrom, both gave inspiring It’s clear there will be many equipment, funds or representation leaders from Isafjordur SRT in Iceland travelled to ‘What we could not understand was, if the lady speeches. At the conclusion of the after-dinner similarities and differences in view of and liaison. Should SAR have a knew about Round Hill and could identify a road the UK for a ten day exchange visit with speeches, long service awards celebrating ten this from team to team but, unless we statutory function? Either way, lets by its proper designation, why could she not Teesdale & Weardale SRT in July. The and fifteen years service were presented to eight express specifically and have other emergency services approach us and ask to be involved generate a grid reference? After another Teesdale team is unique in the UK in having a team members. In addition to celebrating its constructively what we would like to instead of the other way around for a conversation with her, we discovered that she had youth section, whereas 50% of Icelandic teams anniversary, 2006 has been a busy year for see, then a potential frustration and misunderstanding will ensue for change – from air ambulances to fire started her walk in the morning from a village have youth sections. The project, funded by North NEWSAR. The team has purchased an additional everyone on all levels, from the MRC brigades. called Glaisdale about 15 miles from the Round Pennines LEADER+ is aimed at learning and Land Rover, relocated its base due to the closure committee right the way through to Let’s have a national identity that Hills we were searching. At this point yet another sharing ideas and techniques between teams, of RAF Sealand and purchased new Keela kit for individual team members. extends further than a blue roundel. eagle eyed team member found another Round and giving young people a cultural exchange all members with the assistance of local and Communication is often the key – Corporate clothing, vehicles, experience between groups with similar aims. Hill in the Glaisdale area! Mobile phone coverage national sponsors. teams need to have confidence in equipment, branding and structure. The programme of events during the visit was was not very good and to make matters worse the their regions to voice their opinions, Let’s all be enthusiastic, forward lady reported that her mobile batteries were just quite intensive and allowed the 12 youth team but also the confidence to stand looking, optimistic and transparent in about flat. We didn’t want her phone to lose its members to work closely with their Icelandic IT’S TRUE... (CONTRARY alone and voice their own ideas and all we do, and avoid negative conflict signal as the police were still trying to triangulate. partners. There was a presentation at the team suggestions. Success and survival and politics. Let’s learn and not be The one good thing about Round Hill 3 was, base in Barnard Castle and visits to Patterdale TO RECEIVED WISDOM) will be determined by our strategy for afraid of making a few mistakes or unless the lady had incredible vision, there was and Keswick MRTs (thanks must go to both those the future – something that can be upsetting a few people along the way. MEN ARE POOR Let’s focus on the casualty. no way she could see either the TV mast or the teams). Many Icelandic SAR teams include sea spread and reviewed over a period of Obviously I have my reasons for my B1257 from it. We put Scarborough team on rescue as part of their remit and the visiting team NAVIGATORS... HONEST... six months, two years, five years – whatever – monitored and held by all opinions, as you do yours. But I standby for Round Hill 3 and continued with our were very interested in visiting the RNLI – Or so our counterparts in Scotland would involved as ‘what MR will be’. wonder how similar our feelings really vehicle/foot search of Round Hill 1 and 2. Hartlepool and Sunderland stations very kindly have us believe... In a previous issue of So, not one to hide my opinions, I’ll are? Let’s all be nice and open about hosted the group for a day – the high point being NESRA CASUALTY CARE TRAINING CASBAG it was reported that women are start... I’d like our national body to our ideal world and maybe, one day, a trip out in the Hartlepool boat. Four days were worse than men when it comes to have strong leadership and offer we’ll know what each other’s feelings PACKAGE LAUNCHED spent in the Lake District and the group went on navigation. Well, the tables now seem greater guidance, vision and are and, who knows, we might even The UK MR Conference in September saw the launch of the NESRA say the same? several long mountain walks including Scafell reversed! RAC Direct Insurance has coordination. I think that MR and Casualty Care Training package – comprising interactive CD-ROM of ‘on Jim Gallienne Cornwall SRT the hill’ video demos, animated diagrams, 360° virtual skeletal models Pike and the Helvellyn horseshoe – the heat was carried out research showing that, in ALSAR should become one national quite intense and was a real shock for the body under the banner of ‘Search and instant access to anatomy and physiology animations, accompanied regard to navigation whilst driving, men by teaching notes to support the CD – on sale for £65. A separate book Icelanders who had been experiencing a period resist asking for directions until the very of student notes – priced £10 each – mirrors the chapters in the CD of three months of rain with a top temperature of last gasp. Apparently, male drivers enabling the student to understand the casualty care syllabus. 16°! Other activities included rock climbing and DATES FOR There was a great deal of waste six million hours a year by refusing abseiling, and swimming in the lakes and rivers. DIAR Y 200 6 interest at the conference, with to admit they are lost. Men wait an EQUIPMENT INSPECTION DAY many teams taking the The programme ended with a BBQ and the Places: 24 average of 20 minutes before giving up opportunity to order teaching exchange of team badges and pictures. Date: Sunday 15 October and asking for directions, whereas lost packages and student books. A return trip is planned for July 2007 – to include Location: Oldham MRT HQ This excellent product is the women drivers wait just ten minutes Contact: John Edwards 01457 870734 [email protected] an expedition onto a glacier, whale watching and, result of two years’ hard work before seeking help. In fact, men are so and dedication for all those PEAK DISTRICT of course, bathing in hot springs!l MR (ENGLAND & WALES) MEETING THE CHIEF CONSTABLE OF DERBYSHIRE, DAVID reluctant to ask for help they’re prepared Date: 18 November involved. In 2004, NESRA COLEMAN, PRESENTS A CHEQUE FOR £5,500 to endure a ‘nagging period’ of around Location: Lancs Police HQ, Hutton medical subcommittee began TO PDMRO. THE MONEY WAS RAISED AT A submitting applications to ten minutes before they crack and admit Contact: Peter Smith 01706 852335 secretary@ mountain.rescue.org.uk DINNER DANCE HELD IN APRIL, BY THE POLICE NORTH WALES trusts with a view to producing FEDERATION. they have no idea where they are. Ten TEAM LEADER’S MEETING a training aid to use for the casualty care syllabus and the successful FROM LEFT: EVE BURTON, PDMRO TREASURER, TWENTY FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY minutes on the mountain could mean Places: 50 application brought sufficient funding to develop the package. This is a Date: Saturday 2 December non profit making venture with all the information written by volunteers. DAVID COLEMAN, ROBIN KNOTT PDMRO OF FIRST CALL OUT the difference between life and death! SECRETARY DUNCAN DAVIES AND CHAIRMAN The 1 November 2006 sees the North East Location: Derby area For more information, or to request a trial copy, please contact Paul Fell, OF THE POLICE FEDERATION. Wales SRT (NEWSAR) celebrating the 25th Contact: Peter Smith Project Manager [email protected]

