ISSN 1756-8749 0 5 . 3 £
39 JANUARY 2012 APB mobile installations ltd SPECIALIST BLUE LIGHT EQUIPMENT INSTALLERS
LEFT: WOODHEAD MRT LAND ROVER CENTRE: BUXTON MRT LAND ROVER RIGHT: FIRE BIKE
UU Member of FIRESA and federation of communications services. UU APB specialises in the installation of blue lights equipment into everything from cars to fire engines and other specialist vehicles such as HPs, mountain rescue vehicles and control units. We offer an on-site service to limit down time of the vehicle, or we can offer our equipped workshops near Peterborough.
UU Equipment installed: Blue lights, headlamp flash, 2-tone sirens, rear reds, covert blues, diesel heaters, run lock systems, tracker units, strobes, hands free systems for mobile telephones and 2-way radios, additional speakers (eg. in the pump bay) GPS and satellite navigation systems, plus many more. We have a ‘no drill’ policy in place and are able to install switch panels for specific client requirements.
UU Our engineers are FLM trained and fully competent on working with and installing the airwave radios now fitted to the fire service.
UU We are now a Sortimo partner station and can supply and install Sortimo racking.
For further information contact APB Mobile Installations Ltd Tel: 0845 331 2727 Fax: 0845 331 2722 Web: www.apb-ltd.co.uk Email: [email protected] Unit 4, Pinnacle Close, Crowland, Peterborough PE6 0GB
PAGE 2 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 N A L L
WELCOME TO A
39 D Mountain Rescue is the I membership magazine for V mountain and cave rescue in A England and Wales. fir st D Contributions should be sent to Word the editor at the address below. Every care will be taken of materials sent for publication however these are submitted at the sender’s risk. The meeting in November witnessed two major specialist skills to the table but has also made major changes to the way in which mountain rescue in contributions from their wide ranging experience of the England and Wales will carry out its work in future many different facets of mountain rescue. I have no EDITORIAL Judy Whiteside years. doubt that across the country there are many people 8 Bridgefoot Close, Boothstown Firstly I was delighted to see the benevolent fund with the ability, skill and experience to take up the reins Manchester M28 1UG come into being after several years of discussion and of management and hope they will come forward. With 0161 702 6080 procrastination. I believe there will be a sense of relief, the publication of a ‘retirement list’ it will be much [email protected] particularly amongst team leaders, to know that there easier to plan ahead and balance commitment Andy Simpson is now a provision to help any team member in the between team, region and national body. 0161 764 0999 [email protected] event of injury or other unforeseen circumstances. Due As each post approaches the time for change, the recognition is appropriate for Huw Birrell, Trevor Cotton job description will be revisited. Some posts have mountain.rescue.org.uk and Tony Rich all of whom have laboured to bring the grown beyond expectation and it may be necessary to Pat Starkie project from a good idea into a working system. share out some of the workload, possibly with the 01 204 88 8 151 It is a little over a year since the suggestion that creation of new posts. [email protected] MREW officers should be appointed for fixed terms of The last year has overall been a very good one for office began to gain momentum. Fairly detailed mountain rescue in England and Wales. In several NEXT ISSUE discussions ensued. At some of these there appeared regions the number of incidents has fallen significantly. 40 to be ‘a difficulty for every solution’ but finally proposals Whether this is due to the safety messages that have Copy Deadline: emerged that dealt as fairly as possible with both new been promulgated or simply a reflection of the weather 5 MARCH 201 2 and long established post holders. One essential part is not clear at this stage. S ARCALL has gone from Editorial copy must be supplied of the new process is the appointment of successors strength to strength, a government grant has arrived, as Word document. some twelve months before the existing officer stands national fundraising has made big strides forward, Images must be supplied as down. This should ensure a gradual handover with there have been more successful training courses and high resolution (300 dpi) JPG/EPS/TIFF/PDF. new appointees able to run in tandem which is communication is slowly but surely improving. especially important in meetings with outside bodies. Finally, I have previously made reference to the Advertising artwork must be supplied, ready prepared on Underpinning this new arrangement is a belief that injudicious use of rapid fire email messages that have CD or via email as font people will emerge from all areas of mountain rescue later been a cause for regret. It would seem that the embedded PDF/EPS/TIFF to apply for the posts. We have been fortunate in the root cause is not so new after all... (300 dpi) or Quark document past few years to have had a very eclectic ‘And once sent out, a word with all relevant fonts and images. management group. Each officer has brought their Takes wings beyond recall.’ Horace 65BC I
PAGE South Lakes teams engage in joint swiftwater training session Photo: Paul Burke iss ue AT A GLANCE EDITOR’S NOTE: Articles carried in Mountain Rescue do not Who’s Who on the Executive: Treasurer Penny necessarily reflect the opinions 8 Brockman interviewed by Judy Whiteside NATIONAL: 4-15 of Mountain Rescue England and Wales. We do not accept Diary of an Editor: The things I do for mountain TEAMS: 16-23 responsibility for information 15 rescue: Chairman in a pickle supplied in adverts/advertorial. th is INCIDENTS: 24-27 Flash makes the grade 28 John Coombs and Flash, on passing their assessment DOGS: 28-31 37 Motorway Exit Syndrome SUPPORT: 33/41 Lyle Brotherton talks us through some of the pitfalls NAVIGATION: 36-40 42 Winter skills: Avalanche awareness moun tain Martin Chester, British Mountain Guide WATER: 46-49 Water search incident management 46 Al Read, Ogwen Valley MRO & Outreach Rescue MEDICAL: 50-53 CAVES: 54-57 61 Shaping the mountain landscapes of Scotland John Gordon talks about the Ice Age IRELAND: 58-60
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 3 INSURANCE MATTERS NEIL ‘WOODIE’ WOODHEAD [email protected]
As I reported in the last magazine insurer views volunteers and what vehicle insurance is being looked needs to be disclosed to them. Check into and it is hoped that some central out your own insurer and see – you funding will be available in 2012. may need to take action. Initially this is likely to be a subsidised The training presentation is now scheme but I hope that central available to download from the fundraising will enable us to fund the website, which will help trustees to scheme fully in future years. understand their insurance At the November meeting there was requirements and enable them to overwhelming support to take this educate their team members on the forward. What we need now is to subject. It’s a ‘death by powerpoint’ know from the teams what vehicles presentation, but hopefully will help they have, any special cover they you educate yourselves and your have in place and claims history. A teams in the riveting subject of survey will have been circulated insurance! around the regions and teams by the All the guidance notes and time you are reading this and it is documents relating to insurance can important your team completes this also be found on the website – in the and returns it by the end of January. member’s area, under resources and This will then give us time to consider insurance. These should be used your needs and return to you at the alongside the presentation to guide May meeting with a firm proposal. My you through some of the areas. WHY TRICKETTS INSURANCE? plan is to have the scheme live for you The national personal accident G The Best Advice in the summer. (PA) policy, funded by various police The Best & Most Appropriate Premiums I know you support this idea and I’m forces, continues to go from strength G determined to make this happen in to strength. Meetings are taking place G Skilled, Professional & Personal 2012, so every team can benefit. with brokers and insurers to ensure Whilst we are on the subject of we have the best cover we can, with Specialising in all types of Commercial Insurance, we, however, vehicle insurance, many of you will some enhancements likely at the also provide a large range of Personal Insurances. have seen the subject of volunteers renewal in March. More police forces As independent insurance specialists, we don’t do anything else, and their own motor insurance have signed up, with teams in North you can be sure that you will get proper advice and help when policies. This is particularly pertinent Yorkshire and Lancashire now you need it. to our members. included. This brings the number of At James Trickett & Son Insurance Limited you are guaranteed a Insurers take different views of teams covered to 33 and personal service from our dedicated team of insurance people volunteering and the Northumbria are also showing professionals who can deal with all your insurance requirements Association of British Insurers (ABI) interest. and find the insurance solution to suit you, as well as providing have recently issued a commitment If your force hasn’t signed up to the ongoing advice and assistance, including support with claims. that motor insurers have signed up to. policy you should continue to question I have added a link on the MREW them about the cover you have and website with the resource documents, whether it compares. If you need any www.trickettsinsurance.co.uk so you can check the ABI website to help in speaking to them to explain see how your own personal motor the cover under the national policy,
TRAINING UPDATE Level 5 Water Controller we will be hosting a series of UK MR CONFERENCE : email: trainingofficer@ Programme. Hopefully the six workshops – through the SEPTEMBER 2 01 2 mountain.rescue.org.uk MIKE MARGESON first courses will be run as morning and repeated in the In September, we will be at soon as possible thereafter. afternoon – at the National Leeds University for the bi- REVISED GUIDELINES The recent round of national Mountaineering Centre in annual UK Mountain Rescue FOR TEAM MEMBER courses – Media Skills, Train SECOND NATIONAL North Wales. See the full ad Conference. I am assisting AND PARTY LEADER the Trainer, and the Medical TRAINING DAY: for further details. It would the group charged with We are currently working on Symposium – all went well. MONDAY 5 MAY, PLAS help Richard Prideaux with putting the programme the Hill Member and Party We now turn our attention to Y BRENIN, NORTH the booking logistics, and together. If you have any Leader guidelines, now over 2012 and, in January, the WALES fitting in as many of your speakers or topics you ten years old. Your views are National Water Conference, Following last year’s session requests, if folk would really like to see at this welcome in order to move where we launch the new extremely successful formula booked as early as possible. event, please get in touch via these documents forward.
PAGE 4 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 nation al
FERENCE WATER CON 1 January (One day) NATIONAL TRAININ Date: Saturday 2 Places: 60 G DAY rict Location: Peak Dist Date: Satu rday 5 May (One day) Contact: Andy Lee Location: Pla 6 s y Brenin 07802 87866 Contact: M rt.co.uk ike Margeson nwc@edalem 0 s Ne12 29 8w8972 1 mm [email protected]
TEAM LEADER then let me know. For teams covered Places S MEETING MR : 60 EW SUBCOMMITTEE Date: A S by the national policy, I will shortly Saturday 4 Febr ND BUSINESS MEET Lo uary (One day) Date: Satu ING cation: NEWSAR HQ rday 19 May & Saturd need you to declare numbers of team (O ay 17 November Contact: Iain Ashcro ne day) members ready for renewal – please ft 019 78 860392 help me keep admin to a minimum iain.ashcroft@vir gin.net NSARDA TR Date AILING DOG TRAIN by replying as quickly as you can. : 13-17 February ING WEEK Loca tion: BPMRT’s Smelt The agreed fundraising activities NATIONAL MOUN Co Mill Centre TAIN AND CAVE RES ntact: Iain Nicholson AWARENESS WE CUE covered under the civil liability Date: EKEND iain@sardog Bank Holiday Weeken s.org.uk policy continue to be welcomed by Location d, 5-7 May : Locally to all teams teams and the guidance notes are being well used. This gives you the certainty you are looking for when arranging fundraising events. The number of enquiries has diminished G What do you think of the current the MR National Training Guidelines? dramatically with the use of the G Do they reflect the changing variety of scenarios? guidance notes. G Do they reflect changes in technology? Remember to contact me as soon G What would YOU modify? as you can with the queries for cover that isn’t automatic, as it can take The current MREW training guidelines were set up in 1996, but since then the variety and number of some time to have discussions with MR team operations has changed significantly, technology and equipment has evolved, as have the skill levels of the latest recruits joining teams. The end result of these changes is that team training insurers and hopefully ensure has had to adapt, so members can meet the challenges of the current and future operational adequate cover is in place without demands. incurring any additional premium. I In response to these changes, MREW decided in May 2011 to review and update the Hill member know teams are looking at their and Party Leader Guidelines. The training sub was tasked to carry out the review by November but, fundraising events for 2012, so keep due to incomplete feedback from areas and teams, the completion date has been moved to the insurance in mind. next MREW meet in May 2012. The civil liability policy is also I was asked to facilitate the completion of the review. I am the current SWSARA training rep, and renewing shortly, so please help me also assist when possible on the National Party Leader course. I joined MR, after leaving the Army, once again with completing the in 1988, served as team leader of Bridgend MRT (now Western Beacons MSRT) and am currently a declaration they require. This will be deputy of the same team. I have a solid background in mountain rescue and its training however, as we all know, there are regional variations that need to be reflected in the national guidelines, and this sent out shortly, if it hasn’t already is where I need your help and support to ensure this task is completed on time but, more landed in your team’s inbox. A copy importantly, that the resulting guidelines reflect your team’s current and future training needs and is, of course, on the MREW website. issues. It was good to meet many of you at By the time this is published, I will have written to your training rep, with a suggested format, to assist the November meeting and to help with the creation of new draft guidelines. I will ask them for their and your team’s comments and answer a few queries for you and your suggested changes. Without your feedback, we cannot ensure your regional input is reflected in the teams. new guidelines. I am, therefore, taking this opportunity to encourage you to ask your training rep to Remember, as always, that if you share the draft with you and for them to pass your thoughts back to me. I am also happy to take have any queries then please just feedback directly via my email: [email protected] from new and long-standing members send me an email and I’ll give you alike. The timescales we are working to: whatever assistance I can. Contact is January February March April May [email protected] I Consultation Consultation Revise draft Final draft Updated within teams on within regions guidelines to sign off by teams guidelines sign guidelines on draft guidelines reflect feedback and regions off by MREW
OFF ROAD AND BLUE LIGHT DRIVING In these times of increased partnership and collaborative working, we need to ensure other agency We will also be supporting Daryl partners, and our members, understand and value training and regional knowledge. I am therefore Garfield and the vehicle counting on you to make sure your team feedback gets to me! subcommittee in the creation of national Off Road and Blue Light Driving guidelines. SELWYN KEENAN HILL MEMBER AND PARTY LEADER TRAINING GUIDELINES REVIEW
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 5
nation al News
PROPOSED LIVERY GUIDELINES FOR MOUNTAIN RESCUE VEHICLES REVEALED DARYL GARFIELD
I’m pleased to show the new used for emergency response and RESCUE’, ‘Name of Mountain survey from your team secretary via Mountain Rescue England and this ties in with the colours already in Rescue Team’, either with or your regional secretary. Please Wales livery guidelines, as shown at use with MR. The rear of the vehicle without the MREW or team logo. ensure these are completed and the MREW business meeting in is covered in inverted orange and The website indicated above, on returned to me before 31 January November. yellow chevrons. The use of the rear door, is an example only 2012, as parts of this survey are These have been looked at from Prismatic grade material is and obviously, if needed, could be needed by Neil Woodhead, MREW many different perspectives but the recommended. The use of two your own team’s web address. National Insurance Officer to move two main purposes for the rows of Battenburg could be used The word ‘AMBULANCE’ must be the National Vehicle Insurance proposed guidelines are to make by teams if they feel they have a on all four sides of the vehicle if you Scheme forward for a proposal for our vehicles as visually conspicuous need and work or stop primarily on want to claim VAT back on a new May’s meeting. If your team want to as possible as emergency high speed roads (motorway/dual conversion or have the vehicle be involved with the vehicle response vehicles, and to carriageways). exempt from Road Fund Licence. insurance scheme and the harmonise the mountain rescue Teams are requested/required/ Please avoid putting anything, possibility of having your vehicle image across the country. This will asked to use this new including writing or logos, on the insurance paid for by MREW, be enable members of the public and recommended livery on their team checkerboard as this disrupts the sure to get the survey back in time other emergency services to vehicles and keep the design as it conspicuous markings and detracts with all sections filled in. No survey: immediately identify MR vehicles en is. The area on the rear side from the reason why it is being used no possibility of free insurance! If route or at the scene of an incident. window or panel, depending on in the first place. you haven’t received the survey, As you can see, the orange and vehicle model, is open for the By the time you read this, vehicle please contact me ASAP at white checkerboard is the main and individual teams to use their team officers or the person responsible [email protected] I obvious marking, making the logo and wording as appropriate. for vehicles in your team, should vehicle highly conspicuous when For example, ‘MOUNTAIN have received a Vehicle/Driving