PAGE OCTOBER PAGE 8 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2006 2006 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE 9 REGIONAL READING MATTERS NEWS SO YOU WANT TO JOIN MOUNTAIN RESCUE? going to be in for a roller coaster of a ride. OSAR LAUNCH NEW SAR BY DAVID ALLAN & JUDY WHITESIDE The Act is there to support full time emergency SOUTH WEST ORGANISATION services and local authorities in their role as Many of the perhaps more ‘mature’ CORNWALL UNDER CONTROL Oxfordshire Search & Rescue (OSAR) has resilience planners in the event of emergencies. It readers of this will possibly recall those Cornwall SRT has welcomed its newest recently (and perhaps somewhat calls on all full time emergency services to be annual publications of the past which member onto the team in the shape of a brand confusingly, given the various other ‘Category 1’ responders and to adopt certain seemed to be an intrinsic part of the new control vehicle, representing the culmination agencies carrying this title) become known statutory responsibilities. All other service festive season. I refer to the cartoon books of several months’ hard work by the ops team. as UKSAR and begun a national SAR providers, including voluntary agencies, are which appeared each year and featured The vehicle cost around £30k all told and is based ‘Category 2’ responders and fall under the banner membership in the UK. Gary Foo of OSAR, some of our favourites – ‘Andy Capp’, on a Peugeot Boxer hi-top 2.8 HCDi long wheel of the local authority emergency planning officer. whose group has provided aid to Pakistan ‘Fred Bassett’, ‘The Perishers’ et al. Well, based van. It is standard amongst most MR Typical Cat 2 responders are the WRVS, RAYNET asks, ‘Is there a lot of difference between here we are again, but this time with a control vehicles in that it has a control area and and local 4x4 groups. All these are useful the mountains of Scotland and the cartoon book dedicated to our own then a rear kit store. Much research was particular interest. agencies to support an on-going disaster, but are mountains of Pakistan? Of course there is – undertaken looking at different vehicles to Many readers will be familiar with last year’s ‘Mountain Rescue’ by Judy (and not able to mount a blue light real time response but there is also a lot of commonality. establish exactly what we’d like in ours and what Bob Sharp) with its mix of factual information, action stories and humour. in an emergency. ‘Search and rescue has so many the best configuration would be. In the end, we Perhaps even more will have enjoyed David’s wonderful cartoons which So this was the dilemma. Do we just lie down and disciplines including air rescue, water also put in a torch charging system, tracking for regularly feature in ‘Mountain Rescue’ magazine and elsewhere. do what the Act proposed, or do we stand up and rescue, mountain rescue, technical rescue, stretchers and three additional removable ‘So You Want To Join… ‘ has taken a further step into MR literature with a fight for a place as a Cat 1 responder? The Act lowland rescue, urban rescue, medical passenger carrying seats. Diesel heaters, Simoco delightful collaboration of David and Judy’s work that weaves their combined does not allow for voluntary organisations to be rescue, cave rescue, cliff rescue, dive artistic flair, presentation skills, knowledge of their subject (and subjects!) and radios and an internally mounted Clark mast have regarded as Cat 1 responders but, fortunately for rescue and so forth but all with one focus humour into compendium of fun. also been fitted, as has a large awning for us, nobody bothered to tell Alan. and that is locating and saving people.’ For me, the main successful ingredient is the way that David and Judy have publicity events and briefings. No control vehicle As a team we looked in detail at the service we UKSAR invite search and rescue teams taken their two successful products with which we are familiar and blended would be complete without the generator for the provided, and asked the police to confirm their them – with a dash of ‘Mountain Rescue’, a sprinkle of complimentary cartoon paid and unpaid to join together in sharing kettle, laptop and other luxury controller requirements from us. They reassured us that text and a large helping of some extremely well drawn and incredibly funny their information and resources. ‘essentials’. Team leader Jim Gallienne said, ‘With they still sought the same five deliverables from cartoons. Not only that, they have also managed to emulate the cartoon books Membership to date includes members of absolutely no problems at all so far, the team is us, but informed us that our existing ‘service level of yore and developed a story line running through what are actually ‘stand all emergency services and the military. very pleased. Vehicle storage and a new team agreement’ should now be a ‘compact of alone’ cartoon segments! training venue now remain at the top of the priority understanding’. All this is beaurocratic nonsense, For further information visit uksar.org.uk or ‘So You Want To Join…’ is not just for the MR fraternity. It is for anyone who may list and plans are currently underway for an but apparently very important. From our contact them at [email protected] or call enjoy a different, and sometimes quirky, take on a fascinating subject. It will ambitious multi-agency development at a nearby perspective, as a Cat 2 provider we could easily 0870 744 7379. certainly appeal to partners, friends and associates of the MR ‘clan’ as it will do National Nature Reserve with another government provide land search and search management everything to reinforce what they already think they know about us! . ADVE R TOR I AL . THE LED TORCH YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR project. We are currently keeping everything because this is not a true blue light activity and is Humour plays an important part in MR and this book brings that to the fore in well meaning volunteers. In time, this will mean a way that can be readily appreciated by anyone flicking through the pages, Having already established the standard in incandescent torches against which crossed and have a few back up plans, but we not so time critical as most of our other technical we will get more funding support from them, irrespective of whether they have any previous knowledge of the subject all others are judged, Maglite® has produced an LED torch with not only look forward to hopefully telling you all about it in rescue provision. Searching is delivered in extended battery life, but also the which will enable team members to spend more matter. Certainly, anyone connected with our organisation should give this the next issue.’ support of other assets such as PULSA and police same durability, reliability and time training and less time fundraising.The book a go but, be warned! You may just recognise yourself, your colleagues dogs and horses. We did not feel we had a unique superior performance for which service we offer will become even more and others within those pages! ROYAL GARDEN PARTY contribution to make in this field, so could not Maglite® are renowned. After years professional and the casualty will be assured of Barry Robinson Rossendale & Pendle MRT. of research and development, testing and refinement Mag Instruments is Nikki and Alex Lyons attended a Royal Garden argue a special case. the best possible treatment. This happy state of So You Want To Join Mountain Rescue? Mountain Rescue introducing a line of MAG -LED™ torches. Party in July at the invitation of Her Majesty the However, our technical rescue services from cliffs, affairs lasted for a few weeks, and then the Fire Explained by David Allan & Judy Whiteside. Key features of MAG -LED™ Technology:– Queen. Members of Dartmoor Rescue buildings and bridges are unique and time critical. ISBN 1 904524 478 Brigade Act came into play. This Act, of course, • Projecting beam focusable from • Optimum brightness with Group for 24 years, and SARDA members for We armed Alan with this argument and off he Published 2006 by Hayloft. www.hayloft.org.uk. Price £14.95. transfers a lot of responsibility for search and spot to flood extended battery life 18 and 19 years respectively, the couple were went! Our basic argument went like this. If we • Powerful 3 watt intensive white light • Intelligent energy source to rescue from the police to the fire brigades. Again presented to HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, cannot be a Cat 1 responder, then we must be a • Utilises alkaline batteries eliminate heat build up our voluntary Cat 1 role has offered us some who was very interested in the dogs and how they Cat 2. If we are a Cat 2 responder then we can Subscribe to Despite the need to incorporate new technology, Maglite® has kept its familiar protection from the worst effects of this Act, trained for mountain rescue. Alex said, ‘We had a expect a slower call out time from the local iconic shape, recognised the world over. As you would expect from all Maglite® although only time will tell how fully the Act is wonderful day, a great honour to know that our authorities, and therefore cannot enter into an Mountain Rescue torches, the LED range is manufactured from precision machined aircraft implemented. aluminium, anodised inside and out for maximum corrosion resistance and work is appreciated.’ And yes, they did have agreement with the police to provide real time, life As a final (I hope) twist in this legislative saga, we magazine for just £20. durability. They are water and shock resistant and have a lifetime limited cucumber sandwiches. saving services. Therefore, we might just as well again had to unleash Alan when we heard about warranty. The most technologically advanced and innovative torch to be pack up, or become just a search team happy to launched this year. For your nearest stockist call 0116 234 4644 the Road Safety Act 2006. This time we managed Interested in mountain rescue but not a team WRESTLING WITH THE CIVIL work in slow time. to get at the Bill even before the Act had its member? Keen to get your hands on your very own CONTINGENCY ACT (AND OTHER Alan took this situation to the police and the ROPE TRICK INCREASES SAFETY second reading in parliament. It seems that Alan copy? Mountain rescue team members in England and GRUESOME LEGISLATION). OUR government office of the South West. Both A new kind of rope introduced by Leicestershire textile company Genesis is has suggested a few alterations to the Bill to the Wales receive this fast growing quarterly free of charge set to revolutionise safety for numerous organisations. JOURNEY SO FAR... organisations were shocked that they may lose When we first became aware of the Civil transport minister, that will make it easier for courtesy of the MRC, through their teams. The Genesis Reflective Rope, incorporating 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective such a valuable rescue asset that effectively costs Material, literally lights up when light from a torch or vehicle headlights shines Contingency Act in 2004, we were stunned and teams to use blue lights under certain emergency And from January 2007, anyone can subscribe to them nothing, and he returned carrying an olive onto it. It’s ideal for increasing visibility of horrified. Was this going to be a complete disaster circumstances. The outcome is still uncertain until branch. The police would recognise us as a Mountain Rescue magazine for £20 per year cordoned off areas in the dark and will appeal and spell the end of our search and rescue efforts the Bill completes its journey through parliament including p&p. That’s four issues – January, April, ‘volunteer Cat 1 responder’ and get us a seat at to all sectors of emergency services, here in the West Country? Were we going to be and receives Royal Assent later in the year. July and October – delivered direct to your door. the local resilience forum. However, due to the roadside recovery organisations and legislated out of existence? Were we going to be I assume that every team has had similar commercial/hire vehicle operators. Scotchlite sensitive nature of some discussions that take Interested? Call Pat Starkie on buried in some volunteers’ graveyard along with discussions with their local police and local reflective material incorporates tiny glass place at the forum, it was tactfully suggested that 0870 240 4024 or email countless other well intentioned voluntary authorities. I hope all the outcomes have been as beads that bounce light directly back to the the police should represent our interests. [email protected] source. Inherent in the entire length of the bodies? positive as ours, but I would love to hear the In the wake of this agreement, our position has and reserve your copy now. rope, the beads catch and reflect light, Fortunately for us we have two secret weapons at stories. If you are having difficulty in coming to been strengthened with both the police and other making the rope visible on approach from any direction. Genesis is gaining our disposal, one takes the form of a very terms with the implementation of the Civil Alternatively send name and address details local Cat 1 providers. Local fire brigades and interest in the emergency services market, with evaluations currently taking demanding but equally supportive and innovative Contingency Act, I’m sure Alan will do you a good with your cheque for £20 made payable to ‘Mountain place at Tyne and Wear Fire & Rescue Service. ambulance trusts are entering into ‘compacts of police force, and the other is called Alan George. rate for consultancy! Rescue (England & Wales)’ to the Editor, 8 Bridgefoot For further information contact Paul Hall or Helen Dixey understanding with us, and now regard us as co- at Church Mills, 77 Harborough Road, Kibworth LE8 0RB The resulting mix is a heady brew guaranteed to Duncan Massey Avon & Somerset CRT Close, Boothstown, Worsley, Manchester M28 1UG. responding partners, rather than just a bunch of Paul : [email protected] throw up some surprises, so we knew we were Helen : [email protected] Mobile : 07746 776 816

PAGE 10 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2006 OCTOBER 2006 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 11 Blue light tr aine rs–mind the gap!

handling knowledge and skills which are clearly It is well documented that human factors contribute 95% to road traffic collisions. The factors that are known essential for safe driving and the cornerstone of to impact on risk include social, demographic and psychological aspects of a driver. In recognition of this, all driver training and education. At the second train the trainer courses for blue light driver trainers require study of chapter 1 of ‘Roadcraft’ and, specifically level, good traffic management skills are critical for police driving, Gordon Sharp ’s book provides some background on the human aspects of police driving. for safely negotiating through traffic. This level Lisa Dorn includes hazard perception skills and is But these texts do not go far enough, writes Driving Research Group, Cranfield University. reasonably well covered on driver training Blue light driver trainers are key personnel in and assess human factors in driving, raise the achieved during training. courses. The third and fourth levels pertaining to the communication and influence of appropriate students’ awareness of these factors and influence They recognise that they the tactical and strategic factors related to attitudes and behaviour and need to be the way students think and behave. For this, are battling with the specific journeys and the lifestyle/personality appropriately trained to deal with the human factors trainers need good communication and ‘canteen culture’ and DR LISA DORN. levels are not well covered in any curriculum of driving under emergency conditions. Death and motivational skills to develop rapport. Rapport operational and CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY either for students, driving instructors or blue light injury to innocent bystanders in the execution of develops best when the trainer understands a organisational pressures to respond to trainers. HILL these duties are unacceptable and the public student’s particular learning style and adapts their emergencies under strict response time policies. Train the trainers course ON THE expect that blue light drivers will demonstrate the approach in accordance with this learning style to Often these pressures conflict with driving safely, There are major challenges ahead then. highest standards when discharging their duty. motivate learning. undoing all the good work that blue light trainers do Taking advantage of research on the factors with Alan Woodhead Bowland Pennine MRT Currently, blue light trainers may be aware of A trainer also needs to assess a student’s when training their students. known to impact on risk of collision and WHAT human factors contribute to risk, but personal characteristics and how this might impact The work of the DRG is supported by a major improving the curriculum for driver trainers is a research at the Driving Research Group (DRG) at on their driving behaviour. For example, some European Union project called MERIT to investigate priority. For this reason, Cranfield University has ver the past few years it has been more difficult to train the team in winter Cranfield University shows they need to know HOW students may be complacent about their risk or the minimum requirements for driving instructor developed a three day CPD Train the Trainers skills, mainly due to the winter weather refusing to come at weekends! With to influence driver beliefs and behaviour to instil the over confident in their perceived driving skills and training for novice drivers. Their recommendations course to address human factors in emergency this in mind members of Bowland Pennine MRT have moved the winter skills right mindset during training and beyond. ability. To tackle this, a trainer must have the are based on a survey of current standards, a service driving and how to influence these factors O training from the Lakes in February to the French Alps in summer. Essential skills knowledge and skills to encourage a student to self literature review and case studies. The published during training. The course has been designed in This June saw a record number of team There are several essential skills that blue light assess their motives and driving ability. Reflective report suggests that driving instructors should be line with Centrex’s Integrated Competency members heading for the sun bathed Chamonix trainers need to acquire to manage human factors thinking is an essential part of the development of trained according to the Goals for Driver Education Framework and has been running successfully at Valley for a touch of the white stuff. The group in driving that are not part on the blue light driver an expert driver. (GDE) Matrix. Cranfield throughout the year. The course costs consisted of 19 team members including two from training curriculum in the UK. The current situation Motivation The matrix considers all the major research £600 per delegate. Holme Valley MRT. Experience ranged from represents a serious gap in blue light trainer The DRG have also found that blue light findings on driver behaviour and collision risk over For more information please log on to the seasoned alpinist through to Alpine virgins. knowledge and skills. trainers struggle to motivate some students to the last two or three decades. It identifies four website drivermetrics.co.uk/cpd.htm The five days included introductions to ice Specifically they need to be able to identify maintain the high standards of driving skills levels, with the first level being good vehicle Article first appeared in Emergency Service Times and snow techniques, crevasse rescue, rope work and alpine ascents. (Not to mention trying out local food and drink!), the plan was for a two day trip up . . ADVE R TOR I AL the Grand Traverse to Mont Blanc (4810m) and Perfect for the worst conditions imaginable. The Kongur Jacket is the only jacket to ever back via the Bosons Glacier. score 50/50 in Trail Magazine’s ‘Ultimate After a couple of days training on the Mer de Waterproof Test’. Working alongside many of Glâce, Petite Aiguile Vert, Cosmiques Arête, Valley the country’s leading outdoor professional Blanche etc, we geared up, and then we removed organisations and supporting rescue teams the all the things that made the bags too heavy to lift! length and breadth of the UK, the Kongur Changed technical climbing axes for light weight Jacket has proved itself tough enough for the axes, sharpened crampons and we were ready for worst conditions imaginable. the push to the top. To learn about this and other award winning We knew that the most difficult part of the products from Mountain Equipment route would be the night ascent of Mont Maudit. and understand what makes us the professional’s choice, log on to However, it was the weather that stopped us from mountain-equipment.co.uk reaching the summit – in fact, we only managed to buy one cable car ticket before the valley was engulfed in a massive hail and lightning storm with stones the size of marbles falling. So, in the true spirit of mountaineering, we got our money back and spent it in the campsite bar, but next year we will be ready. We are taking umbrellas to fend off the hail, not sure how we’ll cope with the lightning though!

MARK DIGGINS, MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT KONGUR JACKET IN ACTION WITH THE SCOTTISH AVALANCHE INFORMATION SERVICE puddlehunters.com Rukka rain wear from Finland is bright and practical, machine washable and easy to wear. Thermals from a country that knows about how to keep warm and reusable hand warmers to keep the children out playing as it gets cold.