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 7 the exec: s if the job of national treasurer wasn't enough for anyone’s ‘spare time’ work load, Penny stuff, but you have to bring people in Brockman just took on another mountain rescue hat in the form of Central Beacons team leader. along the way.’ The first in South Wales, we think, and not one many women in mountain rescue would be Will team leadership impact on her happy to wear. Female training officer, yes… female equipment officer… medical officer, deputy national role? She thinks not – and her team leader even… but female ‘Stop That Buck Here’ officer, they’re few and far between. response doesn’t invite further exploration. And why should it, given how many other team leaders sit at ASo – and I’m playing Devil’s the Neath valley in the west across team leadership made any other the ‘top table’. Advocate here, because I’ve talked to past Newport in the east – 1437 difference to her life? Okay so what about the future for quite a few women in MR so I already square km in all. That takes some The response is instant: ‘The phone mountain rescue in general? know the answer, but let’s ask Penny looking after. Then there's the regular bill!' Which is probably down to her ‘It’ll change. It’s bound to. New – can a woman cut it in this still- trips, generally northwards, to attend style of leadership: being available on blood, new expectations. Some of it predominantly (sometimes fiercely so) a variety of meetings. And the several the end of the phone, listening, will be change just to keep up with the male environment? What about the years' worth of involvement with the keeping an eye on how people are times, others will be forced upon us. mountaineering and other skills, the UK MR Conference which can involve feeling, recognising she can’t please Just look at the last twenty years – perception that women are less a great deal of travel, by whatever all the people all the time, motivating significant changes. Then again, strong, less committed maybe than means, across the British Isles. team members so they want to be some things haven’t changed at all – men? That they can't command the In fact, Penny has long operated a part of the team. It has to be fun, she the voluntarism and the passion. We respect of men, let alone tell them multi-centre approach to life. For believes, so team members want to appreciate we have to look at different what to do? many years, she commuted between be there. But doesn’t it get a bit time- aspects of the organisation to create ‘Well, for a start…’ she says, matter- her then base in London and South consuming, this approach? success – it’s not all about of-factly, ‘I’ve spent my entire career Wales as she trained to be a chartered ‘It’s important not to get drawn into mountaineering. in a male oriented environment as a accountant. Once qualified she everything. I try to be casual in my ‘And it’s tough getting money in. So Chartered Accountant and now in IT. moved to Wales. When she undertook style and delegate. I think you have to we can’t just have strong technical All the way through working with male a career change – to IT project recognise that, within a group, you’re people, we need an organisation with colleagues. And we do have a management for Mercer, a global always going to get people who will number of women in Central Beacons provider of consulting, outsourcing offer different opinions and one needs who play an important part in and investment services – it took her to maintain a balanced view developing a rounded and well- back to London but, thankfully for her throughout these discussions and balanced team.’ sanity and bank balance, she now help to draw conclusions. I believe in Okay, change of tack, what about works remotely from home in Wales. collaboration and empowerment but the time element? National That said her work is in the global if a decision needs to be made, then I treasurer… team treasurer (‘Oh, I’ve arena (her ‘patch’ covers Singapore, am happy to make it. stood down from that’)… conference Shanghai, India, USA and Canada) ‘Leadership is a very personal thing. treasurer… team leader… the day requiring any number of early Different people have different ideas job… There’s no doubt Central morning or late night conference calls about what makes a strong leader. Beacons is a busy team, fielding an and an understanding of several Some want a tough line with average of 80-90 call-outs a year – in different cultures. boundaries, others see it as better an area that stretches roughly from Life must have become busier still where they’re empowered. Yes, I still Pen Y Fan down to the coast and from since taking on the role of TL but has‘ have to make the end-decision on who’s who? PENNY BROCKMAN INTERVIEWED BY MREW TREASURER JUDY WHITESIDE
PAGE 8 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 different skills such as marketing and mother’s behest, from a few years of fundraising skills, and people willing to grooming and deportment classes do the work to keep us going.' from the woman who trained Miss Any other job she fancies then, Australia. ‘I know how to get into a car beyond the treasury role? or take off my coat properly,’ she says, ‘I’d love to take on project with a wry smile. ‘I don’t smoke, I don’t management. The more we get swear – it’s been said I’m not a involved with sponsors and tomboy, but an adventure girl.' government funding, the more we’ll Injuries and subsequent operations need to run things with a project on her ankles have limited her management approach. mountaineering over recent years and On to another hotly-debated topic: it's been a fight to get back to full ‘women’s clothing’. It’s one we’re both strength but she’s done her fair share. familiar with – much to the amusement And not many people can claim to (nay, withering disdain on occasion) of have free abseiled 140 feet out of a our male colleagues. hovering helicopter… ‘It’s not actually about the clothing,’ When questioned whether she has she stresses. ‘It never was. It’s more anything ‘controversial’ to say – other about women in mountain rescue than what's already been said – the having a right to their own voice and answer is a simple ‘No’. Although her their choice as much as men. view on the casualty may differ from Women, after all, come in all shapes the oft-espoused ‘casualty is king’. and sizes. How many, we wonder, 'Some people say the casualty have been forced to chop the bottom should come first, it's all about the twelve inches off their 'men's cut' casualty. I say your team is the most trousers, or cinch in the waist so far to important – the environment, the stop the damn things falling down they training, the emotion. Get that right feel like a sack of spuds? How many and the casualty benefits too. Focus wear jackets which fit perfectly over too much on the casualty and you their ample bosoms but won’t fasten might miss things going on with team round the hips? There's no doubt in members which impact on that end my mind that feeling comfortable in result. It’s a management philosophy, the clothes you wear goes a long way about input and output. to keeping you smiling in the worst of ‘It hasn’t been an easy ride,’ she A Y Morton & Co have now developed a circumstances – which mountain admits, a sentiment with which newer purpose built twin stretcher rescue rescue often enjoys – and it’s true, female recruits might not identify. vehicle. The rear unit is manufactured many choose to wear men’s cut ‘There were a lot of challenges along as an independent bolt-on pod, clothing anyway. So, ‘choice’ is the the way as there were few women in incorporating a full roll over protection keyword! mountain rescue and the team, the system and fitted to a Polaris Ranger Whatever the label in the jacket says, sexism that sometimes existed. And it 6x6 chassis cab. With stretchers what does Penny bring to MR ‘as a DID exist, however short people’s removed, the vehicle can be utilised for woman’? memories might be, perhaps more in a multitude of purposes including fire ‘I’m Penny Brockman,’ comes the some areas than others. It was a totally fighting equipment and personnel enigmatic reply. Her point being that different culture. What has been so transportation. Penny does what Penny does as great and enjoyable is to see the ‘Penny’ not as ‘a woman’. But she number of women that are now in The morton EUV bolt-on pod comes complete with roof storage does concede men and women can mountain rescue and especially facility and rear access ladder. The approach things in different ways: Central Beacons team.’ roof can be floored to provide ‘men are about getting something And with that, our time together is weather protection. The pod has done, very practical, whereas women up. Penny’s off to Statham Lodge for four upper and lower side access bring the softer touches, take a an MREW Exec management meeting panels as well as full opening back different view.’ and I’m exhausted just thinking about door making the EUV pod very In her own words, she’s not the most her busy schedule. I don’t know how accessible from all angles. The EUV conventionally ‘feminine’ of women. she keeps all those plates spinning pod can be tailor-made to suit But it might surprise some to learn that but it seems to work! I individual requirements. as a young girl she benefited, at her For further information and prices please contact: A Y Morton & Co Ltd, Station Road Strathaven ML10 6BE Tel: 01357 522311 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mortoneuv.co.uk
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 9 WHAT DID THEY EVER DO FOR YOU?
theIf you’ve ever wondered who those inv exec:isible people were, beavering away on your behalf at national level (or even, dare we say it, doubted their very existence), here’s your chance to find out. This is by no means a definitive list but it’s a page-worth of key people – and it certainly doesn’t mean the ones not detailed further aren’t also beavering away on your behalf. The plan is to update this on a regular basis as projects develop so watch this space....
CHAIRMAN: DAVID ALLAN PRESS OFFICER: ANDY SIMPSON EMAIL: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected] Represents the interests of mountain rescue to the Represents MREW to the national press, TV and radio, liaises Government, the emergency services and other SAR with Clarence House regarding any Royal involvement in MR, organisations and The Princes’ Charities Forum. Currently supports teams in their own publicity, advises on corporate involved with the BMC and MLTE in the development of a identity, and works with the fundraising group to further national Safety Forum and, with Daryl Garfield, is seeking to sponsorship deals with companies such as Goodyear – establish national guidelines for team vehicle livery. currently helping develop the relationship with Go Outdoors. SECRETARY: PETER SMITH MEDICAL: JOHN ELLERTON EMAIL: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected] Acts as an interface between teams, regions and the national Represents the interests of mountain rescue in medical body, records and produces minutes at MREW meetings and matters to government, the emergency services and ICAR, generally deals with reams of admin. and maintains the ‘morphine’ licence. Currently looking at possibilities for updating the Casualty Care handbook and TREASURER: PENNY BROCKMAN conducts mountain medicine research. EMAIL: [email protected] Besides ensuring the smooth running of MREW finances, is VEHICLES: DARYL GARFIELD currently working with Insurance Officer Neil Woodhead, the EMAIL: [email protected] insurers and police authorities to thrash out better deals for All things vehicle oriented including liaising with the police, us in insurance, and with the fundraising group and Tony Rich Department of Transport and other relevant bodies. So... to secure sponsorship deals to benefit team members. driver competency guidelines, fleet insurance, blues and twos, vehicle livery... PRESIDENT: PETER BELL EMAIL: [email protected] TRAINING: MIKE MARGESON Demonstrates wholehearted support for mountain rescue, EMAIL: trainingoffi[email protected] attending national meetings and acting as an ambassador Instrumental in creating the MREW Rope Rescue Guidelines outside the organisation. Whilst there is a requirement for him and successfully re-establishing a national training day at to remain apart from day-to-day business, he thoroughly Plas y Brenin. Currently initiating and developing new enjoys engaging in the technical discussions. courses, such as media skills and ‘train the trainers’ and updating party leader and team member guidelines. ASSISTANT SECRETARY: PETER HOWELLS EMAIL: [email protected] CENTRAL PURCHASING: NEIL RODEN Organises MREW search/management courses, represents EMAIL: [email protected] us on the Youth United National Committee and co-ordinates Chairs the Forward Planning Group part of which involves our role in the UK MR conferences – currently working with developing a central purchasing policy. Currently part of the Leeds Metropolitan University for 2012, and also working with team working with Go Outdoors developing ideas for Peter Smith on the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee initiatives. fundraising and gear testing. FUNDRAISING: MIKE FRANCE INSURANCE: NEIL ‘WOODIE’ WOODHEAD EMAIL: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected] Chairs the fundraising group to develop revenue and PR Currently reviewing all mountain rescue-relevant insurances, opportunities and further sponsorship deals with a variety of including developing guidance notes and presentations for companies including developing the relationship with Go teams, looking at a scheme for vehicle insurance and Outdoors. Also acts as the link with the Princes’ charities. possible enhancements to personal accident cover. WATER: EWAN THOMAS EMAIL: [email protected] Liaises with DEFRA and the fire service in the development of guidelines for water rescue, training and best practice. VICE CHAIRMAN: TONY JONES Currently creating a central register of water resources. EMAIL: [email protected] STATISTICS: GED FEENEY EQUIPMENT: RICHARD TERRELL EMAIL: [email protected] EMAIL: equipmentoffi[email protected] PLUS..M. AGAZINE: JUDY WHITESIDE Looks at all things equipment, reviewing, researching and EMAIL: [email protected] liaising with suppliers and manufacturers and is currently LEGAL: TONY RICH involved in development of the new stretcher project. EMAIL: [email protected] CAVE RESCUE: BILL WHITEHOUSE COMMS: MARK LEWIS EMAIL: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected] Aims to develop better comms technology for MR, most notably working with Mapyx to provide mapping systems. Also sits on the UKSAR Comms working group.
PAGE 10 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 nation al
LIMITED EDITION PENCILS GIFTED TNO MeOwUNTsAIN RESCUE ENGLAND AND WALES DAVID ALLAN
Sitting in the sunshine in before handing over the discounted the possibility of Keswick drinking, coffee with limited edition pencil Judy and me assuming Mike France and Peter Bell is collection. The limited edition shared ownership on behalf of always going to be a has been produced to mark mountain rescue. The pleasurable activity, but to be the wedding of Prince William intention is to auction the gift doing so having just received and Katherine Middleton and at a high profile event during the generous gift from as such is a unique feature. 2012 with the proceeds going Derwent Cumberland Pencils The beautifully crafted case to MREW. Should you wish to made the occasion very contains every pencil the make a pre-emptive bid then special. company makes and is an Mike France will be pleased to We are delighted to have item that anyone with more advise whether you are near received such a unique and than a passing interest in art the target. valuable ‘wedding present’. and illustration would dream Once again I wish to express Alex, the manager, of owning. our gratitude to the company entertained us with a trip So what is to become of this for recognising mountain around the pencil museum present? We have sadly rescue in this generous way.
names to me and I’ll get have requested them. informed. A copy of the EQUIPMENT Peter Bell to pull one out Ireland has also form will be RICHARD of the hat. purchased four vacmats downloadable from the TERRELL and three casbags. I members’ area. CENTRAL OR BULK have three lightweight MREW has paid for PURCHASING? casbags available – the fifteen Bell stretchers to Due to confusion over normal application be serviced during 2011. the term ‘central process applies. There Can I remind teams to EX SWALE purchasing’ we have will be no more of these check the date on their now clarified the bags made. Bell stretchers and it RESCUE meaning. There will now At the last meeting, we would also help if you let be two categories: looked at a number of me know if you have ‘central negotiated casbags on the market, taken any out of service. purchasing’ and ‘bulk including the wiggie TIM CAIN To arrange Bell stretcher purchasing’. ‘Central bag, buffalo bag and the service, teams must negotiated purchasing’ current model. Taking Swaledale MRT would like to invite all submit a request to me, is when a number of feedback from teams, comers to join us again for the third on team headed paper, teams come together to we plan to produce one running of this popular day in the including the relevant purchase the same for each region to test. Northern Dales. serial number. The letter items, where clearly This bag will be longer ‘...an excellent day – enjoyable, must be signed by two MREW could secure a and wider for bigger informative and challenging – in committee members or better rate buying, say, casualties and with less excellent company’... team officials. 1000 units than ten strapping. An evaluation ‘...a cracking day, it was great to On the subject of individual teams buying form will be sent with the mix with other teams rather than stretchers, the new jigs 100 units each. For this bags for each team to remain grouped just with ourselves, have now been made to work, teams need to complete and return. to gain a wider view of different and a test frame built. tell us what they want, ways to approach things’... The headguard is about and in what timescale. EVENT FORM This year’s exercise takes place on to be attached and the ‘Bulk purchasing’ is & LOG Sunday 25 March in Swaledale North frame sent for test mid- where MREW buys each Finally, to capture any Yorkshire. The aim is to learn from December. Thanks to team member an item. incidents with each other and meet like-minded Ray Griffiths for all his equipment, we have people, so we’d love to see members hard work on this VACMATS introduced a significant of other teams, either as groups (max TOP: THE SNOWSLED six) or individuals. If you’re interested, project. I was asked in & CASBAGS event form and log BAG WITH THE email Tim Cain on [email protected] November what we will We have recently issued sheet. This should help CASUALTY STRAPPING or text 07713740578, and we’ll get call the stretcher, so: six vacmat and seven identify recurring issues SYSTEM ABOVE: THE BUFFALO joining instructions out to you. send your suggested casbags to teams who and keep teams BAG.