PAGE 12 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2006 OCTOBER 2006 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 13 Incident report... the tales behind the stats... QUARTERLY INCIDENT REPORT FOR ENGLAND AND WALES 29 July, 2006. 17:25 The owners had tied a weight to a length shaft which was flared rather than vertical at of rope to find the depth and had decided, the top. After lifting him ten feet, we gave up APRIL-JUNE 2006 Duddon & Furness team was fortunately, not to attempt to descend and lowered him to the bottom where he had The following is a listing of the number of incidents attended by MR teams in England and Wales during the period called by police following themselves. They could see the dog was still to use prussic clamps to climb back up the from 01/04/2006 to 30/06/2006 It is grouped by region and shows the date (day/month) the incident began. It is not reports of a dog having fallen alive some sixty feet down. rope. Although he was obviously quite tired at comprehensive as many incidents have yet to be reported. down a disused mine at We were able to tie the first rail to the tow the top, the photo shows how much he Newton, near Barrow in bar of the Land Rover and secure the second appreciated the return to a full oxygen level. Lake District North East Wales 22/04, 22/04, 17/05 Furness. On arrival, we were guided by Misty’s owner up a one to the first to get a better look into the Nige and the gear smelled atrocious. Cockermouth 25/04 Ogwen Valley 08/04, 09/04, 13/04, 15/04, 21/04, 21/04, 21/04 track to find a clump of trees, shaft. The stench was pretty bad from the The rucksack was washed a couple of times, Coniston 08/04, 08/04, 19/04, 20/04, 20/04, 27/04, 08/05 22/04, 22/04, 06/05, 25/05, 26/05, 02/06, 10/06 bramble and a very nominal dead sheep at the bottom that had made the one of the ropes was sent into early 14/05, 18/05, 21/05 10/06, 13/06, 20/06 fence surrounding an old same mistake as the dog but given her a soft retirement and there was a scramble to get Duddon & Furness 20/04, 30/04, 11/05, 17/05, 21/05 shaft. Three bars, actually landing. into the vehicle that didn’t have our hero in! Kendal 01/04, 06/04, 26/04, 29/04, 13/05, 13/05, 21/05 Peak District lengths of old railway line, Deputy leader, Nigel Lister, ‘volunteered’ Stephe Cove Chairman 21/05, 11/06 Buxton 19/04, 05/05 crossed a dark hole about to abseil down and assess the situation and I Duddon & Furness MRT Keswick 01/04, 11/04, 12/04, 21/04, 30/04, 30/04, 30/04 Derby 05/04, 15/04, 29/04, 30/04, 16/05, 20/05, 13/06 three metres across. The first elected to go down second to assist. Halfway 30/04, 01/05, 08/05, 11/05, 13/05, 15/05, 18/05 Edale 17/06 was solid, the second was down, he radioed that he wanted bringing 27/05, 08/06, 17/06, 17/06, 21/06, 24/06, 25/06 Glossop 05/05 decidedly wobbly and the third back up because he couldn’t breathe but 27/06 Kinder 29/04, 30/04, 05/05, 09/05, 27/05 was out of reach. after a couple of moments, while we were Kirkby Stephen 15/05, 21/05, 04/06, 16/06 Oldham 01/04, 16/04, 30/04, 05/05, 10/05, 04/06, 18/06 sorting out a hauling system, he decide to Langdale Ambleside 01/04, 01/04, 01/04, 04/04, 06/04, 13/04, 14/04 30/06 continue. At the bottom he found Misty in 14/04, 16/04, 16/04, 21/04, 21/04, 29/04, 10/05 Woodhead 17/06 good spirits and decided he could cope on 13/05, 13/05, 21/05, 21/05, 21/05, 22/05, 23/05 his own. Did I mind not going down? No – not 29/05, 02/06, 09/06, 10/06, 12/06 South Wales one bit! Instead, a large rucksack was LDNP Vol Wardens 21/05 Brecon 15/04, 22/04, 13/05 lowered down. Once secured, the dog was Patterdale 01/04, 06/04, 15/04, 15/04, 22/04, 22/04, 23/04 Western Beacons 13/04, 15/04, 06/05, 13/05 hauled carefully back up with just her head 29/04, 29/04, 29/04, 21/05, 22/05, 25/05, 29/05 Central Beacons 13/04, 22/04, 13/05 peering out. After several attempts, we 01/06, 05/06, 09/06, 11/06 Longtown 04/01, 19/01, 22/01, 26/01, 21/02, 23/02 managed to get dog and sack over the rail Penrith 29/04, 07/05, 14/05, 15/05, 21/05, 22/05, 30/05 Severn Area RA 19/01, 26/01 without causing further damage. Once 11/06, 18/06 released from the bag, and safely tied to a Wasdale 01/04, 12/04, 15/04, 21/04, 25/04, 17/05, 25/05 South West England lead, she showed no signs of being the worse 17/06, 24/06 Exmoor 22/04, 11/05, 17/06 for wear from her fall. Getting Nige out of the hole was a Mid-Pennine Yorkshire Dales different matter. The pulley system set up to Bolton 01/04, 09/04, 10/04, 11/04, 16/04, 16/04, 17/04 CRO 08/04, 22/04, 04/05, 08/05, 28/05, 29/05, 18/06 haul him out was unable to cope with the 01/05, 02/05, 04/05, 10/05, 23/05, 24/05, 09/06 27/06 friction over the bar and down the top of the 11/06, 15/06, 15/06, 17/06, 18/06 Bowland Pennine 24/05 RAF Calder Valley 24/06 RAF Leeming 21/05 Holme Valley 21/05, 06/06, 17/06, 24/06 RAF Valley 22/04, 22/04, 06/05 Rossendale & Pendle 01/04 Lak es SARDA NE England SARDA (England) 01/04, 11/04, 05/05, 16/05, 21/05, 17/06, 17/06 Cleveland 06/05, 21/05, 21/05 SARDA (Lakes) 01/04, 04/06, 18/06 Teesdale & Weardale 15/05 SARDA (Wales) 04/05, 17/05 SARDA (South Wales) 13/04, 21/04, 20/05 North East North Wales SARDA (Scotland) 21/05 Aberglaslyn 22/04, 22/04 The North Pennines are Upon arrival to conduct an initial risk Llanberis 01/04, 02/04, 14/04, 15/04, 15/04, 15/04, 15/04 Non specialists (Non MR) riddled with disused lead mine assessment it looked bleak – this was a big 22/04, 22/04, 22/04, 29/04, 29/04, 09/05, 20/05 09/04, 15/04, 21/04, 21/04, 10/06 workings and open shafts are shaft! However, once we entered the shaft 25/05, 28/05, 03/06, 08/06, 10/06, 10/06, 11/06 always ready to trap the mouth and could make a visual inspection 13/06, 21/06, 25/06 unwary. Fortunately, incidents downwards, it became apparent that this was involving people are rare, but one of those rare, good condition shafts and dogs frequently fall victim. On a rescue attempt would be made. The dog the eve of the August Bank could be seen and although a some way PAUL RENWICK ABOUT TO DESCEND THE Holiday weekend the Teesdale down we could make out that it was alive. SHAFT & Weardale team was asked Team member Paul Renwick descended However, what would make this Mid Pennine to help after a black labrador the shaft and, after some persuasion, straightforward event memorable was about August saw Rossendale The team was called when a 14 year old top of a steep slope. The slope ran down for fell down a mine shaft whilst managed to ‘bag’ the dog and soon both to happen. Team leader David Bartles-Smith & Pendle team members boy apparently lost control of his off road bike about 60 feet but then turned into a 20 foot on a grouse shoot. were back on the surface. The dog was received a phone call – a donation would be called to a tragic accident at a and plunged down an 80 foot cliff, suffering vertical drop. Team leader Andy Simpson relatively unscathed and extremely lucky – a made to the team, and could he meet them quarry in Rochdale – a multiple injuries. He was pronounced dead at said, ‘The boy ended up going down a very straight drop, no snagging and an angled the next day. He duly did and was completely recognised site for scrambler the scene by paramedics. A keen steep slope which became almost vertical at landing slope!! Thanks and appreciations floored when the shoot host, His Highness bikes and 4x4s, and which motorcyclist, the boy had been riding with the bottom.’ The incident is under were made from the shooting party and the Mohammed Al Maktoum made a very large has hosted trials bike friends and was wearing full protective gear. investigation by police and health and safety team quickly packed up and went home – we personal donation to the team. Thank you. championships for the last It is thought he had come off a well marked officials. were out on a search the night before, so no Dave Bartles Smith three years. course around the quarry and ended up at the hanging around. Teesdale & Weardale MRT

PAGE 14 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2006 OCTOBER 2006 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 15 Incident report... the tales behind the stats... Kit crit Eddy