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 11
...AND THE LUCKY ENLIGHTENMENT AT BANGOR WINNERS ARE... STEVE ROSE TRAINING OFFICER Lucky winners of the new Hood Buff® are Gail Todd and Ivy DARTMOOR SRT PLYMOUTH Limbrick... I attended the Search Field the POD based on the We were encouraged to have an ... picked at random by Lindsay Skills course at Bangor over the information passed onto them by ‘evidence kit’ to aid this. Given a at Buffwear. Thanks to all those who August Bank Holiday weekend. I the search teams. Any and all scenario, we then put this and took the time and trouble to send in have not reported on the course relevant details the search teams our newly learnt tracking skills to your entries. The new Hood Buff is for a while, the reason for which I can pass to control are important work on the hillside below Tryfan. the ideal winter kit for the hill – will go into later. There were six and can be used to get an even Here in the pouring rain, and with keeping you snug whatever the students; Glynn Jones and Jason more accurate POD. limited visibility, all of us were able weather. Gore Windstopper® for King from Longtown MRT, The course also included to track a set of prints and pick top warmth and protection from Geraint (Gee) Owen and Chris tracking as an aid to finding a up evidence on the way. We cold wind around the head and Pinch from Central Brecons MRT, misper or their intended direction tracked footprints which even ears, whilst the neck is protected by Davie Thomson from Swaledale from PLS. I was extremely went through a water course. two layers of soft and stretchy MRT, plus myself from Dartmoor sceptical about this aspect of the I became a convert. I think all of polyester microfibre fabric. The SAR Team Plymouth. course, but I kept an open mind. us are now committed to adjustable drawstring allows the Principal instructor was search It eventually dawned on me that practising this new skill and keen Hood Buff® to be fitted to the head guru Don Cooper from Ohio. tracking could drastically cut to pass it on to our teams back as required. RRP £35.00. What Don doesn’t know about down search times and provide home. We have one on test too. Despite searching isn’t worth knowing as better POS than I could ever have I said earlier that I delayed the unseasonably late autumn he has vast experience in this thought possible. However I did reporting on this course. This is warmth, there have been moments field. Don’s instruction and have a mental picture of how we because I was privileged to be of ear-battering wind on higher examples were varied and a could do this on a windswept and able to pass on some of the ground and the Hood Buff certainly pleasure to listen to. It was quite misty Dartmoor! course content during our Group proved its worth: snug, wind- a surprise to find that what we In the afternoon we went to a Training Weekend in early jamming and adjustable, a had previously thought were the nearby barn with a raked earth November. On the slopes below welcome warmth just at that point best methods to carry out floor (used for training horses). Okehampton Battle camp, I went between hairline and collar, chin searches were in fact not wrong Here we practised what Don had over as much of Don’s course as and collarbone where the wind and but incorrect. Don expounded on taught us about tracking and I could in 90 minutes, concluding cold have way of seeping in through current research into search managed to track several routes in a small search exercise. Nearly the gaps. Definitely worth adding to techniques, and provided plenty taken by ‘persons unknown’. We everyone found the session the armoury! of evidence to back this up. We even recognised when another interesting and would take away also had plenty of time to put into persons sign crossed our track. a lot of the information for their practice the things we’d learnt. Although this was just a practice own teams. The evidence bag On the second day we learnt how in almost perfect conditions, we was one example of this. to use tracking as a tool to aid still had to concentrate for a I found both the course in searching. period of time. This was another Bangor and the opportunity to We covered some old ground aspect of tracking to consider: relate that which I had learnt to Photo with regard to search theory and taking regular breaks to let your other MR team members very the methods employed and mind rest. fulfilling. I would recommend that needed by search managers. The next day we learned from all MR members attend the And the winner of a High UV POD being one of them. One John O’Shea (a serving course at some stage whilst they competition point made over and over again policeman), Mark Gibbings and are a member of a mountain Protection Buff® is... was that POD cannot be Chris Jones (retired policeman) rescue team. Whether it should Andy Keen of Buxton MRT, with estimated by a search team. The what we should do with regard to be made mandatory is for other his image of Sacha and Zak on the search managers will establish finding and collecting evidence. people to decide, however. I summit of Fairfield last December, modelling a frosty fleecy Buff and frozen Spaniel ears. ‘As requested,’ said Andy, ‘there’s a stunning view in the background. Just the DMM UPDATE: NUTS, ROPES AND SLINGS whiteout decided to come in and Over the last few years our product development plan has been very ambitious, with ruin it...’ We believe you Andy, we the result that we now have a hardware range that is unrivalled in many categories believe you! Buffs winging their way to our worldwide. This is especially true in Active and Passive protection categories. three lucky winners soon. Enjoy While we are fully committed to continue the development of hardware, what is less people! well known is that we have also invested heavily in the sewing facility at DMM, and can now sew standard 11mm dyneema quickdraws in all lengths, as well as open For more about Buff slings. Not only this but we have perfected the sewing of products, go to www.buffwear.co.uk 8mm open slings and quickdraws which will be sold on the new Alpha Light quickdraws. The 8mm is also used on the Torque Nuts and the Dragon cam slings. Our standard width of Nylon is 16mm for quickdraws and slings, but we also offer 26mm wide Nylon which has a higher strength rating of 30 Kn. Having this facility on site here in Llanberis means we are ideally set up to produce bespoke or one-off slings in different lengths to fit into systems that you may well have designed for specific purposes. If you have any requirements along these lines please feel free to contact us at DMM, or for full details of our standard range of slings and quickdraws please consult our website. www.dmmwales.com . Oh and lastly, our range of Dynamic ropes is in stock and selling through very well – half ropes, full ropes, and wall rope.
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 13 G N I K L Y R E H C ; O R M Y E L L A V N E W G O ; T R M K C I W S E K : PLAS Y BRENIN: SATURDAY, 5 MAY 201 2 P O T M
After the success of the 2 011 Training Day Mountain O R F E
Rescue England and Wales will host the 2 01 2 event at S I W K
the National Mountaineering Centre Capel Curig. C O L C : O T S K N A H T
TIMETABLE &SESSIONS H T I W
10.00-10.30: Coffee 1.45–3.45: S E G
10.30 Introduction Afternoon sessions A M welcome and admin I 4.00 Departure 10.45– 12.45: at the latest Morning sessions 12.45– 1.45: Lunch – bring own or buy at the bar
Equipment Medical Richard Terrell Workshop Including Mechanical John Ellerton advantage and pulley session Update of findings of the Analgesic Survey Water Rescue Managing lower leg Ewan Thomas injuries IT and Vehicles and Technology Technical Rope Mark Lewis Rescue Driving Ogwen Valley MRO Daryl Garfield
We have 150 places – 25 per session – all of which will be repeated in the afternoon. To help planning and session allocation, Richard asks could you please book places as a team if possible as this will help logistics. To book, email Richard with team member names and the sessions you would like to attend. First come first served so early booking advised to avoid disappointment. Please email Richard Prideaux on [email protected] or call him on 0779 9 031128 or 01 824 703 121
PAGE 14 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 ryo an d or Ludadite at Larfge Loosely translated tas: Di The Things I Do ForEMountiain Rescue
stolen off us (that’s ‘from’, Mr Chairman, ‘stolen FROM us’...) but MREW Exec management luckily for us we still have our passports with us. (Phew!) ‘We’ve been at the embassy and the Police here, but they’re meeting: early November... not helping the issues at all (nor mine) and My flight leaves in They’ve been chewing over the embryonic Benevolent Fund for a few hours from now but we having problems settling the some time now... barely listening as just putting finishing touches to hotel bills and the hotel manager won’t let me leave until i packing list for forthcoming ski trip... Seems things have stalled settle the bills (I can see his point – I’d have you locked up for somewhat following my triumphant, champagne and hot chocolate, inability to string a begging letter together...but I digress...). rain and sea-soaked arrival in Robin Hood’s Bay last May, with fellow Wondering if you can lend me (ah, NOW we’re getting to it...) Twirlie GT (the short, pink-haired one) and random selection of 1350 Euro (Oh... not down and out then...) to sort out my hotel mountain rescue mates. Four grand or so (including Gift Aid) bills and get a cab down to Airport,you can have it wired to currently languishing in the bank waiting to kickstart our my name via Western Union outlet I’ll show my passport as benevolence... meeting coming up at Hutton – need to announce ID to pick it up here,you have my word and i will make it something soon or there’ll be trouble... what we need now is a up to you, I promise to refund it back as soon as I get back COMMITTEE.... willing VOLUNTEERS to take it forward... an home... independent committee for an independent charitable trust... chairman, treasurer, secretary... blah, blah, blah... ‘As soon as it has been done, kindly get back to me with the MTCN confirmation number.Let me know if you are A familiar four-letter word cuts through the rumble of debate. Silence. heading to a western union outlet now... I owe you a lot.’ Glance up from the particularly fascinating and infinitely promising doodle impelled to create at foot of packing list and fourteen sets of Hmmm... Hyperventilate for a few moments at the breathtaking eyes are looking my way. ‘Judy.’ That’s all he said. Four very small transformation in our Esteemed Chairman... tragic such an educated letters. Quiet, yet assertive. Barely a screamer in sight. Damn! man can be reduced to such appalling grammar by one trip to Spain, Doodle thread lost! Our Esteemed Chairman seems to be singling Madrid. And so soon. This TRULY must be a PICKLE. me out for something. And there’s nowhere to hide! And I’ve seen But how to get the cash? This close to ski trip, all Euros tied up in this happen SOOOO many times!!! How could I POSSIBLY fall for future chocolats chauds, paninis jambons and increasingly frantic it?!! SYNCHRONISED STAIN-SPOTTING : you know how it goes... bets on whether the snow will actually fall in time. And having handed Job needs doing, team leader asks for volunteers and thirty-five over the benevolent fund cash back in the summer... well, it’s out of heads, as one, stare at a particularly intriguing section of carpet at my hands. Literally. But then I remembered my friend in Nigeria. He’s their feet in the deluded belief it somehow makes them invisible. And, good at this sort of thing, especially when it comes to ‘esteemed’ to be fair, for thirty-four of them at least, it generally does... Anyway, persons. Last time we exchanged emails he was happy to deposit that’s how I found myself appointed Benevolent Fund Secretary. ‘Just several hundred thousand in my bank account at the drop of a woolly while we get it up and running... and we find someone else to do it.’ bobble hat. All I had to do was let it fester there for a bit while he Yeah right. sorted out something tricky with his tax office. Something to do with So... Another plate to spin. And jolly exciting it is. Joining me in the keeping his money safe for a while – didn’t really get into the details. fun is Trevor Cotton, as chairman (TWO Esteemed Chairmen!!) and And it wasn’t TOO much of an inconvenience – before I knew it my Shirley Priestley, as treasurer. Tony Rich is working on the legal side bank account was empty again – in fact, that several hundred of things and Bill Whitehouse is involved from the cave point of view. thousand were in and out so quick, didn’t even see it. Not so much Huw Birrell, of course, is also on board having put in a sterling effort as a fiver. My friend Dr Ben Mutambo was delighted. And the bank to get things this far down the line. The Fund will be a separate was clearly REALLY impressed by my business acumen – been charitable trust from Mountain Rescue England and Wales. Now the sending me lots of letters ever since. Must get round to reading them initial trustees are in place, the plan is to get representatives from some time. each region – and hopefully things will be in place well before the Anyway... just about to fire an email off to Dr Mutambo in Lagos when May meeting so we’ll have some significant progress to report. I another email pings. PING!! This time it’s addressed to the exec, await responses from the regions as I write... (you know who you and a whole ream of other people, each of whom I KNOW will be are...). Lots to be sorted out yet, but it’s all looking very promising. reaching for the phone with one hand, favoured credit card clutched In fact, speaking of Esteemed Chairmen, seems Esteemed in the other. Riding to rescue our Esteemed Chairman. Chairman Number One got himself into a bit of a pickle back in ‘VACATION MESS!!!!!: DO NOT ANSWER THIS EMAIL!’ Crikey! November (not long after the main meeting, in fact). Or so his email Lots of shouting! ‘This is a SCAM!!!!!’ said. Only one week after ‘volunteering’ me as trustee of said fund and he’s making a claim! What?!! You mean the Esteemed Chairman isn’t in a pickle after all? Phew! That was a close call! Back to the packing and betting on the Just getting stuck into some pre-issue magazine housekeeping snow then... although, for those who are interested, I needn’t have when it lands. Ping! ‘Subject: VACATION MESS!!!!’ and it’s from worried on that count – the Snow Gods of France were indeed kind, HIS email address, so it MUST be legit, yeah? dumping more snow in Tignes Oh Lordie, and I only saw him at the weekend... never mentioned he and Val d’Isere in the space of was out of the country... Must’ve got himself into a pickle VERY a week than you could shake a quickly! Flattered though I am that he’s chosen me to get him out of ski pole at!! this pickle, I can’t help wondering why.... He’s clearly after ‘my’ Judy W xx Oh... and speaking of plate benevolent money. He goes on (and I quote exactly from the original: spinning, just set up a new FB sic, as they say): ‘I’m writing this with tears in my eyes,i came page for MREW – please down here to Spain Madrid for a short vacation... (a little bit check it out at more worried now, as he has clearly, in his pickle, lost the power of www.facebook.com/ punctuation, use of the space key and basic grammar, into the MountainRescue.MREW and bargain)... unfortunately we got mugged at the park of the start the likes piling up! hostel (hostel? What is he: down and out?) where we stayed,all cash,credit card and cell (OMG now he’s American!) were
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 15 LAKE DISTRICT CONISTON TEAM SWIM On Saturday 24 September six members of Coniston MRT swam the length of Coniston Water to raise funds for the team. The swim was over 5.5 miles in length with a water temperature of just 13°C. The swimmers wore thin wetsuits for safety as the time in the water was over four hours. Three team members swam the whole length and three swam in relay. The weather was not good with driving rain and a south westerly breeze. The swim raised over £2000 for the team.
INCIDENT NUMBERS REDUCING? Richard Warren writes... At the end of 2009 we had SOUTH LAKES TEAMS IN JOINT real concerns over the 14% increase in incidents (532 incidents) over the previous year (425). As a SWIFTWATER RESCUE EXERCISE consequence, the region continued to invest heavily in communicating the messages of taking personal responsibility and being better prepared MIKE MARGESON when venturing out on the hills. But did it work? Unfortunately, the statistics for 2010 show no improvement, with just under 600 incidents compared to 532 in 2009: a 13% increase. Incident totals have increased 50% over five years. 2011 brought some respite – a quieter year compared to previous years, with a noticeable reduction in the numbers of call-outs, generally Looking forward, 2012 will be a busy year from a SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY around 10% fewer. There remain a significant different point of view with some demanding The 60th anniversary of LDSAMRA (founded as number of ‘999’ alerts where team leaders have arrangements for the 60th anniversary of LDSAMRA LDMAA in 1952) will be marked by a celebration been able to resolve the incident without having to and also playing host to the Princes’ Forum charity event on Saturday 5 May. To mark this significant put team members on the mountain, able to talk event, involving Centrepoint, WellChild and Child milestone, we will carry out a re-enactment of an them off on the phone or wait for the missing Bereavement (who joined the activities for the first early rescue on Great Gable in April 1946, which persons to turn up safe and well. Teams are time, last year). This will be the fourth year of the triggered the establishment of the Lake District’s increasingly able to use GPS technology in the lost charities getting together, hosted by MREW, and voluntary teams. This historical milestone came person’s phone to assist in establishing their the second time for the region. Patterdale MRT about when Wilfred Noyce, who later became a key location. This is helping reduce the time spent hosted the first event in July 2009, attended by member of John Hunt’s successful 1953 Everest searching but remains a worrying trend where Mountain Rescue England and Wales patron, the team, fell while climbing Shark’s Fin on Tophet walkers rely on electronic devices rather than the Duke of Cambridge. The 2012 event will be Bastion, Great Gable. A gust of wind blew Noyce traditional, reliable map and compass. organised by Keswick MRT on behalf of MREW. off his holds and he fell onto a ledge breaking one
n the last issue, we members. Paul Durham sends only 30 metres apart. Bill Smith, 75, from Everton, told the story (page a footnote to the tale: Clearly the terrain has Liverpool, was found at PS... 20) of the gentleman ‘As a post script to the story, changed dramatically Saddle Fell in the Trough of you may have heard of the there for some reason. The Bowland on Saturday, 6 stuck in a peat bog and gentleman was Bill Smith, October. He had recently subsequently freed by tragic case of the deceased man stuck in bog for three chairman of Clayton le been elected Honorary of IBowland Pennine team weeks. The two sites were Moors Harriers.’ Clayton-le-Moors Harriers, PAGE 16 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 region al
wo years on from the Cockermouth floods, the Cumbrian teams are considerably better equipped, trained and prepaNred fore any swuch futusre event. Within the four South Lakes MRTs there are now over 70 SWT level 3 trained and certified team members. This represents a major commitment in training time and equipment resource over the last two years and, like all MR skills, they must be kept current. The teams have not only rTesponded to, and learned from, the major incidents at Carlisle and Cockermouth, but also enhanced their capabilities to deploy to any incident at the many lakes, tarns and rivers throughout our area. It was decided the next step should be to train and work together, which is very likely to be required in any major future incident. Working together is nothing new for local teams: it happens regularly. However, we have never trained together on water incidents. IMAGES © CHERYL KING WWW.CKINGIMAGES.CO.UK Coniston, Duddon and Furness, Kendal and Langdale Ambleside team members duly met up on a November Saturday on the banks of the river Leven that flows out of Lake Windermere. The exercise had been set up to simulate a multi- team response with one mobile and a swiftwater unit of five or six team members from each team responding. The plan was to practise a variety of swiftwater retrieval techniques. It also gave the opportunity to practise the planning, command and control processes. To add to the pressure on the group we’d invited ITV cameras and the local press to join the event. The group had only an hour and a half to scope out the location, practise and agree a number of demonstrations for the media. This provided the necessary urgency to get on with the training! By the time the media arrived and the cameras were in position, the team had a range of demonstrations ready to go that gave the impression of a well-practised single team. The benefits of a national programme such as SWT were quite clear in the teams’ core understanding of methods, techniques and communication on the day. In debrief, the teams all agreed it had been very valuable to train together. It was also beneficial to discuss equipment and locations on our respective patches. It was planned we should repeat this sort of joint training at least once a year.