Being rudely awoken in the MRT and a brilliant instructor – Franco Ferrero. and drown us both. Thankfully she remained Great How in the Coniston small hours of the morning to So now its 2:55am on a bitter cold calm and was more concerned about her Fells can be a trap for unwary be told ‘We’ve got a callout, autumn morning and we are standing by the friend. walkers. This long prow of there’s two women in the river, side of this brimful boiling soup of a river. My The victim and her friend had been rocky ground points bring your wetsuit’ is not the brain is struggling to make sense of the scene drinking in the town and somehow been eastwards from Swirl Band, time to consider, ‘What do you – there seem to be dozens of other convinced that local police were after them. part of the ridge that lies want me to do about it!’ or ‘If I emergency people everywhere – police, fire The friend had jumped into the river, getting between Great Carrs and Brim Over the past few months, I have been get in the river, who’s going to brigade, paramedics, coastguard and into difficulties, the victim jumped in to help Fell en route to Coniston Old playing with a new sport belay device pull me out?’ lifeboat... there’s even mention of a helicopter her and the pair had become separated, with Man. It is best seen from called the Eddy, made in Germany by Fortunately, due to the speed turning up. One thing is for certain, now is not the victim ending up in the situation that I Edelrid. The device takes over where Levers Water where it appears the Petzl Gri Gri stops. The Gri Gri auto of the events that followed the time to start introducing yourself and found her. I assured the young lady her friend as a steep impenetrable crag locks in the event of a fall, but if the and my total trust in the team finding out other people’s capabilities! Work was safe and well, having managed to get with easier ground above. In handle is pulled too far the cam opens fully and the floor reached much sorting things out, these with the people you know, make a plan, and back on to river bank further down stream, GOOD PATH DOWN WITH CAIRNS ALL fact, a Grade 2 rock scramble quicker than is healthy! thoughts were brushed aside. get on with it. being found tucked up in bed later by the THE WAY. PHOTO BOB HENSON leads intricately through the The Eddy has a double locking system There’s a fundamental difference police! slabs and buttresses to the combined efforts the two men were unable to – if the handle is pulled too far, the cam (or so it seems), carrying out a rescue in So now there was two of us in the middle top. ‘An interesting route on move it. They called for assistance and the reverts to stop and locks. It’s the water as opposed to our usual medium of the river, clinging to a branch. She was perfect belaying device for sport good rock and an excellent rescue team went to their aid. Night had now (mountains and weather). The situation showing signs of hypothermia and her climbing for either novice or the way to the top’, according to fallen but there was a full moon making it experienced climber. A revolutionary and circumstances change faster and condition would deteriorate fast now that her the scrambling guide. Great possible to work without lights and one of belaying device predominantly for more frequently. So our plan was going body’s natural reaction was to think it was How is also recommended for those special experiences which all mountain sport and indoor climbing, the Eddy to be simple, fast and uncomplicated. almost over. people cherish. An RAF Sea King arrived from doesn’t need much explanation and in rock climbers with route The woman was holding on to a Because of all the overhanging trees on Kinloss and, with a beautiful display of night simplicity is safety. grades varying between ‘very Easy to thread if the diagrams are tree on what, in the river’s normal state, the nearest bank, I chose to release the rope flying, the casualty was winched to safety. difficult and extreme’. followed, a bit more care needed if you is an island. Tonight it was a branch from me upstream to the team, and throw a In January, a pair of walkers got are used to threading a Gri Gri. A Why then, you will be asking, is this of sticking out of the water. Eighty metres new, more direct, throw-line to the team, themselves into difficulty and the team was controlled descent with an emergency any interest to walkers? The reason is that upstream of her, is Millers footbridge avoiding the trees. On to this new line was able to lead them back up the rocks to safety, break system eliminates the ‘panic walkers regularly stray onto Great How by fortunately there were no injuries. In April, a pull’ syndrome that can lead to serious spanning the river sitting atop of two attached a buoyancy aid for the victim. This accidents. mistake thinking that they are descending the family of four got themselves into similar supporting buttresses midstream. Prior was swiftly carried by the river to me, and Although not designed specifically as a path from Levers Hawse down to Levers difficulties but had persevered with their to us turning up, a number of attempts immediately put on the woman. descender it does double up as a Water. It’s a simple mistake to make – a very descent and become cragfast on very steep had been made to throw a line to the The plan was to let go of the tree and, double-stopping abseil device, this is tempting path seems to lead exactly where rocks. The rescue involved setting up rope not a rescue descender but an woman. These had been unsuccessful with the team releasing the rope slowly, the COCKERMOUTH TEAM IN ACTION ON A you want to go. The ground slowly becomes systems to lower them in several stages to excellent bit of wall equipment. The in that she didn’t want to leave her tree river would carry us both downstream, ‘a TRAINING EXERCISE steeper and eventually you find yourself on easier ground. A ‘mountain rescue’ in the true Eddy provides maximum safety or the other emergency services felt that pendulum’ into the riverbank. I put the rope near vertical rock, no doubt in a state of whether top roping or lead climbing sense of the words, something the team with easy paying out of rope to the A woman had been washed down the if she did it would exacerbate the situation. on to my quick release, took a firm hold of the considerable apprehension. Walkers going trains for but rarely has the chance to put into leader. Derwent and become stuck in the middle of Downriver of the footbridge, formed by woman’s buoyancy aid, telling her what we south along Swirl Band towards Brim Fell practice. Technical Spec: the river below the footbridge in one of the buttresses was a narrow strip of were going to do if things didn’t go to plan, make this mistake – it is a further 600 metres This is not a new problem for the team. CE 0123 prEN15151 slower moving water... this was our pathway and let go of the tree. One minute later we south along the ridge before you reach the Cockermouth. So, fifteen minutes from being Walkers have been getting themselves into EN892 Single rope 9mm - 11.4mm snugly tucked up in bed, I found myself in to the victim. We ran on to the bridge and, were both being helped on to the river bank. difficulty here for years. Some time ago we EN1891A Low Stretch for top rope what I can only describe as walking onto a using a rope, I was swiftly lowered down the From entering to exiting the water... 15 decided to build a simple drystone wall work 9mm-11.4mm film set, searchlights, flashing lights, people side of the buttress and into the water. My minutes... simple, fast, uncomplicated and all across the path in the hopes that people Weight: 350g Slippage may occur on 11mm rope at thoughts were, ‘If I enter the water will I get credit must go entirely to the team who might question whether or not they were on rushing around purposefully. People carrying approximately 7-8kN all manner of equipment, others in wetsuits, back out?’ I was fairly confident the team and worked efficiently and effectively looking after the right route. This was soon knocked down. Contact: www.dboutdoor.com for dry suits, yellow jackets, buoyancy aids, I could look after me. If I came out with the me... the dope on a rope... having a midnight We do not mind rescuing people – that is suppliers. what we volunteer and train for – however, it is ropes, rafts and lots and lots of noise. And woman then that would be a bonus. I would swim! Alan Woodhead important to try and minimise unnecessary right in the middle of the river, awash with give it a go, to get her out of the water, but my Michael Park Deputy Team Bowland Pennine MRT injuries to people and to avoid the possibility MPSRO Equipment Officer searchlight, a woman clinging to a tree! prime concern would be me! Leader Cockermouth MRT of the consequences being much more Apparently she had been clinging to this The killer in these situations is not serious or even fatal. So walkers, if you are tree for an hour and a half, whilst this swimming in water but being prevented from XI TRAINING A number of Lake District teams have a planning to descend to Levers Water from menagerie of emergency services gathered swimming by other things in the water – trees, XI Training Ltd has been delivering specialist river rescue capability with Swirl Band, especially in failing light or poor specialist height safety training on either bank of the river. How did we as a branches, being caught on the river bed, the experienced team members fully trained and weather conditions, be warned and make courses for over 14 years . Our mountain rescue team, who regularly carry rope attaching me to the team on the AN ENTICING PATH LEADING YOU INTO certificated as swift water rescue technicians DANGER. PHOTO BOB HENSON sure that you are on the right path. The right courses range from basic fall arrest and fall riverbank drowning me and finally the woman injured walkers off the fells or, more seriously or higher. This increasing rescue capability is a path descends from Levers Hawse, the protection courses through to difficult access, injured climbers down cliffs, end up being key panicking drowning us both. reflection of the growing numbers of calls for actual Levers Water path. Walkers going lowest part of the route between Great Carrs search and intervention courses and technical rope rescue and evacuation training. We players in a full on river rescue? Well, that’s a The rope is attached to me via a quick assistance from other agencies in the region. It north heading for the path at Swirl How that and Coniston Old Man. It is marked by a cairn operate worldwide and in all industry sectors long story and some may say an inevitable release on my buoyancy aid so, if at any time goes down Prison Band towards Wetherlam on the main path and a line of cairns leads is interesting that this has also been from police and military through to industrial the rope becomes stuck, I can release it also make the same mistake. progression from what we regularly do. But recognised by the MRC in their request for across grass to the edge some 50 metres on and manufacture. Over the past few months Coniston MRT even now, months later, it still feels strange, a immediately and take my chances with the nominations for the national post of Water where a well trodden path takes you safely Based in the north west, we are developing a have been called to help three parties in bit alien and a little ‘outside the comfort zone’. river. This is definitely preferable to being Officer. Two of the region’s team members down to Levers Water. If you are travelling new state of the art training centre including difficulties here, usually at the end of the day The team’s and my involvement started drowned slowly on the end of a line. have expressed an interest in this post. north intending to go down Prison Band from five telecoms masts ranging from 3m when darkness is falling. In December, a party Monopole to 60m Pylon type, a 10m indoor many years earlier with regular descents of I floated on my back down the narrow Swirl How then do not fall into the trap of of three followed the ridge down until they rope access and rescue training venue the river Cocker in canoes, kayaks, rubber strip of slack water towards the woman, going down Great How. The path you want is found themselves in a small gully. Realising including crane arm, confined space, building dinghies and an assortment of air beds, in constantly reminding myself to keep my feet 1.2k beyond Levers Hawse and another 600 they were not where they should be, they access, flat and pitched roof areas. varying levels of water from full flood to ‘I up as a trapped foot on the river bed now metres after the Great How path. It is a true T- The new centre will be completed by late retreated back up the ridge. As they retreated, junction with the ground dropping away wonder if my socks will get wet’. This led on would be lethal. As I neared the victim I was spring 2007, for more details on courses, one member of the party dislodged a large rapidly in front of you. There is also a to Jim Coyle and I attending an excellent talking to her, getting her to look me in the eye techniques or equipment please contact the rock which fell and trapped the legs of a significant cairn. It’s at least two metres high specialist services manager on 01524 782877, ‘Swift Water Rescue Course’ run by Keswick so that I could judge if she was going to panic female member of the party. Even with their and you can’t miss it. [email protected] or see website Lak es xitraining.co.uk

PAGE 16 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2006 OCTOBER 2006 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 17 IN MY VIEW

CASUALTIES WITH PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS IN MOUNTAIN RESCUE Dr Henry Guly Dartmoor SRT (Tavistock) and Emergency Physician, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth ountain rescue medicine has, in the past, concentrated on the management of injuries and hypothermia. More recently, emphasis has been placed on medical emergencies such as chest pain. However, MR teams are frequently asked to Msearch for patients with psychiatric problems. These include depressed and suicidal patients, patients with thought disorders, such as schizophrenia and the elderly confused patient who has wandered. Patients with psychiatric problems may not wish to cooperate with rescuers and this article is intended to give some advice on the management of such patients.

An adult’s body is their own (there are different registered medical practitioner can detain a patient particularly into moorland or mountainous areas rules for the under 16s and under 18s which I will for up to three days for assessment but a 30-day where they may be at risk, before the police officer not describe) and it is not a crime to commit or detention requires two doctors, one of whom arrives. While technically this could be considered attempt suicide or to harm oneself in some other should be an approved psychiatrist. an assault, a charge of assault would require that a way. Most, but not all, patients who commit suicide MR teams are unlikely ever to come in contact complaint is made against you, which is unlikely to are mentally ill. However, some people may wish to with patients who require detaining under the happen and if the police officer subsequently take their own life if they, for example, have a above mechanisms. arrests the casualty under a Section 136, Common terminal illness or because it is their preferred way N The final method allows that if a police officer Law (see below) is likely to indicate that you acted of dealing with what they see as a shameful believes a person in a public place is mentally ill, correctly. situation such as bankruptcy or a criminal charge. they can be arrested under section 136 of the MHA IF a person is in sound mind, they are entitled to and taken to a place of safety (usually a police Casualty who has self harmed harm themselves and if one tries, physically, to station or hospital), where they must be examined (eg. taken an overdose, cut prevent them from doing this, it is, technically, an by a psychiatrist who can either arrange for their their wrists) or is threatening assault. Even touching somebody, against their admission to hospital under one of the other to do so. will, is an assault. How does one cope with this sections of the MHA or else discharge the Section Not all patients who self-harm have a mental situation in a MR setting? 136, in which case the patient is free to go (or they illness and not all want to die. Some reasons for could be admitted to hospital voluntarily). suicide are given above but self-harm can also Mental illness occur in people with a personality disorder (this is Firstly, let’s consider the case of a patient with If a MR team find a person that they consider not classified as a mental illness) or as an impulsive mental illness who is not currently in an immediately is severely mentally ill but who is not causing a reaction to some event (eg after a relationship dangerous situation. Mountain rescuers are not danger to themselves or others, the best thing is to breakdown). While the MHA allows compulsory psychiatrists (and nor are most MR doctors) and try to persuade the casualty to come voluntarily. detention for the treatment of mental illness, there are not expected to make a diagnosis but there are How one does this will vary from case to case but a is no statute that allows treatment of a person’s some people who are obviously mentally ill, even to few hints are given below. physical problems against their will. As noted the lay person. Examples might be:– N Avoid confrontational behaviour eg. speak above, cutting my wrists, jumping off a cliff or taking N Delusions of grandeur – the person may nicely and gently, do not approach too close if that an overdose with the intention of killing myself is think he is Jesus Christ or Napoleon and have upsets the casualty. Relax and put yourself on the not illegal but there are circumstances in which you plans to save the world. same level as the casualty. Do not stand up and can stop me from doing so. This is dependent, not N Paranoia – the person is convinced that tower over them. Most mentally ill patients are not on any statute, but on common law which is ‘they’ are listening to and controlling his thoughts, violent but they may react irrationally to perceived unwritten law dating back hundreds of years. If I have implanted electrodes in his brain and are out threats. want to kill myself, you cannot stop me unless you to get him. N Don’t be rushed – it needs time. believe that I lack the capacity to make that N Hallucinations – the person is hearing voices N Many casualties (male and female) will feel decision. Legally, it is assumed that people have that are not there. These voices may be telling him less threatened by a female. Do not forget that capacity unless it can be demonstrated that they do to harm himself or you. This may be associated disturbed female casualties may be disturbed not. To have capacity I have got to be able to:– with paranoia. following a sexual assault, in which case a female N Understand what you tell me and retain the N Severe depression. Depression is not just a team member is invaluable. information. If you tell me that the overdose may kill feeling of being ‘a bit low’. Severely depressed N Touch may sooth some disturbed casualties me but I don’t understand it or my memory is so people feel that everything is black and that they but may worsen things if the casualty is short that I have forgotten it five minutes later, then are worthless and deserve to die. confrontational. Play it by ear. I am incapable of making an informed judgment Alcohol intoxication is not considered a N Sometimes casualties can be bribed to and lack capacity. mental illness. come with the promise of a cup of tea or a pint of N Believe what you tell me. If I don’t believe The Mental Health Act (MHA) allows mentally beer. that the overdose will kill me and think that you are ill patients to be detained for psychiatric treatment N Do not make a promise that you know you telling me that because you are in a conspiracy against their will in three circumstances. will later break eg. Don’t say, ‘Its alright, I won’t tell against me, then I lack capacity. N By court order, if they have committed anyone else.’ N Weigh up what you tell me. I need to a crime. If one’s powers of persuasion are not good understand not only that I will die but I also need to N By ‘sectioning’ by one or more doctors. enough to persuade the casualty to come with you, be able to argue the pros and cons of my decision There are various different sections of the Act which you have no right to detain them and will need to eg.Understand that my wife will be upset, that my proscribes the level of medical and psychiatric call a police officer. Common sense would indicate family will be financially disadvantaged etc. expertise required to assess a patient under each that the casualty is prevented from disappearing, section. For example, in an emergency, any CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

PAGE 18 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2006 OCTOBER 2006 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 19 Money Talks CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 If a person is at immediate risk of FIRST RESPONSE A fun and alternative way to raise funds significant harm and they lack capacity, you not only have a right to treat them From Andy Kirkpatrick against their will, if necessary, but you also have a duty to do so. This immediate family, employment and social TIME MAY NOT BE THE FRIEND risk of harm could apply not only to commitments? All team members OF MOUNTAIN RESCUE deliberate self harm but also to a person If those who offered their services to have to assess where MR fits into wandering, confused and ill-clad, on the mountain rescue in the early 1960s their list of priorities. Believe me, I’m hills in poor weather and at great risk of had contemplated, 46 years on, the well aware what the word ‘priority’ hypothermia. time team members would have to means – I’ve spent over 40 years in However, if I do have capacity, you dedicate to the modern rescue team, mountain rescue, most as deputy/team leader of one of the have no right to prevent me from harming I am sure they would have serious busiest teams in the UK. On more myself and can only use your persuasive reservations in joining the present day mountain rescue. than one occasion I was rudely powers to try to get me to change my Us old ‘uns love to compare the good reminded of my priorities! mind. old days with modern times but, in all I wonder were it will end – if rescue Clearly this is not a black and white honestly, this is rather farcical. First duties continue to increase, will situation – there is too much grey for and foremost, there has been an teams have the members to cope, comfort. What is significant harm? How enormous escalation in rescue assuming they can spare the time? do you know what the risk is from the incidents. Then there are the extra There could be a lack of people overdose they have taken? How does a duties mountain rescue teams and volunteering in the future because I PAUL RAMSDEN APPROACHING THE GRANDES JORASSES non-expert (or even an expert) judge their members have undertaken over suspect prospective new members capacity in somebody they have never the years. Today’s teams perform to a will want to know how much personal In the past I’ve often given talks to support local teams, which met before on open moorland in a high standard and the expertise team time they will be asked to devote to MR – which, if too demanding, could have usually been small affairs. The outcome often felt howling gale? You stand the risk of members must acquire is essential be bad news for recruitment. unsatisfactory, mainly because I felt the potential audience – and criticism whatever you do – if you leave for the equipment they use and the excellent service they offer. If we think we might have a problem, the cash – wasn’t achieved. Then two years ago I was asked to do someone to die, you will undoubtedly be a talk to raise funds for Buxton mountain rescue which I think Comparing the 1960s team member now’s the time to start doing criticised by the family and the press and could be used as a model for other teams in the UK. and the personal time he/she devoted something about it. The MRC probably by the coroner as well, but if you I was giving a talk in Macclesfield and afterwards I got talking to to mountain rescue duties to what the contacted teams many years ago to treat someone against their will, you could assess what their capability and role Roger Bennett of Buxton MRT, and I suggested I did a gig to raise present day team member has to technically be sued for assault. was within MR. The Lake District some funds for the team. By this time I’d decided that the amount of come to terms with is totally However, in practice, this is highly elected to have an independent effort required meant it wasn’t worth it on anyone’s part unless it was inconceivable. survey – ‘Rescue 2000’. Could the to be done properly, and I knew we had to think big. I said I’d do a talk PORTRAIT unlikely to happen. Not only is the When I first joined, there was hardly time be ripe for another national but on two conditions – firstly, we had to do it in the Buxton Opera house, a venue that held over 900 people, casualty unlikely to complain (I have the any pressure or conflict between assessment concentrating on the and secondly I said if it was to work then I had to be able to focus on it, and so I suggested we each have a experience – outside the MR situation – of family and MR commitments. How future availability of new members share in the profits. We came to the conclusion that I would double bill Ian Parnell, with the team getting 50% people who have been rescued from a times have changed. For some time now, I’ve heard ‘whispers’ from and the time they are expected to and me and Ian getting 25% of the profits. I doubted Roger would agree to such a crazy idea – after all, aren’t determined suicide attempt and while around the country that teams are devote to MR? teams best at raising money by standing outside climbing shops shaking tins? they say that they wished that they had very concerned about how mountain It may be that the national fundraising Well Roger must have had faith in me (more than I had in myself), as he rang a few weeks later to tell me not been rescued, they are usually rescue might evolve and what the committee could be spurred on to the team had booked the Opera House. I assumed that the Opera House would give us a good deal seeing grateful to the rescuers, paramedics, future might hold. My personal fear is, alleviate the many hours team as the team supported the local community, but when Roger told me ‘we’d better be able to fill it – it’s costing medical and nursing staff for the risks they ‘How much time can any team members spend on team fundraising, £2000 to hire’, suddenly I wasn’t so sure I could pull this off, and envisaged bankrupting the people I wanted took and effort they put into treating member give to MR?’ If not by pursuing most vigorously that to help. them), but a judge is unlikely to find addressed soon, this could become a these hard-earned earnings should The rest of the summer was spent worrying about the lecture, sorting out posters and flyers, emailing against a person who acts in good faith. serious problem. not subsequently be requisitioned by magazines, and trying to make sure neither me nor Ian killed our selves and so scupper the night. The idea of The team leader must make the final We have to be realistic. Mountain central government. I think we all making money from a ‘charity’ lecture may seem odd but, from experience, I knew that staging an event took decision but should consult with other rescue call outs have reached an all agree that no team should pay VAT – a lot of work and, with a million other jobs to do, this would have to have some benefit. Plus I always knew that experienced team members. Make use of time high. Non mountain incidents exemption on ALL equipment the more I did, the greater the reward for both me and the team. purchased by rescue teams should professionals that you have available are on the increase. Team training is Every few days I’d check with the Opera House about ticket sales, and as they rose, so did my be the norm, plus vehicle road tax (emergency department doctors and essential but very time consuming. confidence. One thing I’d underestimated was the amount of goodwill. Roger and I managed to raise the price and fuel duties. These taxes must be paramedics will be used to the situation of Fundraising is a constant demand on of the venue with outdoor manufactures and local business quite easily, meaning all the profit would go to us. members’ time. Team officials can one of the biggest drain on funds that overdose patients refusing treatment). People want to support the team, and if they also get something good out off it, like a unique evening’s spend many hours making sure all teams experience over a 12 month However, if in doubt, act to save life – it is entertainment, then they’ll support it even more. A lecture is the ideal place to tell people what you do as a the equipment is in good order. Many period. If the farming community can better to be criticised for breaching team, and perhaps thank them for their support and remind them you are there. team members attend national, operate their tractors on red diesel Eventually the big night came. The team Land Rover was parked outside, complete with tin shaking someone’s human rights than for allowing regional and team meetings. As new (free of fuel tax) – for which, members. Ian and I were inside looking up at 900 empty seats, hoping people would turn up, and Roger was them to die. The person who really wants legislation is placed upon us, so it incidentally, they have storage pacing up and down ringing his hands worrying if this was going to be a disaster. to die, can try again but the person whose demands more training, more time. facilities – then, with a little logistical It wasn’t. The night was a sell out. 900 bums sat on £11 seats. What’s more it was great fun, and perhaps impulsive gesture proves fatal, gets no Teams are obliged to attend outside planning, they could supply mountain the most enjoyable and satisfying talk I’ve ever done. The cash we made meant I could afford to ski across second chance. Unless there are very events because it’s a source of rescue teams. Greenland with a paraplegic friend, Ian could head off to the Himalaya and the team could put a big wad of good reasons to the contrary, it is safer for revenue to the team. Most, if not all, these cash saving projects are already being pursued cash towards a new base. a non-professional to assume that the Can members, in the future, continue by the national fundraising This event convinced me that lots of UK teams could do similar events, events that could easily be annual wish to die is an indication of mental give their time to these ever committee. I am sure if we set our and highly profitable. There are dozens of great speakers who would be happy to do just what we did and, illness and an inability to weigh things up. increasing demands? The lifestyle more importantly, a vast audience of both outdoor and armchair enthusiasts who are willing to pay to see them. and employment of some team mind to it, there are ways to ease All that’s needed is the right venue, good marketing, and the right speaker. And as Roger found out, it’s much Acknowledgment: I would like to members may allow them availability how team members commit their valuable time to rescuing people. better counting £20 notes in the bar with a pint of beer than standing in the rain with a tin in your hand. thank Dr Anne Hicks for helpful for most of the tasks above, but what Only time will tell. If anyone would like advice on organising their own talk contact andy at comments. about the man and woman who have Stewart Hulse [email protected]