of his legs. Noyce’s climbing partner went for help Mountain Rescue Team, which later became the LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE: and a scratch group of six was collected. After a Keswick Mountain Rescue Team. RESCUE 2020 complicated and gruelling rescue lasting all night, The re-enactment will be two-fold: firstly, a rescue of Looking even further forward, LDSAMRA has Noyce was safely taken to Wasdale Head. One of a well-known local climbing celebrity carried out by commissioned a survey to consider the future of the rescuers, ‘Rusty’ Westmorland, was disturbed Keswick MRT in the clothing and techniques used mountain rescue in Cumbria. Called Rescue 2020 , by the lack of any organisation. Legally, the in 1946 and, secondly, a modern day rescue of the survey follows a similar approach undertaken responsibility lay with the police, as it still does, but another local climbing celebrity carried out by in the early 1990s, titled Rescue 2000 . they were neither trained nor equipped for Wasdale MRT, this time using up-to-date equipment This new survey considers the views of all our mountain rescues at the time. Rusty decided there and techniques, including a military search and mountain rescuers within the Lake District teams was an urgent need for a team of volunteers. An rescue Sea King helicopter evacuation, weather and the views of external agencies and others who appeal in the Keswick Reminder produced an permitting. The day will end with a celebration BBQ are either impacted by the service or closely encouraging response and some thirty men were at the Wasdale Head Inn for members of all the associated with our operations. The report will be recruited to form the initial team, the Borrowdale Lake District teams. completed in early 2012 and summarised for
Turn the page in recognition of his service his many articles on the sport said: ‘Fell runners come and Bowland Fells.’ for more to the club and the sport. and his 1986 book go, champions come and Bowland Pennine team regional news Lancs Police think he may Studmarks On The Summit – go, but no one will ever be members recovered Mr L have fallen into the bog and A History Of Amateur Fell as important to the Smith’s body by helicopter lain there for up to three Racing 1861-1983. development and history of on the Sunday. A tragic end weeks. Fell Runners Association fell running as the man who to a life well lived. I Mr Smith was renowned for chairman Graham Breeze died in September on the
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 17 MID PENNINE MREW magazine readers later in the year. Hopefully, the findings from this extremely TEAM SCRUBS UP FOR REUNION THE THREE PEOPLE FRONT AND CENTRE ARE LES Members of Bowland Pennine MRT comprehensive survey, which has been undertaken SEED, PETER WILLIAMS (FOUNDING MEMBERS AND by two highly respected independent mountain scrubbed up twice during the second TEAM LEADERS) AND PETE TAYLOR (LONGEST SERVED TEAM LEADER) IN THE 50 YEAR SERVICE. rescuers from outside our region, will pave the half of 2011 to welcome to its Garstang base some of the founding members of future for the Lake District service. the service of mountain rescue in Lancashire. The reunions for the early members of South Ribble Fell Search and Rescue and The Northern Rescue Organisation resulted in serious reminiscing between people who had not seen each other for decades. The two teams amalgamated in 1980 into Bowland Pennine and it was during 2 01 0 that NORTH EAST chairman Tim Cox asked whether a team history existed. This sparked two team members – one from each of the founding teams – to search the attics and wardrobes to dust off YORKSHIRE CEREMONY SPOTLIGHTS photos and documents from the old days. THE WORK OF LIFE-SAVING TEAMS Way back in 1962 it was the death of two young children from hypothermia on the Ian Hugill, of Scarborough & Ryedale MRT Lancashire fells, and the local outcry why no search and rescue service existed, which writes... Over recent years, North Yorkshire Police resulted in the formation of the two teams. This, in turn, resulted in the formation of the current Mid Pennine Search and Rescue Organisation. has recognised the work of the five volunteer During the search, a 16 millimetre cine film of the South Ribble Team recorded in the mid search and rescue teams in North Yorkshire with a ‘60s came to light. Despite poor acting, bad continuity and no sound the techniques seen formal dinner. PC John Rushton from NYP has been have changed little over time. The last two editions of MR magazine have illustrated these instrumental in organising these events and this early days chronicled by NRO member Phil Lund. year managed to gain sponsorship for the event through Welcome to Yorkshire and the Raven Hall Hotel, Ravenscar. As this is our patch John asked Andy Crossley and me to help with the organisation . At times, trying to get four representatives from five falling 100 metres when she slipped on ice, as incidents over 15 months: roughly one call every 48 teams covering the length and breadth of North horrified husband Jon looked on. The couple were hours. Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, and leaders of the emergency services, at the ceremony to personally thank the volunteers Yorkshire said, ‘These life-saving volunteers are vital in one place was like trying to herd cats but it all for the crucial part they played in saving Zoe’s life to Yorkshire and vital in keeping our visitors safe. It came together on the day. after the accident in February 2009. has been an honour to support tonight’s awards Guests represented all the blue light services in our Zoe, who has fundraised for the team ever since, ceremony to highlight the invaluable work they do.’ area, Lord Crathorne the Lord Lt of North Yorkshire, said, ‘I have a vivid memory of falling but I’ve David Allan writes... I was delighted to be invited the Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, the stopped having the nightmares now. Everyone in again to what has become an annual event. Now in chairs of the two national parks, RAF Leconfield and this room was involved in my rescue – I am in awe its third year it has gone from strength to strength local press. Speakers included local author Mike of their dedication, it is amazing. They are the and this year was probably the most successful. Pannett, Gary Verity, ACC Sue Cross and MREW unsung heroes.’ Jon added, ‘I was very close to That the dinner was underwritten by the Yorkshire chairman David Allan, and the evening was losing the most important person in my life that day. Tourist board and strongly backed by the police compèred by Tony Peers. However, the highlight It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to say thank and other emergency services is a tribute to the was undoubtedly the speeches from two members you for the wonderful work you do.’ esteem in which the mountain and cave rescue of the public who had recently been rescued by two Callum Rock, aged 17, from Middlesbrough, was teams in North Yorkshire are held. They have very of the teams. All in all an excellent night, worth all rescued from Highcliff Nab, Guisborough, in August clearly engaged with the local communities in such the hard work and superb publicity for the service after falling 70 feet. Cleveland MRT played a a way as to be seen as a vital part of the we provide. major part in helping to save Callum, who had been infrastructure, particularly in respect of the tourist on a climbing expedition with his dad. Callum A total of 20 awards were presented on the night. industry. suffered horrendous injuries including multiple skull Zoe Ketteridge, from Methley, Leeds, was rescued If anyone there doubted the value of the service and facial fractures and was on a life support by the Cave Rescue Organisation after provided, that doubt was quickly removed by the machine. He said, ‘They saved my life and I wanted falling on Whernside, Yorkshire’s highest peak in testament from two people who had been rescued to be here to support them and to say thank you.’ the Dales. The 42-year-old is lucky to be alive after in challenging circumstances and whose lives In total, the five teams have responded to 163
SCARBOROUGH & RYEDALE, SWALEDALE AND UPPER WHARFEDALE TEAM MEMBERS WITH THEIR AWARDS.
PAGE 18 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 region al
CALDER VALLEY TEAM BENEFIT FROM MASONS’ GENEROSITY One of several teames to bwenefit frosm a generous grant offered by the FreemNasons’ Society was Mytholmroyd-based Calder Valley SRT . The team was supported in its grant application by the local Prince Frederick’s Lodge No 307. Conversion work was carried out by a combination of the West Yorkshire Police vehicle workshops in Bradford, and Crake International of Cumbria. As is often the way with these things, the handover ceremony was not without incident: just as proceedings were about to commence the pagers went off. Could we attend to a mountain biker with a shoulder injury in nearby Heptonstall? Whilst our president Bob Uttley held the fort, the team quickly departed to evacuate the injured biker (and his bike) and then made a hasty return in time to officially receive the keys to the by now ‘used’ Land Rover. We couldn’t have planned a better demonstration of the value of the Masons’ kind gift!
PRESIDENT BOB UTTLEY, CENTRE SHOT, AND TEAM LEADER AL DAY RIGHT OF SHOT, BOTH IN RED, WITH MEMBERS OF THE FREEMASONS.
would have come to an end on the hills but for Mike spent his youth, teens and early twenties in mountain and cave rescue intervention. scouting. He was the mountaineering adviser for Seeing this sort of occasion roll out into other areas the Scout Association (West Yorkshire) checking of the country is something we must hope for. Its people’s mountaineering skills and signing their existence solely in Yorkshire certainly gives lie to authorisation forms. In 1970 he joined what was to the perception that Yorkshire has a tighter grip on its become Woodhead MRT . Formed in the early purse strings than the rest of the country. ‘70s by the amalgamation of the Huddersfield Scout PS. The decision to invite a comedian to make the MRT, Stocksbridge Barugh Rovers and Sheffield awards to teams and individuals was an act of Scout MRT, formed after the 1964 Four Inns inspired genius. fatalities.
LEFT TO RIGHT: PAUL RENWICK, ANDY CROSSLEY, Whilst the ethos of rescuing others remains NAME CHANGE FOR CLEVELAND STEVE OWERS, ADAM HEARN AND CHRIS ROBERTS. unchanged, the methods and technology in MR ALSO PRESENT BUT NOT PICTURED: IZZY BARNES. Please note: In October, Cleveland team dropped with GPS tracking, satellite phones, the mobile the ‘search and rescue’ from their name and will fortunate to have Domonic Brown (Station Manager, phone, and satellite imagery have changed beyond now go under the title of ‘Cleveland Mountain Durham Fire Station) as a speaker; he was able to Mike’s wildest young imaginings. He recounts one Rescue Team’. give us a real insight into the Incident Command particular call-out where it took twelve hours to ‘The purpose of the change,’ explains team Systems employed by the FRS, which would in turn mobilise the team because each member with a car secretary Pete Mounsey, ‘is to fit in with the allow us to work effectively with them. had a ‘pick-up list’ and would drive from one house corporate image of mountain rescue and to reduce ‘The final day was a table top exercise that to the next waiting for them to make flask and confusion about our role with outside bodies and challenged our pre-planning for a major flooding sandwiches before moving on to the next pick up. potential financial donors.’ incident and our managing of events as they In contrast, the team can now achieve ten-minute unfolded. It was beneficial to have contribution from response times on certain calls. MANAGEMENT OF Paul O’Sullivan from Rescue 3. Mike’s mountain rescue CV is impressive by any WATER AND FLOOD INCIDENTS ‘Our thanks to Paul Renwick, Director, Rescue standards: he has worn many hats during his 40 The leadership team from Teesdale & North East for putting together a very relevant years including five as a SARDA handler. He has Weardale SMRT and the team leader of course for us’. been both deputy and team leader and, for the last Scarborough & Ryedale MRT attended the fourteen years, a PDMRO incident controller. He Management of Water and Flood Incidents Course was PDMRO chairman and rep to MREW for twelve thanks to funding from The National Lottery ‘Awards years and is the current PDMRO Operations For All’ scheme. North East teams have been PEAK DISTRICT Support Manager. On top of this, he still finds time looking very closely at their water and flood to chair the national fundraising committee. This responses and this course was seen as an essential FORTY YEARS FOR MIKE contribution to mountain rescue has recently been part to that development. The course runs for four When Mike France joined his local mountain rescue officially recognised with the presentation of two days and was delivered by Rescue North East. team, the M62 and Scammonden reservoir were Long Service certificates, from PDMRO and MREW. ‘Our thanks go to Bishop Auckland Fire and Rescue still under construction, you could still pay for your Mike’s 40 years have taken him all over the country, for providing an excellent location for the course,’ weekly groceries with a ten bob note and get through many highs and, no doubt, just as many writes Chris Roberts. ‘The course is designed to change and the car and telephone were still luxury lows. The highs include those lives saved and meet the needs of incident commanders at water items. That was in 1970. Forty years later, both the L and flood incidents providing the knowledge and world and mountain rescue have changed beyond Turn the page skills to manage such operations. We were very recognition. for more regional news JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 19 OBITUARY KEN D WYER: MEMBER OF OGWEN VALL EY MOUNTAIN RESCUE ORGANISATION SINCE 1966 BY CHRIS LLOYD, PRESS OFFICER OVMRO
Just before 1.30pm on Monday, 26 September, the hearse carrying Ken drove into Bangor Crematorium. It was escorted by an OVMRO Land Rover and met by fifty team members standing in line in their red fleeces. After Ken was carried into the crematorium, his wife Ann and two sons, Carwyn and Gareth and other family members followed, then the members of Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue, Llanberis Mountain Rescue, NEWSAR, Snowdonia National Park Authority, work colleagues from Joe Brown’s climbing shops, MIKE FRANCE RECEIVES HIS 40-YEAR-SERVICE AWARD the Capel Curig community and others. Quickly, the room was full. But the mourners kept FROM TEAM LEADER KEITH WAKELEY. on coming. The foyer was filled. And more mourners arrived. They sheltered under the entrance canopy. Suddenly, we realised that this rather quiet and unassuming man, this changed, meetings with Royalty and one or two team member who was celebrities too. So what about the lows? Mike is ‘always there, knew what typically upbeat, preferring not to dwell on the to do and quietly got on darker side of mountain rescue, despite being a with it’ had influenced a veteran of many major incidents: the Lockerbie and large number of people in Kegworth air disasters, 2007 floods in South his life. Yorkshire (for which he received a Chief Ken was born in the Constable’s Commendation) and, more recently, early 1950s, the second the A57 road closure at South Anston near son of the Mountain Guide Rotherham last December. Then there are the George ‘Scotty’ Dwyer. searches, and rescues, literally hundreds of them, They lived in a remote more than he can remember and the harrowing farmhouse in the Ogwen ones he would rather forget... Valley. There are probably Like all mountain rescue volunteers, on call 24 many mountaineers who hours a day, 365 days a year helping young and will remember Tal y old, novice or experienced, night or day, rain or Waen. In fact, Ken shine, mountain or crag, hill or dale, come what continued to live here until may for the last 40 years, Mike France has shown the early 1980s when he TOP: TEAM MEMBERS LINE to one and all that those who can, do. But those UP AT KEN’S FUNERAL. and his family moved RIGHT: KEN RECEIVES HIS down to the comforts of who can do more, volunteer. LONG SERVICE AWARD the village of Capel Curig. FROM TONY JONES. Ken started working life CATHEDRAL ABSEIL as a laboratory technician Nearly one hundred fundraisers abseiled down at Bangor University. This was quite a hike for him, when public transport was rare and Derby Cathedral in September, in support of cars less numerous. Many a time, a wet Ken could be seen walking up the A5 from Derby MRT and the cathedral itself, raising Bethesda having missed the last bus. And, on a number of occasions, Roger Jones around £ 14,500 in pledges of sponsorship. The (OVMRO) would take pity on this young man and give him a lift on his motor cycle and team set up an abseiling platform at the top of the side car. There must be many a driver who thought they were on The Isle of Man TT track 212 foot tower of the cathedral, the second highest as they encountered this motor cycle combination driven by the enthusiastic Roger Jones in the country and invited members of the general with young Ken playing the full role on the side car. public to raise sponsorship to support both the In the early ‘70s Ken left Bangor University to work in Joe Brown’s climbing shop in team and Derby Cathedral Charity, which supports Capel Curig and that is where you probably met him. He was happy to have a chat about projects connected with the cathedral. different types of kit or clothing and give you some sound advice. Despite some very windy conditions on the He joined Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation in 1966. Though he was never Saturday, most abseilers commented how much the front runner, the advance party, the rock jock or the casualty carer, Ken was ‘always they had enjoyed the experience, even though there, knew what to do and quietly got on with it.’ In his later years, Ken spent more time many had been very nervous before putting at low level. He was the man who drove the team Land Rover to ferry equipment and themselves in the hands of the experienced rescue troops; he was the man that would be positioned at the bottom of Tryfan or the Idwal team. Among the adventurous participants was a Slabs and guide the team members to the casualty; he was the man that would get the partially sighted man, who bravely climbed the soup cooking and the bacon butties made ready for the troops coming off the mountain; steep narrow stairway to the top before stepping and he was the man who would help off load all that wet kit and hang it up to dry whilst off the edge of the tower, even though the night team members enjoyed that soup and the butties. In August of this year Ken discovered that he had cancer, cancer of the liver. Ken knew before he had asked his wife exactly what abseiling what to do and quietly got on with it. Then, on the afternoon of Friday 16 September he was as he was unsure what he’d agreed to do! quietly went to bed for a rest. He died looking out on Moel Siabod, just one the mountains of Snowdonia he knew and loved so much. That evening all the members of Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation received a personal telephone call from one of the senior team members to inform them of Ken’s death. Later that evening team members were out on the Idwal slabs to retrieve a group of benighted climbers, a regular and routine call-out. But it was different this time, no cheery Ken to taxi us down the valley and collect us, no Ken to have made the hot tea, soup and bacon butties, no Ken to help unload the wet kit and hang it up. There will be many others in Ken’s other walks of life who will also be missing him too.