PAGE 20 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2006 OCTOBER 2006 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 21 Shewee goes global! Glenmore Lodge couple Shewee, the ergonomically designed, moulded plastic device that allows first to make the longest women of all ages to urinate while standing or sitting and without removing clothes, should soon be available in a store near you! Women have previously climb on the planet only been able to buy Shewee online or in selected UK outlets, but its Pauline Sanderson, marketing manager at Glenmore Lodge, Scotland, manufacturers have recently committed to an expansion drive to allow more and her husband Phil, a mountain and paddle sport instructor at the lodge, women to benefit from the freedom Shewee brings. this summer became the first to complete the longest climb on earth, from Samantha Fountain, MD and inventor of Shewee says, ‘We are really pleased the Dead Sea to the summit of Everest – and the first UK couple to reach that Shewee is soon to be sold in more and more outlets. As well as many UK the summit of the world’s highest mountain together. The couple, from Grantown-on-Spey were part of a 14-strong expedition, Everestmax. retailers, we have distributors in America, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, The team departed from a point at the Dead Sea, 1312ft below sea level, Israel and Malta, so soon, wherever they are, women on the go won’t be too far the lowest point on the Earth’s surface, on 21 December 2005. The first phase from the comfort of a Shewee!’ of the overland journey saw Pauline cycling 5000 miles, at sixty to seventy miles The expansion coincides with new packaging and a website revamp. Shewee a day, through seven countries – from Jordan through Syria, Turkey, Iraq, is now available individually in bright, cardboard containers, or in boxes of 12. Pakistan, Nepal, China and, finally, Tibet to Kathmandu where she was met by Visit shewee.com and you could also buy a variety of Shewee branded Phil and other members of the expedition. Base camp on the north side of products including T-shirts, ‘Y-fronts’, hand sanitisers, feminine wipes, and Everest was reached in early April, and the climb to the summit of the 29,035ft protective cases. mountain via the north-east ridge completed a total ascent of around 30,350ft. Shewee can be used in situations where squatting is impractical, difficult or The progress of the Everestmax expedition, which has explorer Sir potentially embarrassing, or anywhere toilets are unhygienic or not always Ranulph Fiennes as patron and is fundraising for three charities, was being tracked by friends and colleagues on the shores of Loch Morlich, via updates readily available. It’s lightweight enough to be carried in a woman’s handbag, on the everestmax.com website. They arrived at the summit in good conditions rucksack or pocket and can be easily washed or sterilised. The smooth liquid and were reported as heading comfortably down towards Camp III for a well- repellent coating ensures cleanliness and hygiene at all times and, whether earned rest. used with or without a container, prevents drips, splashes and bare bottoms. Tim Walker, Principal of Glenmore Lodge, said, ‘Everybody at the lodge is absolutely delighted. It has been a huge commitment by them both. Pauline is Walking groups for not a professional mountaineer and so it has taken a huge effort on her part.’ Tim added that they were a great inspiration to everybody to ‘get out and live women life to the full.’ A party was planned for their return. Sir Ralph said it was an WalkingWomen arranges women’s walking holidays of all incredible overland journey which was an ‘immense physical and logistical different shapes and sizes in the UK and abroad, their aim to challenge’. make wonderful walks more accessible. Their philosophy is Now back at work, the Sandersons took unpaid leave to go on their about unpressured walking in beautiful scenery, or challenge charitable adventure, fundraising for three charities – SOS Children’s Villages, and adventure if that’s what you want. It’s about attractive and Practical Action and Merlin. They were sponsored by Tiso and Marmot, who affordable places to stay to suit a range of tastes. But most of also sponsor Glenmore Lodge. The first married couple to reach the summit of Everest were Andrej and all, it’s about the fun and stimulation of walking with a group of Marija Stremfelji, from Slovenia. other women! So whether you prefer gentle walks or adventure, WalkingWomen creature comforts or economy, there’s variety here for most tastes and levels of fitness with many of their short breaks in the Women’s walking Lake District! holidays in the Many women come along on their own. The walking group is WWhhaatt eevveerryy Lake District, Scotland, small and friendly, with a trained guide to show you wonderful Ireland, Italy, Greece, walks you might otherwise miss. The age range is wide and all women are welcome! woman should Madeira, Alps, Southern woman should Visit walkingwomen.com and you can view the whole Africa & more... year’s calendar of holidays in one place to see which ones are kknnooww...... Lots of short breaks in the Lake District too. currently available. Click on any title to link to the holiday details. Trawling the archives for interesting news and snippets related to All grades of walks. All women welcome! The holidays are also displayed on separate seasonal pages mountain rescue brings other rewards. Take the ‘tip top tips’ featured in which load quicker if you don’t have broadband. a 1951 copy of ‘News Chronicle’ – what every woman should know. Many women return for more WalkingWomen holidays after Apparently. Readers were invited to write in with their suggestions to Brochure: 08456 445335 their first experience, so the company has introduced ‘Frequent ‘make ends meet’. Oh how times have changed... www.walkingwomen.com Walker Miles’.Take three holidays or short breaks with them in a Living room need a bit of a spruce up? Why not revive cushion covers year, and they’ll take £20 off the third one. Vouchers are also or curtains with the purchase of ‘some clean sacks (not too heavy) from the available for whatever amount you wish to give, either for grocer, or farmer if you live in the country. Cut them open, wash well in soda specific holidays, or leaving the holiday choice open. water to which is added a little disinfectant. Dye the pieces an attractive colour, when they can be made into good strong covers and curtains. For further information, call 08456 445335 or 01926 31332 or Coloured cord or piping may be added for decoration.’ Eat your heart out email [email protected] Linda Barker. For smokers there is the excellent, if somewhat convoluted, advice to GIRLGUIDING AT BLACKLANDS FARM ‘place 3d. (remember, we’re talking pre-decimal here) in a box for the first Blackland Farm is an outdoor activity centre in West Sussex owned by cigarette you take, then 2d. for every other and 3d. for the last. Thus you will Girlguiding UK. Activities on offer include canoeing, kayaking, climbing, have enough money for the next packet and will be more careful about abseiling, archery, zip wire, crate challenge, low ropes course and team taking a cigarette!’ Or, here’s another thought, give ‘em up. That way, you won’t have to worry about having enough spare change in your pocket for building. The centre is mainly camping based but also has four indoor the box. In fact, you won’t have to carry the box. Or the fags. accommodation buildings. Blackland Farm can accommodate up to 1,000 And finally, if a favourite jumper or cardigan has become too tight under people at a time and is an ideal the arms, unpick the stitches ‘for a few inches under the arm and side seam. venue for large camps as well as GIRLGUIDING UK Knit two squares in the same colour and sew in cornerways. Press well on small group camps. There are the wrong side and the renovation will be unnoticeable.’ Clearly an idea opportunities for suitably qualified Blackland Farm which caught on, as a couple of decades of schoolgirls, clickety clacking staff to work on a seasonal or casual www.blacklandfarm.org.uk through their own personal square mountain every autumn term, will testify. basis and accommodation can be Activity Centre There we were, thinking our woolly outpourings were on their way to provided. TEL : 01342 810493 FAX : 01342 811206 Christmas blanket heaven and all the time they were plugging a hole in the [email protected] underarm gusset market. Judy Whiteside

PAGE 22 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2006 OCTOBER 2006 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 23 EQUIPMENT EYE

THE SECURE CASUALTY SYSTEM Paul Rosher Skye MRT

began work on the early prototypes of the Secure Casualty System (SCS) five years ago in October. It all began with the then training officer for the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland, Mick Tighe pointing out a number of problematic areas The four photographs above were taken on Ben Cruachan with Oban MRT on a training session. From left to right: the SCS in place on a in MR kit. He then issued a general invitation for anyone with any notions that they wanted to develop to come forward and I MacInnes stretcher; the lot rigged and ready for lowering – note the absence of transverse strapping; volunteer casualty in a vacuum help form a group specifically with this remit. Principally the attention was on the MR stretcher, which James Kean of Kintail mattress with the Boot Bag and Torso Restraint in place; the Boot Bag located on one leg only, the other being heavily splinted and, in MRT has undertaken. With the casualty bag being an accompaniment to this, I took up the challenge of attempting to redefine such a case, it is advisable not to have a load or stress on the injury. the conventional casbag and create something new and, if possible, improve the design. Montrose. CHS promoted the idea of the SCS is being evaluated by Ferno UK, a reputable refinements will be required. I am confident the In the following four years my part-time work having an application out-with the arena of manufacturer of emergency rescue equipment. responses will be mainly favourable. on the casbag made slow but definite progress in mountain rescue, recommending the restraint They are assessing its market potential through Any inquiries or comment to – Paul Rosher, the right direction. Every design had to be fully system as a feature, with a potential marine and evaluation trials with MR teams, the MOD and the Rocais Dubh Design, Grianal, Dunvegan, Isle of field tested on rock faces, snow and ice. Each industrial extrication relevance. coastguard. The feedback will determine whether Skye, Scotland IV55 8GU. fundamental modification meant these tests would Currently a pre-production model of the SCS they will be producing the SCS and what future have to be repeated on the mountain in all weathers and given a full critical analysis The following images show the use and function of the Torso Restraint and the Boot Bag utilised on concerning the validity and practicality of each the Secure Casualty System, taken whilst demonstrating to various Scottish MRTs and also the Capita Health Solutions Offshore Medics course. design change. It was a long drawn out process! An example of a vertical lower down almost 200ft of sea It had to be – mountain rescue equipment has cliff at the Kilt Rock near Staffin, North Skye. The images distinct governing principles, prime amongst show the MacInnes stretcher restraint straps across the these the need for complete dependability and body of the volunteer casualty. Consequent improvements on the SCS design have made it possible to dispense with reliable security in repetitive applications, these, strange as it may seem, they are actually non- simplicity and ease of use, hard-wearing and essential safety features, used here because the SCS preferably light in weight. A tall order by anyone’s shown was a prototype (Mark 3). standards. My first real breakthrough was winning the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Award. This granted me a fully financed travelling fellowship and opened the way for rapid advancement with I propose that the SCS is the SCS design by enabling me to actually join a genuine advancement in Yosemite Search & Rescue as a full team member. the field of casualty Boot Bag used to secure a casualty. Torso Restraint being locked into position The casualty held upside down in the During this placement, in winter 2002-2003, I Utilising load-bearing webbing, climbing around the casualty. Made to the same secure casualty system. The restraint harness grade, adjustable buckles and specification as the Boot Bag it can be method employed within the bag is attended training sessions and callouts, and was packaging. load-bearing mesh, the feet are securely used with the casualty’s arms confined holding the casualty in position able to test the SCS Prototype 2 in ideal mountain The findings from Yosemite proved casualty will complain that they are too tight. held in position and will not slip free. The or not. Again, this can be padded without comfortably, without tight straps locating terrain. My time with the YOSAR crew provided nature of the mesh is such that if padding losing any casualty security. The load- upon the body. The two tapes which have invaluable for development of the following two Perhaps they are exerting pressure on an injured valuable insights into what eventually would is used around the injury, the mesh will bearing mesh is a comfortable material fallen away are part of the rigid stretcher, prototypes, both of which were fully tested in area? Concerns for the safe transit of the injured become the restraint devices of the SCS, a conform around it and retain its load- to have next to the body and conforms to not the SCS. The casualty’s head is Scotland by Mick’s equipment group and Skye person dictate that this discomfort may have to be bearing qualities. It can also be used the casualty once the adjustable buckles behind the wire headguard in the substantial safety feature. MRT. It was during this period, in which endured for the sake of security. Presently the around a single leg if the other is injured are engaged and tightened. foreground. Note the minimal amount of to the point where no pressure at all can, forward sagging. vertical lowering and hoisting seemed to current SCS, which has reached a pre-production or should, be placed on it. dominate the tests, that I made an stage, has a restraint system which evenly important discovery. Originally, my distributes the load, can be padded easily and attentions had been focused on the quickly to protect the injured area and crucially is demands of high angle rescue not dependent on extra stretcher strapping across techniques and equipment, but my the body of the casualty. This innovation is a findings revealed a more general unique feature of the SCS. application – that it actually reduced the The gradual development of the SCS over amount of casualty movement during the last five years has been directly related to the transit. The effect was to broaden the quality of the feedback from active mountain application from a limited-use item of kit rescue team members who have seen the into one with wider scope. potential of the system and have contributed ‘Reducing casualty movement valuable observations and comment. My work has during transit. Five mere words which been cut out for me by considering the valid The SCS being checked in the upright Training session in which a mock The casualty being held vertically. Again PHOTOS PAUL ROSHER when translated into the reality of an points and synthesising them into a design. position whilst being fixed into a rigid casualty with hypothermia and an injured the SCS is fixed into a rigid stretcher. The SCS in a typical test and Prototype 2 with its injured casualty make all the difference From Mr Tighe’s equipment group, through stretcher. The two black 1” straps at the leg is being loaded into the SCS. The Extra padding has been placed round the integral harness, designed to restrain the casualty in the world. Considering any form of all the Skye MRT tests, the YOSAR placement and base of the bag are non-structural. They Torso Restraint can be seen in the open head to reduce movement. The twin during lowering and lifting. The fundamental notions movement at all is hazardous when training sessions with other Scottish MR teams hold the insulation in place when the position ready for the casualty to be zippered pouch positioned just below the casualty is of average build. The SCS placed in the SCS. The visible zippers, a red logo contains the pairs of adjustable are all here – the waterproof and windproof shell, internal injuries or spinal problems are (Oban, Ochills and Glenelg), the SCS has evolved shown open, which could be insulated according to anchors into the rigid stretcher by means vertical pair and a long horizontal one, straps for securing the casualty when the diagnosed, I propose that the SCS is a into a prospective item of kit which meets the need, the load bearing casualty restraints linked to of load-bearing strapping, two sets at the are the points of access for the placing of person is small to medium build. In this the Stokes Litter and extra insulation in the form of genuine advancement in the field of demands of severe terrain rescue. It is also head, the base and two sets at each insulation, hot packs, heater pads etc. case they are not needed as the casualty the green sleeping bag type insert. Although the sun casualty packaging. necessary to mention the influence of Capita side. This fixes the SCS to the rigid here is six foot five. Note the visible stretcher and contributes to a reduction anchor points on the stretcher top rail. is shining here, at nearly 6000ft the wind provided Transverse strapping across the Health Solutions and their remote rigs and the realistic element of cold. in casualty movement during transit. body can prove problematic. Often the industrial platform medics training facility in CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