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Another woman was celebrating her fortieth birthday by taking part, having completed the challenge previously when the team had held the event four years earlier. The Sunday also saw the ews characters of Superman and Scooby-Doo make the N descent in full costume, much to the delight of several children in the audience gathered below. One abseiler from Rolls Royce in Derby managed to raise close to £ 1700 in pledges by taking part. Several groups from various organisations also took part, including six members of Ilkeston Round Table, who had had to find a last minute replacement for one of their number after he underwent an operation on his knee. Three WI members, including the president of Burnaston WI OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE DARTMOOR ASHBURTON BASE. also took part, having been persuaded to sign up when a rescue team member attended one of their fundraising events. Several companies, including members and friends and family all joined the team crew is seen as a key advantage in responding to Syntax Consultancy and Aztec Oils, also had to celebrate the event. the different demands placed on the station that groups taking part, supported on the ground by To acknowledge the contribution by Buckfast Abbey, include being fully prepared for future wide-area many of their colleagues. the team asked the abbot to cut the ceremonial floods – many of the skills used in land search, Pizza Express provided free pizzas for the team ribbon to officially open the new building. Speeches especially the observational/detection skills, are members organising the event on both days, much of thanks led into a fabulous open day in the rescue directly transferable to SRT and boat ops. to the delight of the hungry rescuers. Other centre. Part way through the event the attendees The Tewkesbury Station was founded following the refreshments were provided to the general public were also treated to a fly past by the RAF SAR unseasonal floods in 2007, to ensure a rapid by members of the cathedral. helicopter from 22 Squadron RMB Chivenor. response to any future flooding within the area. A team spokesman said, ‘It was great to meet so John Dutton, a member of the Tewkesbury station, many proud and happy abseilers and to have so SARA TEWKESBURY IN UK FIRST FOR feels strongly that the external belief that SARA ‘just many other passersby ask when we’d be doing it WATER RESCUE does boats’ is erroneous. ‘The Beachley and Wyre again so they could have a go. We’re really grateful Severn Area Rescue Association Forest stations have a history of undertaking land to all of them for supporting us.’ Tewkesbury has joined the Gloucestershire Fire and search and SRT and Tewkesbury quickly embraced Proceedings were interrupted on the Sunday Rescue Service in an unprecedented partnership these disciplines, wishing to ensure maximum afternoon when the team was called to an incident for UK emergency response agencies, moving into benefit to the local community as well as realising at Leashaw Woods, near Whatstandwell. All the fire station premises in Tewkesbury, with the the transferable nature of many of the skills.’ members who could be spared from the abseil and station renamed the ‘Gloucestershire Water Rescue In fact Tewkesbury ensures it undertakes land other members not involved were called out to Centre’. The move will create a hub for water rescue search to best practice by undertaking external evacuate a cyclist who had been injured whilst in Tewkesbury and the surrounding areas with training with UKLSI and ALSAR teams, having taking part in a national trails bike event. The rest of improved coordination and interoperability between particularly strong links with NorLSaR, John the abseil continued without incident and the the two agencies. Dutton’s previous search team. Sergeant John missing members returned to assist with clearing At the official opening on the 15 October, attended Garner, Lead Police Search Adviser with the site after the casualty had been taken to by MREW President Peter Bell, Gloucestershire’s Gloucestershire Constabulary, agrees that SARA’s hospital. Chief Fire Officer Jon Hall explained, ‘Tewkesbury is land search capabilities are important. ‘We are keen absolutely the right place to bring the two agencies to see further development in this area as such an together considering the flood history... it is actually asset may make the difference in locating future a bit of convenience as SARA had a crew and missing persons in a timely manner.’ enthusiasm but did not have a permanent home [in
SOUTH WEST L Tewkesbury]. We are using this as a catalyst of how Turn the page ROTORS, RIBBONS AND ROBES: A NEW we deal with water and flood rescue right the way for more regional news HOME FOR DARTMOOR ASHBURTON through Gloucestershire... a completely different Craig Scollick writes... September saw the grand approach and way of thinking.’ opening of a new rescue centre for Dartmoor Alan Stanley, SARA chairman said, ‘This closer SRT (Ashburton) , near Buckfastleigh, on the relationship with the fire service is a great southern side of the Dartmoor National Park – their opportunity. The sharing of premises indicates a first permanent base in the team’s 35 year history recognition of our professionalism, however, SARA and the end of relying on the goodwill of local is still an independent charity and apart from GFRS farmers and factory owners for storage of vehicles offering some services we still require public and rescue equipment. Due to the team’s support to enable us to perform our role.’ contribution to the local community the new rescue SARA Tewkesbury combines boat (river and flood), centre was provided by the monks of Buckfast SRT and land search operational ability, with the Abbey. The team can now securely store their majority of crew being multi-disciplinary. The station vehicles, dry their equipment and give lectures to has three flood boats alongside the ubiquitous team members. Local dignitaries, representatives Land Rover station wagon for boat haulage and of Devon and Cornwall Police, the press, past crew transport. The multi-disciplinary nature of most
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 21
MOBILE LIGHTING WITHOUT MAINS POWER The Peli range of rechargeable region al lighting systems is already in use by many mountain rescue teams across the UK to illuminate the work area, kit dump or emergency scene. The 9430 is a compact, portable Indeed a Memorandum of Understanding between The Severn Area Rescue Association has been in unit under 10kg, but with a powerful Gloucestershire Constabulary and SARA has been existence since 1973 and became a member of 2000 lumen output (high mode) – drafted and awaits final approval, and there are Mountain Rescue England and Wales in 1985 due shown in use with West Yorkshire multi-agency exercises planned for March 2012. to its then cliff rescue team. Perhaps better known FRS. A tripod extends the light above The station cohabitation means that SARA efor its bwoat opersations, in has four rescue stations: two metres, to enable illumination of N Tewkesbury has a stable future. Chris Crowley, Beachley (Chepstow), Sharpness, Tewkesbury and a wider area. station chairman, thanked BasePoint for their Wyre Forest (Kidderminster). Beachley and The 9440 fully support in providing temporary accommodation Sharpness are declared facilities of the Maritime deploys in under over the last two years but said, ‘the move means Coastguard Agency being their statutory response ten seconds, the station can now focus on recruitment and for incidents on the estuarial waters below extending to over two metres training to ensure an effective and professional Maisemore Weir in Gloucester into the Severn in height. It response to both land and water-based incidents.’ Estuary. The placement of the four stations allows quickly retracts Both GFRS and SARA crews are settling into the the organisation to operate effectively in a wide telescopically to new relationship well. One interagency training area, covering Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, less than a exercise has successfully been undertaken, with Shropshire and parts of Monmouthshire, metre in the more interagency training planned for 2012 to Herefordshire, Warwickshire and the Black Country. closed position. ensure all crews are aware of each other’s expertise This lightweight, and operating procedures. unit weighs only 7.3kg and is supplied with a shoulder strap and mains charger. The larger models of Remote Area Lighting systems (9460/9470) feature 2 and 4 LED heads respectively. FUNDRAISING Housed in a crushproof, wheeled Peli Protector Case, the self-contained SUCCESS FOR unit is easy to manoeuvre and weather-protected and offers powerful illumination for up to CORNWALL fourteen hours from one charge. Charging time is approx six hours. RESCUE TEAM The Peli 1460EMS Case is A ‘pint and a pasty’ presentation evening at the St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre in November saw designed to safely carry and protect Cornwall SRT celebrating a fantastic £ 12,000 raised over the past year – enough to buy a new Land medical supplies, ensuring gear Rover Ambulance, totally refurbish the existing Land Rover and upgrade the control van to carry more arrives ready and in place for any emergency. The rugged watertight specialised rescue equipment. case splits 50/50 between the base Cornwall chairman Tim Hughes said, ‘We’d set a fundraising goal of £6,000 and were truly humbled and a deep lid which opens 180° for when, after only twelve months, we’d doubled that thanks to the generosity of so many organisations maximum stability, offering a wide and individuals.’ base in use. The three-level, fully The keys to the vehicles were handed over by Kate Waddams, representing Pete’s Dragons, a local customisable tray system lifts out of organisation that has been helping with the fundraising. The group was set up in memory of Peter the case on reinforced stainless steel Wicks, a young man for whom the team had searched, to thank and support the people and agencies brackets with a lockable tray section which had helped his family and friends. In the past year they have taken part in a series of fundraising for secure controlled substance events, including the Great British Bike Ride 2010. storage. The top tray and lid work Accepting the keys, Councillor David Hughes said, ‘The majority of the work that Cornwall Search and together as a seal to prevent contents spillage during transit. Rescue Team does goes unnoticed, which is why I am so pleased to support their work in our county. EMS Kits are also available for the While they do not have the profile of some of the larger emergency charities, I’m sure this achievement 1500, 1550 and 1600 Peli Cases, will allow the team to respond to incidents throughout Cornwall more rapidly.’ including a padded divider set Jo Bond from the St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust said, ‘The work carried out by the team is vitally offering cushioned protection for important, especially in rural areas of the county. Supporting local good causes is just as important to fragile medical equipment. These the Charitable Trust as fundraising for better known charities and we were more than happy to donate nylon dividers, with Velcro® sides, £1,000 and host the presentation evening to show our support.’ enable flexible and changeable The St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust has raised a massive £280,000 since it was started in 2003, configuration of the internal and is on target to the reach the £300,000 mark by Christmas. Money compartments to suit the contents perfectly. The lid is raised by individual pubs and employees through events such as organiser features darts tournaments, sponsored walks and quizzes, plus the annual Celtic transparent storage Beer Festival in November. pockets for easy The major donors to the team included St Austell Brewery Charitable accessibility and Trust, Pete’s Dragons, Mounts Bay Rotary Club, Sgt Capp and the 999 inventory of vital Day at the Eden project, South West Water, Western Power, RAOB Rock equipment. Lodge, Rock View Vets and a number of local councillors.
TOP: CORNWALL SRT WITH JO BOND FROM THE ST AUSTELL BREWERY CHARITABLE TRUST, OUTSIDE THE BREWERY’S VISITOR CENTRE LEFT: CORNWALL COUNCILLOR DAVID HUGHES BEING HANDED THE KEYS BY KATE WOODFORD OF PETE’S DRAGON
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 23 SARLOC AIDS SEARCHERS TWICE IN ONE WEEKEND: 26/27 NOVEMBER
The new software system, SARLOC, developed by Russ Hore of the Ogwen Valley MRO, proved its worth in the mountains of the Lake District and Snowdonia, with two incidents occurring over the same weekend late in November. In the first incident, a couple from Derby, in their late twenties, had set off to climb Scafell Pike. The weather conditions on the mountain were extremely poor with high winds, driving rain and visibility down to five metres in dense cloud. They became totally disorientated on the summit plateau – around 50m below the 978m summit – and unsure exactly where they were. They called the police mid-afternoon on their mobile and the team mobilised due to the severe conditions, the lateness of the day and the fact they only had a small torch between them. ‘Fortunately,’ said Richard Warren, ‘they were carrying a smartphone and the team managed to get a message to the couple which allowed them to feed back the phone’s exact grid reference position to the rescue base in Gosforth. ‘Nine team members headed to their location, with a further five back at base ready to bring up additional gear and manpower if the walkers, who were very cold, tired and wet, were unable to make their own way down. They were quickly found, warmed and assisted down the mountain. The six hour search ended, with everyone safely off the mountain, at 7.00pm.’ Sunday saw SARLOC leading Ogwen Valley team members directly to two 58-year-old lost walkers, after the pair set off without map or compass, heading for Moel Siabod, just south of Plas y Brenin. The pair, with one torch between them, quickly ran into low cloud, heavy rain and high winds. Chris Lloyd of the OVMRO said, ‘By 4.00pm, when they still hadn’t found the summit – or got anywhere near it – they called 999 on their smartphone. When they were questioned over the phone by the team leader, a definitive description of where they might be could not be established. In fact some WASDALE TEAM MEMBERS of the descriptions seemed DURING THEIR SEARCH ON SCAFELL PIKE contradictory. ‘There was some urgency for this search as one man had a managed medical condition, and having been out in the poor weather for such a long time, his condition might have changed, making the search and rescue more urgent.’ SARLOC works by the team sending a text with hyperlink details to a casualty’s smartphone. When the casualty contacts the hyperlink, a grid reference and latitude and longitude coordinates are transmitted back to the team, enabling rescuers to accurately locate the casualty. That said, the message remains that walkers might better avoid its deployment in the first place by ensuring they are well equipped with good waterproofs, torches for each member of the party and the ability to navigate off the mountain with map and compass, particularly in poor conditions.
PAGE 24 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE reraelscJAuNUAeRY s2 012 inciden ts July•Aug•Sepft i•G2 u01res1
Lake District Snowdonia National Park 15/08, 17/07 Cockermouth 01/07, 09/07, 19/07, 07/08, 13/08, 30/09, 24/09 South Snowdonia 17/07, 11/08, 13/08, 25/08, 26/08, 19/09 Coniston 23/07, 26/07, 07/08, 12/08, 21/08, 26/08, 19/08, 04/09 06/09, 10/09, 19/09, 29/09 Peak District Duddon & Furness 03/07, 05/08, 15/08, 21/08 Buxton 06/07, 11/07, 27/07, 28/07, 29/07, 01/08, 05/08, 12/08 Kendal 01/07, 02/07, 02/07, 03/07, 11/08, 15/08, 01/08, 10/08 17/08, 18/08, 22/07, 10/09, 10/09, 23/09, 28/09, 28/09 04/09, 23/09, 21/09, 24/09, 13/09 Derby 25/07, 22/07, 07/08, 08/08, 18/08 Keswick 02/07, 08/07, 12/07, 19/07, 19/07, 19/07, 24/07, 27/07 Edale 03/07, 06/07, 11/07, 20/07, 23/07, 23/07, 27/07, 28/07 30/07, 31/07, 01/08, 05/08, 06/08, 13/08, 21/08, 25/08 29/07, 01/08, 02/08, 05/08, 11/08,12/08, 22/08, 15/08 28/08, 03/09, 06/09, 10/09, 14/09, 14/09, 17/09, 24/09 17/08, 18/08, 19/08, 22/07, 24/08, 29/08, 03/09, 04/09 24/09, 20/08, 07/09 04/09, 10/09, 10/09, 10/09, 08/09, 23/09, 28/09, 28/09 Kirkby Stephen 09/07, 31/07, 07/08, 21/08, 22/08, 17/09, 21/09, 25/09 Glossop 17/08, 22/08, 02/09 21/09, 17/09 Kinder 09/07, 02/08, 17/08, 22/08, 17/08, 10/09, 02/09, 08/09 Langdale Ambleside 02/07, 02/07, 02/07, 05/07, 05/07, 08/07, 14/07, 14/07 22/09 15/07, 16/07, 16/07, 20/07, 23/07, 30/07, 30/07, 03/08 Oldham 10/07, 22/08, 23/08, 04/09, 08/09, 21/09, 21/09, 21/09 11/08, 13/08, 14/08, 14/08, 15/08, 14/08, 19/08, 20/08 Woodhead 21/04, 07/05, 05/06, 07/05, 05/06 21/08, 23/08, 04/09, 08/09, 12/09, 14/09, 23/09, 24/09 28/09, 18/08 Peninsula Patterdale 18/07, 19/07, 19/07, 12/08, 13/08, 13/08, 16/08, 20/08 Cornwall 23/07, 24/07, 28/07, 03/08, 05/08, 08/08, 01/09, 26/09 22/09, 01/09, 02/09, 06/09, 07/09, 1/09, 13/09, 21/09 Dartmoor (Ashburton) 19/07, 19/07, 24/07, 25/07, 01/09, 29/09 11/08 Dartmoor (Okehampton) 01/09, 29/09 Penrith 26/07, 29/07, 30/07, 06/08, 07/08, 15/09, 13/09, 20/08 Dartmoor (Plymouth) 25/07, 01/09 24/09, 21/09, 30/09 Dartmoor (Tavistock) 15/07, 25/07, 25/07, 28/08, 01/09, 24/09, 29/09 Wasdale 20/08, 03/08, 04/08, 04/08, 18/08, 04/09, 04/09, 11/09 Exmoor 10/07, 20/07, 25/07, 12/08, 21/08, 09/09, 23/09, 29/09 11/09, 12/09, 15/09, 24/09, 30/09, 02/07, 02/07, 02/07 09/07, 14/07, 16/07 South Wales Brecon 13/08, 27/08, 02/08, 03/08, 09/08, 22/08, 25/08, 29/08 Mid-Pennine 06/07, 08/07, 10/07, 11/07, 13/07, 14/07, 16/07, 19/07 Bolton 04/07, 01/07, 17/07, 21/07, 26/07, 26/07, 30/07, 02/08 25/07, 25/07, 02/08, 03/09, 06/09, 08/09, 10/09, 24/09 03/08, 05/08, 05/08, 08/08, 11/08, 23/08, 02/09 25/09, 30/09 Bowland Pennine 08/09, 03/07, 17/07, 26/07, 30/07, 02/08, 04/08, 14/08 Central Beacons 27/07, 13/08, 27/08, 02/08, 03/08, 09/08, 22/08, 29/08 23/08, 18/09, 20/09, 25/09, 30/09 06/07, 08/07, 11/07, 13/07, 19/07, 25/07, 25/07, 03/09 Calder Valley 04/07, 04/07, 24/07, 29/07, 30/07, 08/08, 14/08, 18/08 08/09, 24/09, 30/09 19/08, 21/08, 08/08, 28/08, 08/09, 10/09, 12/09, 12/09 Longtown 27/08, 09/08, 29/08, 13/07, 19/07 14/09, 18/09, 25/09, 29/09 Western Beacons 27/07, 13/08, 27/08, 03/08, 09/08, 22/08, 06/07, 08/07 Holme Valley 02/07, 05/08, 04/07 11/07, 25/07, 03/09, 08/09, 24/09, 30/09 Rossendale & Pendle 02/07, 08/07, 09/07, 23/07, 03/08, 09/08, 21/08, 14/08 Yorkshire Dales North East CRO 02/07, 13/07, 20/07, 21/07, 23/07, 26/07, 06/08, 14/08 Cleveland 04/07, 26/07, 28/07, 29/07, 15/08, 18/08, 20/08, 21/08 14/08, 24/08, 28/08, 29/08, 04/09, 04/09, 24/07, 20/09 31/08, 10/09, 10/09, 24/09 20/09, 08/09, 08/09, 30/09 North of Tyne 07/08, 29/07 Upper Wharfedale 08/08, 09/07, 24/07, 27/07, 06/08, 06/08, 08/08, 08/08 Northumberland Nat Park 07/08, 29/07, 16/09, 24/09 20/08, 26/08, 27/08, 28/08, 01/09, 03/09, 05/09, 09/09 Scarborough & Ryedale 26/07, 21/08, 31/08 Swaledale 30/07, 17/09, 24/08, 11/09, 25/08, 16/09, 17/09, 21/09 Search Dogs Teesdale & Weardale 18/08, 26/07, 29/07 England 10/07, 25/07, 24/07, 20/09, 08/08, 21/09, 29/09, 26/08 Lakes 08/07, 20/08, 29/07, 06/08, 03/08 North Wales Wales 19/09, 24/09, 21/09, 29/08, 12/09, 09/09 Aberglaslyn 13/08, 25/08, 19/09 South Wales 27/07, 13/08, 27/08, 03/09, 08/09 Llanberis 03/07, 02/07, 05/07, 03/07, 02/07, 05/07, 28/07, 28/07 01/07, 17/08, 18/08, 22/08, 28/08, 13/08, 21/08, 21/08 Non-specialists 17/07, 24/09 28/08, 21/09, 18/09, 10/09, 29/08, 01/09, 01/09, 29/09 09/09, 10/09, 15/09, 29/09 Unknown unit 01/07 North East Wales 13/08, 24/09 Ogwen Valley 08/07, 09/07, 11/07, 22/07, 23/07, 24/07, 06/08, 06/08 RAF 06/08, 08/08, 13/08, 15/08, 15/08, 19/08, 22/08, 22/08 Leeming 16/07 26/08, 29/08, 02/09, 15/09, 16/09, 17/09, 17/09, 24/09 Valley 06/08, 06/08, 21/09 25/09, 24/09, 24/09, 21/09, 30/09
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 25 Tel:+44 (0)1793 441 475 Fax: +44 (0)1793 441 401 Email: [email protected] Web: www.willburt.com The Will-Burt Company (EU) Ltd Windmill Hill Business Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon SN5 6QR
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PAGE 26 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 MAYDAY ‘TEST’ SPARKS RESCUE DRAMA: ULLSWATER SEPTEMBER When a sailor from Darwen in Lancashire accidentally made a Mayday call while testing his radio on Ullswater in September, it sparked a rescue operation that involved the Coastguard, l Ullswater Steamers and members of Patterdale MRT. rea The man had been showing his passengers, including his grandchildren, how the radio worked but was unaware that his mock mayday message had been broadcast and received ues by Liverpool coastguards. When they could not get back in touch with him, a rescue boat, resc MRT and other search support were deployed on the lake. ‘After about an hour or so, the boat and crew were found safe at their mooring in Howtown Bay,’ says Patterdale TL, Martin Cotterell, ‘and the gentleman was mortified to find out what had happened and extremely apologetic. We tried not to make too much of it given his response but the local media picked up on the incident and Colin Shelbourn, cartoonist with the Westmorland Gazette and a great supporter of mountain rescue in Cumbria, couldn’t resist featuring the story in his weekly cartoon. It was certainly one of those occasions when you ‘have to laugh.’
Find out more about Colin Shelbourn at www.shelbourn.com. You can even follow him on Facebook and Twitter. And, if you like Colin’s cartoon style, his online shop will happily sell you Take a Hike, his comprehensive, in-depth cartoon look at the world of mountains and fell-walkers. If you’ve ever been baffled by a GPS, confounded by digital camera or wondered what the sheep are really thinking of you, this is the book for you. It’s a witty guide to the world of walking, featuring 96 B&W cartoons covering topics as diverse as weather, trekking poles, mountain rescue, braille viewfinders and the weather – not to mention the ultimate challenge… finding just the right waterproof jacket for posing on the high street. CARTOON © COLIN SHELBOURN WWW.SHELBOURN.COM ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY THE WESTMORLAND GAZETTE GIVE TO MOUNTAIN News snipp ets... RESCUE BY TEXT MSGE RNLI FAtCaElSe s£ 6f5r0o,0m0 tThAeX HshIKoE reline You can now donate to Mountain Rescue The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has we found we had this additional burden. He added, ‘Neither could the government England and Wales revealed it is facing a massive £650,000 When the government increases taxation, do it as efficiently. They could not harness via text message. tax hike, since the coalition government it should have one eye on the charity the same volunteer workforce. About 97 SIMPLY TEXT THE came to power. The amount is equivalent sector. This isn’t party political. The per cent of people who work for the RNLI MESSAGE: to the cost of three new Atlantic 85 message is the same for all parties.’ are volunteers. That’s not a model that MREWW01 PLUS inshore lifeboats plus the annual running Boissier points out that many charities, could be replicated.’ costs of one lifeboat station. like the RNLI, offer services THE AMOUNT OF RNLI chief executive Paul Boissier said, that the government might MONEY YOU WISH ‘The day after the budget in March, I woke otherwise be called upon to TO GIVE TO 70070 up and realised we were going to have to provide. Yet if a find an extra £650,000 a year. The loss of government agency transitional relief on Gift Aid cost us provided lifeboats and SUBSCRIBE TO I L MOUNTAIN £400,000, the VAT rise cost us lifeguards, he said, it N R
£200,000, and the increase in national would not have to pay a © RESCUE MAG:
E insurance cost us £50,000. VAT bill. The RNLI currently G JOIN BASECAMP! A M ‘At a time when it’s already difficult for us, pays £2m in VAT. I Single membership is £24 per year, joint membership £42. In return you will receive a FIRST ALL-FEMALE LIFEBOAT RESCUE lapel or cloth badge, a car sticker and a copy of A shop worker, classroom assistant and Gemma Griffiths, a classroom assistant, was Cardigan lifeboat was called out to aid a the mag each quarter. Royal Navy specialist are believed to have helmsman. She was joined by her sister, swimmer thought to be in trouble. GO TO become the first all-woman lifeboat crew to Sarah, on leave from the Royal Navy, and MOUNTAIN.RESCUE. respond to an emergency call in Wales. Louise Francis, a shop assistant, when ORG.UK/BASECAMP. JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 27 FLASH MAKES THE GRADE! You might recall our earlier series, chronicling the progress of Search Dog Flash through the rigours of training and assessment. Well, back in November, she and handler John Coombs made the grade...
JOHN COOMBS PIX: WILL COOMBS
lash is my fourth dog, following in the pawprints of The second and third parts of the plan develop – it was not dependable until she collie Spider and German Shepherds Bonnie and worked: Flash is definitely the right dog – had a lot of experience and had begun to Biscuit. From the word go, she was a bit of an but it took more than two years to get her grow up. experiment – rather than getting an eight-week old up to the standards needed to pass a G Having passed four out five of the SARDA assessment. areas on the January 20 11 assessment puppy to train, I started out with an older dog. We So why did it take so long? course, in the fifth, Flash decided to chase think she was eight or nine months old when I first Most working dog people say that a dog a Herdwick sheep – adding some barking Fgot her. Normally a young dog is two or three years old before needs to mature – it might need to reach just to keep it moving at an interesting it makes operational search dog grade. The idea was to save four years old before it is consistent and pace! This meant we couldn’t pass and set a year in the training and eliminate the chance that a pup ignores distractions. Dog and handler will us back nine months. might not develop a suitable temperament or not be physically probably need a year to develop a bond. In fact, the pursuit had occurred in the up to the work on the hill. Getting a bit more technical about it: same search area in Newlands Valley G Flash took to the work very quickly where a previous dog of mine had gone and is very ‘body focused’ but this meant after a sheep in 1987. My wife says it was she made finds a long way off – so her probably the same ewe! I seem to recall it indication had to be very reliable. winking at me, but I can’t be sure... When a SARDA dog picks up a scent I returned to Derbyshire to find my she should follow it to its source then, mates(?) in the Edale team had entered us having found the body, trail herself back to for the Longshaw sheepdog trials! a point where she can indicate to her Flash had learned to chase things for handler and then repeat with a ‘refind.’ entertainment before I got her and is a bit In Flash’s case, she was finding up to of a late developer – both of us appeared 1km away which meant she had got to to have reverted to ‘factory settings’ under ‘commute’ two or three times, fixed on her the pressures of the assessment course. find for up to fifteen minutes before her Rare outside the Lake District, Herdwicks wheezy old handler arrived with a reward. smell and act differently from other sheep This sort of concentration took time to and Flash had little experience of working
PAGE 28 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 dogs
SARDA WALES NEWS The SARDA Wales autumn assessment was a busy weekend with six dogs up for assessment, as well ch as two dog call-outs (including a find). After three ar days of mixed weather and varied areas all dogs e passed. s New to the call-out list are Rich Beech and Scout (his second qualified dog), Andy Dunn and Max (Isle of Man) and Rob Johnson with Skye, who all qualified as gs Novice Lowland Search Dogs. Cazz Duce and her dog do Tess were graded at Full Lowland, Jim and Star (Isle of Man) were graded at Novice Mountain and Helen Howe with Cluanie achieved Full Mountain Search Dog status. A great result for all concerned and a testimony to all the hard work of the many people who put hours of their free time into helping train the dogs, bodying, catering at training weekends, organising equipment and kit, organising training weekends, fundraising and the many other jobs that go on behind the scenes. Many thanks also to the external assessors who visited from South Wales, England and Scotland. Two of Flash’s quirks: she definitely prefers men, and hates it when someone else is the centre of attention!
through them. Excuses were no use Nothing could have been accomplished though – we couldn’t go operational then without loads of advice and support. So, and had more work to do. So I got some many thanks to Derek Scrymgeour, help from a couple of sheep dog experts. Andrew Carson and David Robinson for We didn’t use any harsh or cruel sheep dog help. Also thanks to good techniques to explain to Flash that sheep friends in SARDA England, Wales, South chasing was not allowed. A few well timed Wales, Lake District Mountain Rescue telling offs and a plastic bucket thrown in Search Dogs and everyone in the Edale THE WHOLE ASSESSMENT TEAM WITH HANDLERS IN THE her direction was enough. She had, in fact, team. And, most of all, our bodies who FRONT ROW WHO PASSED THIS WEEKEND: ROB JOHNSON got the wrong idea about what was ‘fair give so much. I AND SKYE, CAZZ DUCE AND TESS, ANDY DUNN AND MAX, game.’ However, it did take time and lots of JIM AND STAR AND RICH BEECH AND SCOUT. experience working through sheep to reinforce the message before my confidence was back up there. Flash and I passed all five areas in the Brecon Beacons assessment in November DODGE AND ZAK and is now operational. Wayne Thackray and Nick Smith (SARDA One of the things that kept me going England) also passed their upgrades in the through the setbacks was the bond that had developed between us. Flash is great Autumn. fun, a charming companion and covers a For Wayne (Woodhead MRT), it’s been an lot of ground really fast. She has got a few interesting three years since his initial qualification, quirks – but best of all she always seems with three finds on five people – one deceased and four alive – and a delay in achieving his upgrade due to injury to both himself and Dodge. Wayne was to bring a smile to the bodies’ faces as injured in 2009 during a call-out to assist Edale MRT, prior to upgrade assessment in 2010 then, in they play with her after a find. November 2010 Dodge cut open a hind foot severing tendons, successfully ‘cabbaging’ (Wayne’s Conclusion: If you start with young adult words) another upgrade test. Then, in January last year, Wayne slipped six foot injuring his back at dog, you might be bringing some Honister Pass, resulting in another two months off the call-out list. ‘baggage from the past’ but at least you Four-year-old collie Zak is the first SARDA dog for Nick (Buxton MRT). At their initial grading in the know more about what you are getting. Lake District, in January 2010, the pair were awarded the Novice Handler Shield. This had last been Experienced handlers will be in the best awarded in 2001 so was a great achievement. In the 22 months since going on the call-out list, they’ve position to avoid pitfalls when rearing a been on nearly 50 call-outs and been credited with five finds. pup. In any case, a dog might not be Upgrade, or Full Search Dog Assessment takes place after the handler and dog have been on the ready until he is two or three years old. To call-out list for at least a year. The dog team must complete this upgrade before the third anniversary get the best of both worlds perhaps we of their initial grade. should use puppy walkers. Any volunteers? ‘As you can imagine,’ says Nick, ‘things are a bit tougher for the upgrade. The areas are bigger So now it’s down to the real job of and, whilst more time is allowed to search them, the work rate is considerably higher than for the searching for missing people and property Initial Assessment. Overall, the dog team has to demonstrate that they have matured in their – much more relaxing! (Especially for relationship and are capable of searching with speed and efficiency as well as good area coverage Biscuit my old GSD – who is now ensuring the hidden dogsbodies are found.’ concentrating on wearing the settee out).