PAGE 24 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2006 OCTOBER 2006 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 25 EQUIPMENT EYE

missing in the Dent area of the Pennines. We had Many readers will be familiar with Memory Trials with the trial a laptop in a car running Memory Map Navigator Map, a program which has served many purposes software have produced v2.6. Each search group of about six persons had for many teams – and an excellent program it is. some unexpected NINE YEARS OF GPS TRACKING AND a GPS. The unit was to be carried by the end man Track logs from several handheld GPSs can be advantages. Reduced LOCATION – FROM VISION TO REALITY of the line search. After completing each sector of downloaded into the software and the resultant communications – a lot of the search, the GPS had to be taken to the car so overlay of routes can be used to identify holes in radio messages are about Paul Horder Keswick MRT that its track log could be download. searched areas etc. But this facility is not live or in ascertaining locations of real time. True, Memory Map will track a single members. It is quickly n 1996, Keswick MRT moved into its new, purpose-built HQ. After the effort of two years ’ work, trying to find a suitable GPS but not more than one. A developer’s kit is obvious when members site (not easy in a National Park with its planning regulations), fundraising and building and equipping our HQ, we wanted available for someone who can modify this have misunderstood search a situation where we wouldn ’t have to do another thing for the next 10 years. In other words we wanted, as much as could, restriction, but it is extremely costly. If the program SIMOCO GPS areas. It is much easier to I had been able to receive several simultaneous control searches as you can to future-proof our new HQ. We also wanted a ‘state of the art’ HQ that could be used as a model by other MRTs. This, I believe, we were and other MRTs visited us and have since followed our model. GPS signals, most MRTs would have been happy see things unfolding. You can spot dead batteries, to use it. Memory map is also programmed to therefore ask other members to inform the What has all of this got to do with GPS programming with GIS systems – was willing to big and unwieldy to put in a rucksack) and expect GPS update at the normal Navstar rate of affected member. When a casualty is found, time location and tracking? As part of our effort, we travel from Scotland to the Lakes to voluntarily sending the volunteer down Borrowdale. The once a second. If it hasn’t received an updated needn’t be lost in sending a location – all that is built a computer network into the building. Using assist us. Such was ESRI’s interest in our initial results were startling. Although SA (Selective position report after a second or two, it assumes required is for the casualty condition to be computers to record incident details was not new, innovative project that they provided some of their Availability) was still active at the time, we could loss of satellite lock and stops. Updates via a radio transmitted and for other members to be directed but was usually done after the event – and often (expensive) mapping software to allow Scott to see, in real time, the cyclist travelling down the link at this rate would not be popular. to the exact location. on a home computer. We wanted to do this ‘on the work towards a solution for us. road into Borrowdale, leaving a snail trail on the There was still one outstanding obstacle – What about other teams who use Icom radios fly’ during incidents, to record our logs during the We now had a software programmer. What map as she went. When we radioed and asked her the mapping (costs and licensing). We were or other makes, I hear you say? Obviously, our incidents. we also needed was a radio expert to help with the to return to base, we could – to our surprise – see brought to a standstill with Memory Map by trials have been based on Simoco because that’s The Vision hardware side of things. Rob Brookes of Kendal a separate trail coming back up the other side of MREW when reminded that MRTs were not what we have. However, we are all too aware that The vision was to see and plot the positions MSRT was an enthusiastic radio amateur who had the road! licensed to use the personal software licenses for a product such as the one we have developed is and movements of our team members, in real already shown signs of interest. He launched full Selective Availability (SA) is an intentional MR use. too good to be fenced into the Lake District. It is a time, using GIS maps (Geographical Information tilt into the project and within a very short time had degradation of the signal once imposed by the US Solution? tool which should be of invaluable help to all System) on a computer screen. If we could do lashed some electronics together. Department of Defence. SA was intended to After nine years of trials and tribulations, teams. Therefore, trials have been conducted with this, it could enhance our organisation during Harnessing the Technology prevent military adversaries from using the highly frustrations and hurdles, the end now seems to be the Icom handheld and GPS microphone and (and after) searches, help us know the casualty So, one weekend in early 1997, Rob, Scott accurate GPS signals. With SA switched on, the in sight. Thanks to Dave Binks of Duddon & early indications are that it will work. We have location more quickly and show us where other and I met at Keswick MRT’s HQ to see what could accuracy of GPS ‘fixes’ was very spurious and Furness MRT, and Rob Brookes of course, we now been constrained by lack of available equipment, assets were such as the doctor, the stretcher, the be done. Both Rob and Scott lived up to couldn’t be taken very seriously. Accuracy might DENT have a product which will do what we want. Dave but – watch this spot. vehicles etc. Health and Safety requirements have expectations – and more! Rob, the typical radio have been down to 100 metres or more. has written a delightfully simple little program In April of this year, an email was sent to all added to the desirability of such a system – where, enthusiast, had boxes of radios, wires, manuals, At the November MRC meeting in Preston, The resultant overlay of where searchers had which will track the positions of multiple GPSs and regions and teams by Penny Brockman, MRC due to a team leader’s duty of care, the last known soldering irons, and Scott, the computer geek, sat we gave a demonstration of the system working been was most impressive. The police were not overlay them on an OS map on a computer Treasurer, outlining developments that were being locations of his team members can be seen. at the computer screen and typed in computer and those who were present at the meeting were only surprised at the capability of the technology, screen. This has already been demonstrated to made with the Ordnance Survey regarding We knew the technologies were available programming language at the speed of light. The impressed to see a volunteer walking around the they were also seriously lacking in radio comms. the MRC Communications Working Group and, by ‘access to 1:25,000 mapping data’ for MRTs. At but, until then, they had not been developed as atmosphere, concentration and intensity of work streets on the big screen at the front of the Definitely a good PR exercise for MR! the time of writing, I understand that combined units – or they were the size of was electric (excuse the pun). It was truly conference hall. Doubts these developments are reaching a suitcases, to be fitted in delivery vehicles for inspirational. What was happening? If you blinked, By this stage of the development, we had Having got through the euphoria, we began favourable conclusion. If this is the case, location tracking. you missed it – such was the speed at which these also enlisted the assistance of another expert in to take stock. The trials demonstrated that the then the final hurdle will have been Handheld GPS devices were already two worked. the field – Stefano Capaccio, a consultant in hardware and software was more than able surmounted. (See STOP PRESS below.) available but the information gathered was only Rob was feeding the signal from a handheld satellite navigation technology. What Stef had produce the required results. However, the current The software which we have stored on the device and generally not further GPS (Garmin 12XL) into a TNC (Terminal Node managed to do for the demonstration in Preston arrangement of hardware was impractical – heavy, developed will be available to teams at a used at that time. If a search controller asked team Controller) which acted as a kind of modem and was to use another aspect of GPS technology to cumbersome, not robust or waterproof. There still very minimal cost and details of this will members where they had been on a search, the which could be programmed to give the resultant remove the SA from our incoming signals. DGPS wasn’t anything out there that had been designed probably have been revealed at the members would try to recall their routes and then signal an ID as well as determining the timing of (Differential GPS) uses incoming signals from 2 or built as a unified product. The consumer base conference – otherwise in future they roughly draw them on paper maps for the the signal bursts (every 2 minutes or 15 minutes, sources. One is from the handheld (from satellites) was not large enough for any potential editions of the MR Magazine. controllers to scrutinise so they could then etc). Next, the signal was fed into a team Simoco and the other is from a signal received from a manufacturer to take up the idea. We will be pleased to try to answer MR MAP contemplate the next search actions. All rather hit handheld radio through the facility plug on the transmitter with known coordinates. By comparing The software also demonstrated that the any queries. If you send them to me, if I and miss and dependent on the assumed routes side. the data received from both signals, accuracy to concept worked, but the costs – at that time – the time this article goes to press, will have been can’t answer them, I will pass them on to the taken being the actual routes taken. Hands up all Scott was looking at the information being within three metres could be achieved. As a result were prohibitive for a mountain rescue team. To be demonstrated at the UK MR Conference in relevant person who, hopefully, can. those who can honestly say they have never got received at the HQ computer end from the GPS of this demonstration, the MRC pledged a grant of able to use the Ordnance Survey mapping, map Lancaster. temporarily lost whilst searching in poor and slicing from it the relevant data strings which £500 towards further R&D for this project. tiles of 20 sq km had to be purchased and LDSAMRA and Cumbria police chose to use STOP PRESS conditions? included the coordinates. This much was a skill in Happily, the American government turned off licensing agreements entered into. a Simoco radio system in the Lake District. In Initial Investigations itself but the interesting bit was converting the SA in May 2000, which significantly improved the In a nutshell, the problems were – suitable recent months, Simoco have produced a GPS It’s official. OS Mapping Software is now available to all MR, BCRC and ALSAR teams in In 1997 we made some enquiries at the Home latitude and longitude information into the British accuracy of civilian GPS receivers. Without SA, hardware and availability of cheap or free OS microphone and it is with this technology that we Scotland, England and Wales, following an Office. The MRC, at that time, had a tame Ordnance Survey accuracy is usually 15 metres or less. maps at 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 scales. have been able to produce a working system. The agreement worth over £120K between Mountain representative from the HO called Brian Hill. Brian Grid System was In 1999 and in 2000, similar demonstrations Suspended Animation software polls the handheld radios at Rescue and Ordnance Survey. was a walker and also a sailor. He recognised the even more were presented to the international mountain So, the project went into limbo for a few predetermined intervals (currently two minutes) An email explaining the agreement will be coming out to teams over the next few weeks. value of location tracking and was keen to support challenging. rescue community at the annual IKAR meetings, years. Behind the scenes, however, Rob, having for their GPS locations. The location data is also Teams will be required to sign individual our idea. He authorised the release of some radio First Trials attended by Mike Margeson and myself. The been fired by the concept, continued to appended to any transmissions received by the contracts regarding the licence and its usage. channels and call signs so we could begin tests. Before long, reaction was one of amazement. Since then, experiment and he found himself drawn into the handhelds. The overheads of air time and battery All enquiries should be directed to Penny At the same time, I contacted one of the big we were loading parallel attempts have been made in various forms world of programming. He has now developed a drain have proved to be negligible. Perhaps a [email protected] Thanks go to Tony Rich and Mark Moran for names in GIS, ESRI. We were lucky, by probing Rob’s electronics by other nations – with mixed success. very capable system which would very ably satisfy more technical article can follow this one in a later their input. deeply enough, to find someone pretty quickly. into a bicycle In 2002, we assisted in (or did we end up most teams. More on this later. issue of the MR Magazine. Scott Campbell – a climber involved in computer PROTOTYPE 1998 saddlebag (too controlling) a search for a man who had been

PAGE 26 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2006 OCTOBER 2006 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 27 HILL timing the pull down on the axe. Now starred Kirk Douglas. You can learn ON THE clipped in to the rope, I battered my about the real heroes at the museum way up the route aided by the helpful housed in the Vemork plant. words of my mentors. I have to admit If you’d would like to know more here I was not in the best of shape about the exciting opportunities for and was in fact suffering awfully from adventure to be had in Rjukan, I the long journey I had undertaken hope the information found here will the day before and, of course, a few be of great help but please feel free sherbets in the pub last night. I also to contact me if you want any help or have to say that however bad my advice about anything to do with climbing was that day, my friends visiting this fabulous part of Norway. had nothing but kind words of encouragement and showed the INFORMATION inimitable patience and generosity of attitude so necessary when Accommodation Mirjam & Ruud van Lienen successfully teaching people. Rjukan Hytte- og Caravanpark, There isn’t just ice climbing on Gaustaveien 78, N-3658 Miland, offer, there is also some superb Norge skiing at Gaustablikk which is only a few kilometres from town. There you t 0047 35 09 63 53 f 0047 35 09 62 30 can enjoy skiing both downhill and e [email protected] telemark. The ski centre can hire you w rjukanhytte.com all the equipment you require. Overlooking everything is the Survival/First Aid Ice Climbing magnificent 2000m mountain Guy Wilson To enquire about activities with Gaustatoppen, a great mountain Terje and Jan please contact Mirjan within reach of the munro-bagger. and Ruud It cannot go without being mentioned that Rjukan has huge Skiing/Snowboarding Gaustablikk Ski Centre historical significance in the fight was nursing a splitting hangover, no other words for it. I was also nursing the delicately placed front point of a crampon, calf Gaustablikk Høyfjellshotell_N-3660 against Nazi Germany. It was at Rjukan muscles screaming for release (or begging for mercy) and every fibre of my being searching the ice for a lifesaver axe hold. Vemork that the Nazis were making t 0047 35 09 14 22 There was no other thought beyond that. Forget the panic of vomit rising, I wanted the flood of relief when it appears at last ‘heavy water’ that was vital in their f 0047 35 09 19 75 e gaustablikk I(the axe placement that is, not the vomit). attempts to produce an atomic @gaustablikk.no A flick of the wrist and the teeth of the pick bite the ice and you know its good. The relief is tangible. Your muscles relax, if only bomb. Thirty-four British w gaustablikk.no for a while. I took a deep breath and as I exhaled, I told my mind to send the fear with it, as if the fog of warm breath was my commandos were killed in a failed Rjukan Tourist Office disquiet. It hung in the air against the blue sky and slowly dissipated. Calm was restored, regular breathing restored, a sense attempt to sabotage the plant, one of the planes crashed and those who Torget 2, 3660 Rjukan of well being reigned. I found myself thinking about Ceska Lipa where I had been in a motor accident, how strange the silence t 0047 35 08 05 50 survived were shot when captured was as the car went end over end, silence as it landed on its roof and there too, a moment suspended in time had ended with f 0047 35 08 15 75 on Hitler’s orders. It was then w rjukan-turistkontor.no relief only to be followed again by fear. decided that Norwegian resistance e [email protected] I was brought back to the present by a voice from below. ‘Get moving, yer faggot, I ’m bloody freezing! ’ Peter stood below fighters would be trained in Scotland Car Rental impatient in the cold. I wondered what he was thinking of whilst stood in this freezer, then thought it perhaps best not to know. and parachuted onto the w rent-a-wreck.no Hardangervidda plateau from where That was almost three years here to sample what is without doubt including CPR... all of these activities Gaustablikk. Terje set up a top rope they would launch an attack. This You can contact Guy on ago in Norway. Now I was drinking world class climbing. can be tailored to suit the on one of the numerous tree belays heroic action was immortalised in the [email protected] coffee in the home of Ruud and It’s not just the fact that there requirements anyone may have. at the top of these single pitch ice film ‘Heroes of Telemark’ which Mirjam van Lienen who moved from are over 160 ice falls in the area but We couldn’t help but do a little falls while Jan took me through a few the Netherlands to this same little the ease with which they can be climbing in what remained of the practical tips on technique, like . ADVE R TOR I AL . part of Norway to run the Rjukan accessed, a range of difficulty to suit afternoon and quickly drove up to a keeping your heels down and Medical supplies newcomer Bound Tree Medical Europe is Hytte og Caravanpark. In the everybody from beginner to expert roadside ‘ice crag’ on the ski road to flicking the axe into the ice while backed by a wealth of market summer, the field is full of brightly and almost guaranteed conditions. It knowledge and customer coloured tents but in the winter it is was while enjoying the company of service focus led by its my hosts that I was introduced to manager Stuart Edmonds. Owned by the US market Terje Forsmo and Jan Andresen, two leader they are uniquely members of the Rjukan positioned with unrivaled Fjellsportgruppe, which is the local purchasing power and supplier relationships to provide specialised product climbing club. and personalised service to the pre-hospital market. With strategically Terje and Jan talked of some of located headquarters in Shropshire at the Heart of England, excellent distribution and transport routes are ensured throughout the UK. A custom the guided activities that they built 13,000 square foot distribution facility provides the capability to undertake. They of course take warehouse an extensive array of products to meet the diverse needs of clients climbing but that wasn’t all – emergency medical personnel. survival training on the ‘Our latest catalogue and online shop give customers a real taster of just some of the variety of good value, quality emergency medical products that difficult to see where the field is for Hardangervidda plateau or fishing we intend to bring to the UK market,’ says managing director Stuart the snow! Fortunately in the winter, through the ice and creating a Edmonds. ‘We appreciate that in addition to competitive pricing our as in summer, the park has a number snowhole to see out the long cold customers also value being able to purchase by the quickest and most of well heated log cabins that can be night. They cover basic training in convenient methods possible, to achieve this rented and it is these that have lifesaving in a winter mountain goal we have endeavoured to make our new online shop the most functional, accommodated the recent wave of environment including ensuring your comprehensive and easy to navigate.’ British ice climbers who have come own safety – lifesaving, first aid

PAGE 28 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2006 OCTOBER 2006 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 29 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Casualty, placed in the recovery position, is being MRC DIRECTORY administered warm air. The function of the Boot Bag and Torso Restraint allow for this whilst losing none of the TRAINING casualty stability during transit. The mock casualty Hagg Farm Outdoor Education Centre here is of medium build, the Snake Road, Bamford SCS being made bulky by Hope Valley S33 0BJ the vacuum mattress utilised within. Tel: 01433 651594 Fax 01433 651525 Email: [email protected] Members of Capita Health www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/haggfarm Solutions Medics course Providers of National Governing Body Awards:– testing the SCS in a one Mountain Leader Award, Walking Group Leader Award, piece Ferno Basket Single Pitch Award. Training and Assessment available. Stretcher. During the various Contact Hagg Farm for details and courses in 2006/2007. tests performed, the Compassworks operates in the south west and Dartmoor National Park, Accommodation units are also available for casualty slippage and specialising in the provision of map reading and land navigation skills, training up to 16 or 44 people on a sole use basis. movement was minimal due and development. It is run by Neil Clark and Dave Hawkins, both former Royal to the fact that the SCS can Marines, who have extensive experience of these subjects, having operated in be anchored directly onto various climates and conditions in the UK and abroad. We have teamed up to the Ferno stretcher bed. deliver what we firmly believe are some of the best courses and events of their This gives the greatest kind available anywhere, including the use of hand-held GPS receivers, designed amount of security and with professionalism, safety and enjoyment uppermost. stability during transit. Only The benefit of using these incredibly accurate receivers is being recognised by the SCS’s own casualty more and more people who love to navigate or work in the great outdoors, Mersey Regional Ambulance Service restraint and anchor points including search and rescue teams. Finding the accurate location of a casualty are holding the casualty in First Aid Training or lost person can be achieved quickly with a GPS receiver, and this alone makes Mersey Regional Ambulance provides flexible courses out of hours and place. the system a potential life-saver. But the power of the GPS doesn’t end there. As at weekends at your premises or at our purpose-built training school in Belmont a training tool or means of measuring team or individual performance, the use of Grove, Liverpool hand-held GPS receivers is exceptional. Using the ‘Tracklog’ facility almost as a Close up of the SCS being Some features of the course are: ‘Black-box’ recorder, GPS users are able to review and test their traditional map shaken into the Ferno Unconscious Casualty • CPR techniques and compass navigational skills in a process of improvement. Basket Stretcher. Note the • Control of Haemorrhage It is, However, essential to use a receiver in conjunction with a paper map and seatbelt-type buckle in the All our courses are exempt from VAT and the Trust is a non-profit-making magnetic compass, and to have sound working knowledge in traditional map foreground. It was not organisation with all proceeds being directly re-invested into our reading and navigation. Many people find using a GPS difficult to navigate with, utilised in this test as the frontlinehealthcare services. and as a result avoid them or belittle their usefulness. The manuals don’t help by SCS has enough casualty Special Offers for Chamber Members being rather difficult to follow. This is where Compassworks can help. restraint on its own. For further information on dates and venues or for a brochure please contact Comparisons were later One of our most popular events is the one day ‘Introduction to GPS’ course, our Commerce Team on: made with conventional specifically designed for those people who have little or no experience of using 0151 261 2543 or 0151 261 2544 packaging options and, in hand-held GPS units. We can also provide tailor-made courses, designed Alternatively, email us at each case and method, the specifically for rescue groups to increase realism, and to ensure that a minimum operational standard is set and achieved. [email protected] or SCS was superior. Note the [email protected] insulation strap being For more information about navigating with a GPS receiver and our one day utilised because the training courses, please contact Neil Clark and Dave Hawkins on 01566 783236 or visit compassworks.co.uk ARCHANGEL -TRAINING &DEVELOPMENT casualty is of small build. Working at height? N.G.B .Training & ‘06 COURSES Assessment Courses INTRO TO ALPINE MOUNTAINEERING (CHAMONIX) Let us provide the safe solutions Newlands Adventure Centre 3-9 June 06 & 9-15 Sept 06 ‘Improving Emergency Response’ is running Summer ML and SPA Training and TREKKING IN THE CARNIC ALPS - ITALY (ONE OF D.A.S.C course Assessment courses on the following dates: EUROPE’S LAST WILDERNESSES) 30 Oct - 05 Nov 06 Don’t be a bystander – be part of the process Difficult Access Surveillance & Communications • SPA Training: Friday 17 – 19 March Also available are a full range of UK based Adventurous • SPA Assessment: Friday 31 March – 2 April and Mountain Activities, Outdoor/Mountain First Aid • Summer ML Training: Sunday 3 – 8 September Courses, Advanced Alpine Courses and Alpine Safety The Emergency Services Show & Conference 2006 • Height Safety Training • Summer ML Assessment: Sunday 3 – 8 September Courses, Bushcraft Training, Expeditions and • SPA Training: Friday 6 – 8 October Instructor Training Programmes. • • SPA Assessment: Friday 13– 15 October Contact: JAMES DYER 07803 598310 London 19-20 October Tower/Mast Access Full Board Assessment available if required for all courses. Call for details. [email protected] Never before has the climate been so and information from their fields of expertise. Ambulance Service NHS Trust/Chair of Ambulance • Technical Rope Rescue www.archangeltraining.co.uk Newlands is also the perfect venue for both right for co-responding between The breadth of speakers ensures that the Service Association • training and social events as well as outdoor organisations involved in emergency conference is the event of the year for anyone • The Role of the Government News Co- Roof Top Access activity courses and holidays. Have a look at our • website to see the wonderful location and response – a critical element of the involved in emergency services. Keynote speaker ordination Centre by Carol McCall, Head of Ladder Safety comfortable facilities Newlands Adventure Centre Civil Contingencies Act. for both days is Bruce Mann, Head of the Civil Security, Intelligence & Resilience Team, Cabinet • has to offer. CORPORATE EVENTS AND TEAM Supported by the Metropolitan Police Service, Contingencies Secretariat, Cabinet Office, talking Office Communications Group Intervention & Search DEVELOPMENT COURSES London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance on the subject of Emergency Preparedness and Places are restricted for this one-off event. Whilst • For details on any of the above courses, please Plus... paintballing, rafting, Rescue Equipment contact mountaineering and rock climbing, Service NHS Trust, the Emergency Services Show Response. Further inspirational topics include:– the Emergency Services Show is free to visit, there NEWLANDS ADVENTURE CENTRE all in the Yorkshire Dales. and Conference 2006 is a unique multi-agency • The Operational Aspects of the Fire and is a charge for the conference. Visitors to the Show STAIR, KESWICK, CUMBRIA CA12 5UF Telephone: 01943 609334 event which sets out to achieve just this. By bringing Resilience Programme by Chris Arculeo, New and/or the conference can pre-register on the Telephone: 01768 778463 email: [email protected] together Cat 1 & 2 Responders and non- Dimension Programme Deputy Director, website. Prospective delegates can pre-register to Web: www.activity-centre.com www.fire-events.com government organisations from across the UK, with Department for Communities and Local guarantee a seat for either the first or second day, or the sole purpose of encouraging the sharing of Government for both conference days:– information, a fully integrated response and • Lessons Learnt – 7th July by Richard Barnes • Day 1 £175 + VAT effective recovery to any incident, emergency or from the London Assembly 7 July Review • Day 2 £100 + VAT Andy Holborn disaster becomes more achievable. Committee • Both Days £225 + VAT The conference is a central part of the Emergency • Flu Pandemic Preparedness by Prof Lindsey (Charitable status 25% discount) WGL/SPA Training & Assessment – Devon/Dartmoor. Services Show and an industry first. With the theme Davies, Director of Flu Pandemic Preparedness, For further information and registration visit MLA Training & Assessment – North Wales. ‘Improving Emergency Response’, authoritative Department of Health theemergencyservicesshow.info Also Technical Advice and Training. speakers from principle emergency service • The Regional Response – Where are we Tel: 01752 892421 Mobile: 07971 582849 organisations will be joined by representatives from now? ’by Ted Vary, Head of Regional Resilience email: [email protected] government departments, non-government Unit, GOSE Contact our Specialist Services Manager 01524 782877 organisations and voluntary sectors to present • The Restructuring of the Ambulance Service [email protected] www.xitraining.co.uk Member of the British Association papers on proven strategies, and share knowledge and Its Effect by Jayne Barnes CBE, Yorkshire ISOQAR BS EN 9001:2000 Quality Assured of International Mountain Leaders

PAGE 30 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2006 OCTOBER 2006 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 31 MRC DIRECTORY

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PAGE 34 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2006 OCTOBER 2006 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 35