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 29 THE KEY TO LONG LIFE FOR YOUR WATERPROOFS
Dirt can drastically reduce the life of your waterproof clothing and equipment. Nikwax® Tech Wash® is the safest way to thoroughly clean your waterproof gear and it is proven to revitalise waterproofing and breathability. G Exceptional, safe cleaning that won’t damage waterproof finishes. G Natural soap-based cleaner that won’t leave water attracting BUXTON DEPUTY residues. RECEIVES CHIEF G Revitalises waterproofing and breathability to reduce gear CONSTABLE’S weight gain from water absorption. COMMENDATION G Easy to use at home in a washing machine. In March this year Dave Nikwax® award-winning and Mason and search dog safe cleaning and waterproofing Megan were called together solutions are 100% WaterBased with the Derby Mountain and non-flammable. We are the Rescue Team to search only established outdoor aftercare woodland in the Somercotes company to have never used area. A 25-year-old Thornton’s aerosols or fluorocarbons. Chocolate worker had been reported missing on her way home from the factory. The body of Jai Ashton was located by search dog Megan hidden deep in woodland brash. A murder investigation by police followed, resulting in the conviction of a local man who was sentenced to serve a minimum of 28 years imprisonment. Derbyshire Constabulary invited members of Buxton MRT together with Dave and Megan to a ‘Celebrating Achievement Awards’ ceremony at Derbyshire Constabulary HQ, Butterley Hall, Ripley on Tuesday 6 December to each receive the Chief Constable’s Commendation. The presentation was made by the Chief Constable Mick Creedon. Dave Mason is a serving Derbyshire police officer, currently based at Buxton. Following the award, he said, ‘The body of Jai had been hidden so well it is possible she would not have been found without the use of a dog. This was a challenging search. Megan’s find ensured that vital forensic evidence was secured. I am extremely proud of her.’
PAGE 30 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 dogs
ISLE OF MAN HOLDS THE FIRST NSARDA TRAINING WEEKEND JIM MACGREGOR SARDA IOM h During the rc weekend of 17/ 18 ea September, the s Isle of Man held the first weekend gs of joint training do with search dogs from the British Isles. Teams from SARDA Ireland, Wales, England and Anglia travelled to the island.
Accommodation was kindly offered together. The emphasis was very an initial downpour, the searching for the dog teams to work and a hasty by Civil Defence where luxuries much on assisting each other and began in earnest with all handlers team was deployed by the Civil included camp beds, showers and discussing the various aspects of completing two or three of the search Defence. Casualties were quickly even a dishwasher! The first night working and training search and areas including a hasty search along located and evacuated or stretchered proved useful in making new rescue dogs. a firetrack. When handlers were not to the control point run by Civil contacts and discussing search Saturday started with a briefing, working, they were observing each Defence. Further lessons were techniques and training issues. All after breakfast, on how the training other and constructive comments learned on how to effectively manage visiting teams arrived by 21.30 hrs on areas would be run, and use of the were given which all added to the a number of resources and cope with the ferries. A discount was given by TETRA radios. The weekend was training element. difficult comms. All casualties were the Steam Packet Company for the greatly improved by twelve SARDA By mid-afternoon, all handlers were successfully located and evacuated travel which allowed the teams to be bodies travelling over for the satisfied with their searches so an and the group returned to Civil able to finance the weekend. Some weekend to assist with the training of option was given for a group to Climb Defence for refreshments and then decamped to the local hostelry the dogs. Without these volunteers Snaefell (the island’s only mountain debrief. to further cement new friendships. the weekend could not have at 621m). Fortunately, the promised Evaluating how the first joint The overall plan for the weekend happened. The location chosen for views appeared between the clouds NSARDA training weekend went, was for NSARDA teams from different training was moorland with also a although the summit café had just handlers, navigators and bodies all parts of the country to meet and train mixture of farmland and forestry. After closed. benefited from the close cooperation After refreshments, John Foster between the teams. There was a real gave the group a talk on tracking. interest in learning from and each John used to be a professional other and offering assistance. Future tracker in Rhodesia and he showed a cooperation and training weekends practical demonstration of what to have been offered and hopefully an look for. It was shown how simple annual NSARDA training weekend observations could give clear has been started. direction to a search and reduce the Thanks must go to all on the area and time spent searching. SARDA IOM committee for organising Afterwards a barbecue was cooked the event and to Civil Defence for by SARDA IOM for all to enjoy. assistance with accommodation, Sunday had a focus of an all-island vehicles and the joint exercise. exercise by the inland search team. NSARDA also supported the event The scenario was a group of walkers with a subsidy for the food and lost trying to watch the End to End thanks to all the handlers, navigators mountain bike race. The visiting and bodies who supported this search teams worked in coordination training weekend. Final thanks to the with Civil Defence and the exercise Steam Packet Company for their was observed by the Isle of Man support of search and rescue work TOP: DOG TEAM GATHER ON SART FELL ABOVE: BODY RUSS TAKES SHELTER Police. The search area was split up on the Isle of Man and beyond. I
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 31
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Adventure Eyes New year... new venture? Do you provide accommodation, than happy to chat through your and achievement together with activities or outdoor courses? Are options. Adventure Eyes is a proud instructional material for those keen you an outdoor retailer or supporter of mountain rescue to develop their skills. There are manufacturer, or do you host teams across the UK... come and maps for walkers and cyclists from adventure-related events? Then join us! OS and Harvey’s and you can view take a look at Adventure Eyes and The Adventure Eyes Online Shop and select guidebooks for numerous our new ‘Venture Pass’, providing now has literally thousands of different adventure sports for areas discounts on selected organisations carefully selected products relevant throughout the UK. Quite literally, a featured on Adventure Eyes – this for water-based, land-based and 'One Stop Shop' for quality could include you! Coming onboard even air-based adventure lovers. information for Outdoor Adventure! with us provides many opportunities Mountaineers, hill walkers, climbers Contact promotions@adventure- for your outdoor business plus, for and orienteers are catered for eyes.com or call 07792 370 344 every Venture Pass sold, £1 goes together with maps, books and to find out more about promotions to mountain rescue. Sound films relevant to paddlers, mountain at Adventure Eyes or the shop. interesting? Drop us an email or bikers, cavers and even kite surfers! give us a call and we would be more Classic tales of endurance, survival
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 33
FACEBOOK FAN STUFF COUNT: 1747 Some of the stories that got you chatting last quarter...
...plenty of ‘Ahhh factor’ as lucky Book cross-breed Jason plunged over an icy ridge on Stob Ban, near Ben Nevis, in December, after triggering SEARCH DOGS AND ME an avalanche. Fortunately for ONE MAN AND HIS LIFE SAVING DOGS Jason, Scottish mountain rescuers Mick Tighe and his wife just by Neil Powell happened to be in the area. The pair battled sub-zero temperatures and the threat of further avalanche Review by Bob Sharp to rescue the dis tressed dog. So, a happy ending for all concerned... Over the past two years Neil Powell helped me with my own ...not so, earlier in the month, on Y book on mountain rescue search dogs, providing a number of Garn in Snowdonia, when a man stories and information about the history of the Search and died after falling 150 feet following Rescue Dog Association (SARDA) in Ireland but I didn’t realise a cornice collapse. A mountain how long he had been involved in rescue work and was certainly guide who was in the area rescued unaware of his wide involvement in the many diverse aspects of his female companion and dug the search work using dogs. Mountain rescue tends to attract man out of the avalanche debris. people with remarkable commitment to the cause. The vast Sadly he had died of his injuries. A majority stay the course for many years, often several decades, salutory tale of winter walking... and Neil is one of these people. Indeed, he has been involved for forty years. However, Neil, like a very small number of other ...Jezzer Clarkson prompted more people have made a double commitment, making a contribution than a few comments as he took a not only to the search and rescue efforts of their own mountain rescue team, but also the operational pop at hill walkers and those who work of SARDA. It’s a testimony to his unfailing commitment to both areas of endeavour that he has not rescue them in yellow choppery only given a major part of his life to rescue work, but also held down a full time job and bought up a things. All in the name of publicity, family at the same time. Balancing these things is not an easy task and many find it a huge challenge. of course, but doesn’t stop us Forty years on, Neil is as committed as ever and this was evident when he discussed his latest ventures getting wound up does it.... grrrr... with search dogs on BBC’s Breakfast TV. doubtless the DVD in question is Neil’s book is essentially a timeline of his involvement from the early 1970s to the present day. He languishing on many a coffee table describes the early challenges of working alone in Ireland, unaware of developments elsewhere in the post-Christmas... UK. Once he discovered that people in Scotland – notably Hamish MacInnes and Kenny Mackenzie had ....news of a ladies ‘powder room’ been training dogs for mountain search work for some years – his involvement moved forward quickly. high in the Lake District hills Within a short time, he received essential help from dog handlers in England, Scotland and Wales. As definitely tickled my fancy. The new the book progresses, Neil describes numerous searches, both in Ireland and elsewhere, along with the loo includes a urinal and sit-down challenges and satisfaction training his many dogs. Understandably, Neil tends to focus on the positive toilet and is adjacent to the Lake finds of missing people, but readers unfamiliar with the work of search dogs should note that more often, District Ski Club hut. Members search dogs spend much time ‘clearing’ areas and searching areas where subsequent events show the lugged a septic tank and all the missing person was not located. other necessities up the hill from Most dog handlers in the UK focus on training dogs to ‘air scent’ in a mountain or semi-urban the Greenside road above environment but whilst this was the starting route for Neil, he diversified and became one of the few Glenridding over the summer and people to train dogs to search for people trapped under collapsed buildings. He describes the club members spent more than expeditions abroad where he was tasked to take his dogs to search for victims of natural disasters, 300 hours constructing the ‘loo with especially earthquakes. He played a seminal role in this kind of work (founding British International a view’. At that rate, could be a Rescue Dogs along the way) but also played a significant role in training dogs to search for drowned while before there’s one on every victims. He recounts his frustration in trying to convince members of other emergency services about the Wainwright – best keep the Shewee value of dogs for this kind of work, but after several ‘finds’ (when others had failed) he quickly made his in the rucksack, methinks... point. In more recent times, Neil has trained dogs to ‘ground’ scent as trailing dogs and also trained dogs to recognise the particular odour of DVDs. The latter project came about when he was invited by ...LOTS of comments about plans the anti-piracy unit of The Motion Picture Association of America to examine the feasibility of using dogs to ditch our Sea King helicopters in to locate counterfeit discs. Neil showed that it was possible to train dogs to identify the particular smell of favour of a civilian scheme. The DVDs and as a result, he was flown around the world – New York, Hong Kong, Dubai – to demonstrate concensus is it’s the end of an era his dogs working. – very sad times, for so many That’s a broad account of Neil’s book, but what should be highlighted is the manner in which he has reasons: loss of our working developed each chapter and each rescue story. Soon into the first chapter, I was hooked and found it relationship with the RAF and their difficult to put the book down. Neil has a natural gift with words and a talent to tell a good story. He has Sea King fleet, fears for casualty the kind of style I see in the stories told by the celebrated vet Jim Wight (AKA James Herriot). This is a care and safety, implications for real bonus and something that will attract readers not just from the world of SARDA but also the wider team training and the financial population of dog lovers. Each of the thirty-four chapters is a crafted gem. Every one tells a particular aspect of mountain rescue, loss of story and draws the reader into the challenges, frustrations, emotions and pleasures of living with, control... sad days, indeed.. training and working with dogs. I should add that some sections are not for the faint-hearted. Similar to ...and finally, just set up a new the way in which James Herriot touches the reader’s heart strings with tales of sadness, despair and FB page for MREW (will replace death of a loved pet, Neil does the same when describing the dreadful moments when his loved dogs the Basecamp page in time) so reach the end of their life. It is fitting that he dedicates the book to all the dogs that were part of his life. please check it out at It is the way in which he writes the book that will make it appeal to more than those interested in training www.facebook.com/ and working search dogs. The book is also a comprehensive historical account of search dogs and how MountainRescue.MREW and the training and operational deployment has developed and diversified in the past forty years. For this start the likes piling up! JW reason, it’s a must-read for everyone involved in search and rescue. In short, Search Dogs and Me is a heart-warming, inspiring and beautifully told story that will melt – and occasionally break – the hearts of Facebook is a registered dog lovers everywhere. trademark of Facebook, Inc. ‘Search dogs and me. One man and his life saving dogs’ by Neil Powell is published by Blackstaff Press, Dublin. www.cicerone.co.uk. Price £11.99. ISBN: 978-0-85640-867-0.
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 35
navigation
MOTORWAY EXIT SYNDROME LYLE BROTHERTON have now encountered a common navigational mistake working with two MRTs, firstly in Canada and more recently in France. Unlikely as it may seem, France has more public footpaths than Britain! In fact more than eight times the kilometres of public Ifoot paths than in England. The most spectacular of these are to integrate satnav (GNSS/GPS) and frequently got lost. By plotting the sign that this was the correct fork to called the Sentiers de Grand digital mapping (GIS) into their tracks the casualties had reported follow. Rondonees (GR) and they are all standard operating procedures. that they had taken into the valley It was an almost identical pattern of numbered GR1, GR2 and so forth. A key component in building the before becoming lost, it became events that I had encountered with Some are incredibly long, such as the system is creating a bespoke base apparent that one track in particular – the Canadian MRT a few years earlier GR5 which runs from the map for the team area. Team part of GR5, a wide and made up and I instantly recognised it as the Luxembourg border, through the members record information track – was the most often taken by phenomenon I have named Vosges, Jura and Alp mountain commonly missing from conventional the people who subsequently got into ‘Motorway Exit Syndrome’ – and we ranges to the Mediterranean. mapping, such as new areas of difficulties. are all susceptible to it. The organisation that established scree, stream caused by flash floods, Many of the hikers were competent and maintains the trail system is permanent pools of water, potholes navigators and maintained they had called the Féderation Française de la and so forth. been on the GR5 all the time and Randonnée Pédestre (FFRP) and In addition to this, the search could not understand how they had Avoiding although headquartered in Paris they managers compile the records of subsequently become lost. MOTORWAY EXIT have around 2000 local clubs who past incidents, the exact location of The weather conditions varied from SYNDROME maintain the route markings and each one, where precise positions summer to winter but in both there § signs along these tracks. are marked on the map of all their were regularly poor visibility In poor visibility, or at night when The tracks are marked with white previous callouts: the Incident Record conditions: in summer, usually fog using a head torch, if following the over red blazes and these signs are Overlay (IRO). From the IRO, accident created by the formation of stratus edge of a track it is easy to veer invariably, yet not always, prominent hot spots can be identified and, from clouds in the valley towards the end off onto the wrong track if it forks, and frequent. Turns are always this, safe routes determined both for of the day – this is also when the especially where the angle of the marked and there are even signs walking in and for stretcher carry available daylight is starting to fail. deviation is relatively low. informing you if you have made a outs, possible kit stashes positioned Stratus clouds are flat, hazy, To avoid this error I recommend wrong turning. for ease of access, and so forth. featureless clouds of low altitude four simple actions: varying in colour from dark gray to 1. Walk in the centre of the track. nearly white and may produce a light 2. When the track turns sharply drizzle or snow. They frequently form walk to the other side of it to in mountain valleys and, during the confirm that it is not an exit. day, rise with the warmth of the 3. At frequent intervals, say every sunshine and late in the day settle 100m pace count, stop and check back down in the valleys. the bearing you are on compared In winter the forest floor has a to the bearing of the track on your permanent covering of snow and, in map where you should be. either heavy snowfall or high winds 4. If you are in a group, use creating spindrift and blowing the out-riggers. powder snow from the trees, whiteouts were a frequent occurrence and common event to many of the people who had become lost. Lyle Brotherton has worked with over 130 Studying the map it became search and mountain rescue teams in 24 apparent that wrong turns had been countries. He is an active member of the taken along GR5 repeatedly at one Tweed Valley MRT, and both lectures and instructs ‘Advanced Navigation’ to search junction where many people and mountain rescue teams, and the incorrectly forked left. Special Forces. He also advises We flew out to visit the area and governments on navigational strategy in surprisingly this junction had a very Emergency Management Planning and well marked sign. There was a works with them post major disasters. L remote weather monitor and to the His book ‘Ultimate Navigation Manual’ I was assisting a Pelotons de Compiling this information with the immediate right of the track was a is reviewed over the page. Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne team, an accident hotspot, already steel stanchion on top of which was (PGHM), professional mountain well known to them, revealed some an anemometer (wind speed TOP: SMALL WIND SPEED STANCHEON. rescue teams made up of police and interesting information. It was coming measurer), in faded yet very clear LEFT, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: GR MARKING ON A TREE; A GR MARKINGS some military personnel, in the Alps, out of a valley, where hikers acrylic paint was the unmistakable CARD AND THE PGHM MOTIF.
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 37 E G D U J
N A H G U A V
©
S E G A M ULTIMATE NAVIGATION I
ew from Harper Collins is the modestly titled Ultimate Navigation Manual. The preface, by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, summarises this book well: ‘Search and rescue teams are regularly called out in the worst weathers and need to reach inaccessible areas quickly and safely. These same requirements apply to anybody who wants to safely enjoy the outdoors. This field instruction manual brings together for the first time ‘Best Practice’ as used by these teams throughout the Nworld and makes it accessible to everyone.’ What makes the book different from enhanced throughout by the striking compasses and specialist equipment other navigational resources is the photography of Vaughan Judge, used in SAR, including information professional background of author Professor of Fine Art and such as the correct way to use EXPERT TIPS Lyle Brotherton, who spent six years Photography at Glasgow School of binoculars. working with over 130 mountain Art, and Kate Jo, a practising visual Combined with the more Adopting the brace position rescue and SAR teams in 24 artist who exhibits internationally. conventional aspects of a chapter on §while out with a group signals countries. An active member of the These images are combined with ‘Environmental Navigation’, a subject to the others that you re Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team, stylised, yet uncomplicated, not usually instructed in conventional working and should be left to get on with it. he both lectures and instructs diagrams to illustrate various map and compass navigation, with ‘Advanced Navigation’ to mountain concepts and procedures. specifics such as the air traffic Work with the map facing rescue teams, SAR teams plus the It is a hefty tome, over 360 pages, corridors in the region you work in §away from the prevailing wind Special Forces. Lyle also advises divided into five main sections, and searching for aircraft contrails to and weather. If on a steep governments on navigational strategy starting with the essentials maps, orient yourself, or using television slope make sure you are in Emergency Management Planning compasses and grid systems, from satellite dishes to do the same. parallel with the contour lines and works with them post major clear explanations of latitude and Also a chapter on ‘Stellar for stability. disasters, such as the floods in longitude (used to call in a fixed wing Navigation’, both in daylight and at Pakistan, 2010. asset) to understanding how to use night, with simple techniques like Written in an accessible, modular 12-figure grid references, the type finding direction from any star at night format to cover navigation from basic frequently used by both the police time or estimating the time to sunset principles right through to advanced and the fire and rescue services. As using the height of the sun above the technologies, its appeal is further well as explanations of the various horizon.
PAGE 38 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 navigation
SATMAP The second section details dozens XPEDITION of techniques that can be mastered, over four weekends with lesson Satmap are to launch a plans that are graded like ski runs ground-breaking online from green (Beginners) through to application to view maps, black (Expert). Most of it you will plan and share routes and much more. Features already know from Catching include topographical Features to Slope Aspect, yet at the mapping from OS as well same time there are a lot of as international mapping. techniques you may never have Great and useful display considered or even know about such options include both full and as Cliff Aspect or Warning Bearings. split screen view, giving you It is good to be both reminded of the option to work across best practice for basic navigation, the entire length of your maybe changing or relearning more monitor or on two windows/ map types side by side. modern approaches to navigation to This flexible split screen being introduced to new techniques, planning and response. The individual gates in walls and fences view can display two technologies have now become so and if they are locked where the keys some never previously written about. different sized maps, two The third section deals with reliable in enabling us to plan, are held. different types of map and navigating in different environments conduct and expedite missions more Specific detailed operating two different zoom levels at from Arctic and Mountain to Coastal quickly and safely that we would not procedures describe how to mark the same time: total and Urban areas. Focusing on which be fulfilling our duty of care to our incidents at the locus and record the flexibility to see both the whole mountain and the E techniques work best in each response teams, the casualties and data for evidence that can be both G detail of a craggy hill! D environment and variations of them the general public at large if we did used for incident reports to the police U
J Xpedition also incorporates specific to that location. not employ them. and the use of satnav at potential N well known tools from your A The is an entire section that looks Bespoke emergency management scenes of crime, whether suspected H Active 10 such as AOIs G in detail at satnav (GPS/GNSS) from digital mapping is now readily by the police, or mandatory such as U (areas of interest) and POIs A
V basic use in the field right through to available. Such as the missing an air crash site, that can later be (points of interest) to overlay © advanced satnav use creating very person mapping program, Mountain used as evidence in a court of law.
S the map with key information. E
G accurate waypoints and using Map, developed by Scottish The last section provides Search areas and PLS are A
M proximity alarms. An overview of the Mountain Rescue or software from information, again much of which easily marked and I satellite systems available and being commercial organisations such as previously not in the public domain, uploaded and maps can developed gives a good insight into SARMAN by Mapyx. about the best use of mobile phones be customised through LOIs the continuing development of this The Emergency Management in contacting the emergency (lines of interest), highlighting particular boundaries or technology and its importance to chapter is broken down into five services and illustrations of modern recent constructions and SAR. Digital mapping is stages for teams to employ, from ground to air arm signals. modifications. The practical choosing satnav handsets to incident To accompany the manual, an comprehensively explained, with snap-to-road function easily ‘how to do it’ screen captures from management and post-mission interactive website has been plans road navigation, popular digital mapping programs. analysis. developed where there are automatically adjusting the For mountain rescue there is an Specifics for search managers in resources such as downloadable position of waypoints to important chapter dedicated to creating bespoke operational fact sheets and navigational aids follow road network. A Emergency Management. mapping for individual team areas, plus a library of videos, free to view, standard and a premium The combining of Satnav data with combining data such as accident describing techniques and tips. version will be available Digital Mapping for use in mountain hotspots, emergency headquarters, More info can be found at with all current Route Planner users receiving the rescue is nothing short of a including telephone numbers and www.micronavigation.org which first year of premium revolution, providing for ground- alarm codes, even kit stashes. includes some preview pages from subscription completely Added to this operational team the book along with option to buy. breaking new strategies and tactics. free. More info coming Gone are the days when satnav and map are known escape routes, new List price is £14.99 although from a soon! digital mapping may have been features such as new scree slopes or certain famous river site you can get useful, optional tools to consider in mountain streams, even down to a good discount. I
ULTIMATE NAVIGATION MANUAL: ALL THE TECHNIQUES YOU NEED TO BECOME AN EXPERT NAVIGATOR by Lyle Brotherton Published by Collins www.harpercollins.co.uk ISBN: 978-0-00-742460-3. £ 14.99. 368 pages. satmap.co.uk
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 39 Gilfach Farm Llangorse VIEWRANGER Brecon Powys NOW DEPLOYED LD3 7UH Tel: 01874 658 272 WITH OVER 50 LARGE INDOOR CLIMBING AND ACTIVITY CENTRE SAR TEAMS BUNK ACCOMMODATION www.activityuk.com
ViewRanger Search & Rescue (VSAR) programme continues to grow reaching the milestone of over 50 teams actively using the service – primarily MREW but also ALSAR, MRCoS, SARDA and IMRA. VSAR is the company’s initiative to support accredited rescue organisations in England, Wales and beyond in their important work with free and discounted copies of its award winning GPS navigation mobile app and mapping. Given widespread ownership of compatible smartphones (Apple, Android, Symbian) the service is simple and inexpensive to deploy and has proved invaluable in supporting team coordination, navigation and data capture. Besides the comprehensive GPS feature, a key benefit is ViewRanger’s BuddyBeacon, location-sharing capability that allows team members and search coordinators to view the real time location* of others using their mobile, tablet devices (ie. iPads) or via the web (*requires mobile signal). The ability to record search Unit 3b, Lake Road patterns and use the Coniston LA 21 8EW exportable, time stamped data for evidential purposes has also 01 5394 41 733 proved useful. A very recent development is the ability to link location-tagged photos or video captured with the phone to the recorded track. Páramo Premier The mobile app has been Retail ers complemented by a web-based route planning tool. Routes can •La Sportiva •Merrell be created on the big screen •SealSkinz • North Face using OS mapping, then •Mountain King •Regatta instantly published ready for •Meindl •Sprayway download. ViewRanger is Visit us in store or online: currently testing the viability of www.conistonoutdoors.co.uk automated ground guidance 15% Discount to Mountain software, originally designed for Rescue Team Members (Applies to full price items instore only) military applications, to make this process even faster. To find out more or to join the TO ADVERTISE IN MOUNTAIN VSAR programme see RESCUE MAGAZINE viewranger.co.uk/SAR or CONTACT PAT STARKIE contact [email protected]. 01204 88 815 1 PAT@ VINTAGECHIKZ.CO.UK
PAGE 40 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 suppo rt UPDATE: GO OUTDOORS ews MIKE FRANCE N Re: Llanberis MRT NATIONAL FUNDRAISING team profile...
think we all know that, just at the moment, sponsorship deals are hard come by. That’s why I was very excited when John Graham, the CEO of Go Outdoors came to us with a proposal to I quote a passage from the October fundraise and subsequently nominated us to be GO’s national charity. MR Mag, which is in the regional I news section, regarding Llanberis I think it fair to say that this is the most lucrative sponsorship deal ever undertaken by Mountain Rescue MRT. It reads as follows:- England and Wales. So to get where we are today a lot of hard work and many meetings have taken ‘You wont find any Llanberis team place, involving a few officers. member wearing anything that says As with any contact, be it a business contact through your work, or one such as this, there are do’s Mountain Rescue on it. As far as we and do not’s. This deal is just the same and if we all follow the rules it could be worth a lot of money to are concerned there’s no need, we mountain rescue over the next few years. know who we are...etc etc ’ A key part of this deal was to look at micro-donations. We’d heard about the potential of Pennies, ‘the I have been a member of Bolton MRT electronic charity box’, through the Princes’ Forum, which our chairman David Allan attends with for 25 years, on and off, and it is this representatives of other charities under the patronage of Princes William and Harry. Having been shown team who have spent time and the power of mico-donations, and now with a major retailer supporting us, we had a platform to try this. money in my training. I believe micro-donations are a new and simple way to fundraise, so hopefully we will see an increase Over the course of five years, I trained in giving to Mountain Rescue England and Wales. long and hard to gain recognition as a To quote the Pennies website: ‘We’re all familiar with the idea of dropping the coins from our change full search dog handler with SARDA into the charity box sitting on the shop counter. These boxes used to be everywhere, but as we pay for England. Upon passing the our shopping more and more by card, they’re becoming less common. In recent research, 4 in 10 assessments, I was given a jacket people said that they see these boxes less frequently than they used to. Another 30% said that they with the SARDA England Search Dog barely notice them at all. Handler badge on it. My goodness, I ‘That’s where Pennies comes in. The electronic charity box is exactly the same idea, but it works am PROUD to wear badges that when we pay by card or electronically. Whichever way you shop, donating to charity through Pennies represent both factions. It is a symbol couldn’t be easier: just press ‘YES’ on the Chip and PIN machine, or click the ‘DONATE’ button online. of the hard work and dedication I’ve That’s all you need to do to send your small change to charity. The Pennies Foundation then ensures put in. all of your donations are received by charities.’ Even now, with my dog having retired, Once the systems have been put in place, donations should just appear in our bank account. Pennies I still wear the handler’s badged quote an excess of 140 million credit and debit card holders in the UK. If you’re like me when buying jacket whilst assisting other handlers something, I pay by card. It’s so easy to round up by a few pence, it doesn’t cost me a lot, and lots of along the same pathway so that they charities gain. may achieve parity. Long may it be But back to ‘following the rules’... we’ve all been told who’s doing what with GO at the last two national so. meetings, and that contact with GO should be via those people alone, so please can we all stick to this In my opinion, Rob Johnson has the system, at whatever level. If we don’t, it only shows us up for having no discipline and that’s so untrue wrong attitude towards others that – we are a very professional organisation. wear badges and would not last long Provided the money come in as we hope, I have put forward two options for your consideration: the in the presence of other dog handlers. details were sent out to teams via your regional secretaries in December. It is very important to me that this deal is fair to all the teams and it is essential that teams continue to support their local GO stores Dave Marsh with events and displays to maintain the national partnership and secure long-term funding, even if SARDA England and Bolton MRT some teams have to travel to a store. National fundraising is going well at the moment – let’s work together to make it work for everyone in mountain rescue. @ THE ORACLE HAS MOVED... AGAIN It’s SARDA... This particularly nomadic section of the website has moved yet again. Originally in the ‘Members’ area a question about only, it was moved to the public area last year as it was felt it should be more accessible to team members, the vehicle public and journalists/media. To this end, we created the ‘Media Centre’, incorporating information sheets, insurance... incident statistics, news, useful forms, distinguished service awards and Oracle articles. The intention is also to include a downloadable photo resource at some stage in the future. Back in November it became apparent that the title ‘Media’ was misleading, giving the impression this was purely for ‘the media’ and not relevant to us ordinary mortals! So... the Media Centre was retitled ‘Information Centre’. It’s worth reminding you here that the website has a search facility. So, if there’s anything you can’t
2 immediately put your finger on, it’s always worth trying the search box on the top of the left-hand 1
0 navigational column. 2
Y And, speaking of the Oracle, for those team members unaware of this valuable resource – content is still R
A developing, and the idea is to add to this over time. Each article is written by an expert in their field. Latest U
N addition to the resource was ‘Working with Helicopters’ by Duncan Tripp, RAF Winchman Paramedic, the A J official training guide produced by the RAF and applicable to anyone with any dealings with Sea Kings N A
L and other helicopters. L A Other articles include ‘Sleep deprivation’, ‘Team leadership’, ‘Knots and anchor selection’ ‘Understanding D I
V the weather’ and many more. Please take a look and, if you feel there are any topics you’d like covered, A D
let me know: [email protected] © You can find the Information Centre at http://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/information-centre.
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 41 winter skills
MARTIN CHESTER Martin Chester is a British (IFMGA) Mountain Guide, and the Director of Training for Plas y Brenin National Mountain Centre. He regularly contributes to the Backcountry section of Fall-line skiing magazine, and has delivered some (well received) transceiver training to Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team. Find out more about him and his team at pyb.co.uk. MAIN SHOT: A LOT OF DIGGING TO DO! DIAGRAM: AVALANCHE SEARCH STAGES FROM OPE ALL IMAGES AND DIAGRAM © MARTIN CHESTER
PAGE 42 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 winter skills
EVERY SECOND COUNTS...
New technology, equipment and over the peak (the way you came) to research all help, but with most folks find the next point where the signal getting buried over a metre down, starts to consistently fade a little. Most you’ve still got plenty of work to do. people are reluctant to look for the So, from using your beacon, to finally worsening signal – be strict. Now go liberating your mate from the snow, back to the peak or mid-point, keep here are a few of the most significant the unit facing the same way, and developments in the last few years. take a sweep out to each side looking Whatever kit you use, all companion for the same effect. Be quick, slick rescues have five critical stages – and thorough, but don’t get hung up here’s how to optimise each stage on this pin-pointing. If you struggle to when every second counts. get as close as you would like, remember they could be deeply 1: Find a signal buried. This used to be a bit of an You need a transceiver, and now epic with old analogue devices, but your mate is buried somewhere you’ll less so with modern digital be wishing you bought the best you technology and three aerials. You can could get. Any modern three-aerial, waste ages splitting hairs over a few digital device will do. I currently favour GET CLOSE centimeters here or there, when you the Pulse above all others (simply AND GET LOW would be better off probing. from having seen the results of giving At this point, whilst practising, many them to students). Turn all other of you will be digging out a transceivers off (or to search, of transceiver from just below the course) to avoid the classic Sunday surface; glancing at your stopwatch; League error of a Benny Hill style and congratulating yourselves on a chase after your mate who is still DS) tend to do better than adults at job well done. But here’s the bad beeping. Start your search at the this, which says all you need to know. news: in reality you will be out of point you last saw the victim (or Knowing that you are likely to sweep range of the signal to begin with, and evidence of them). Best to mark this in on a curve helps (in case you were then (with median depth of burial at point as it will get a bit chaotic later wondering why you seem to be going just over a metre) you still have a load on to tell where you’ve been, and in a massive arc) so just stick with it! of work to do to find the body with a where you haven’t. Search the debris Move fast, but not so fast that you probe. You may then have tons in wide sweeps and don’t overshoot. If it all goes a bit weird (literally) of snow to shift before your underestimate how far folks can there is a good chance it’s deeply rescue is effective. With so little travel, or how far under the edge of buried. A great analogy is that finding chance of surviving burial for more the debris they may have been a transceiver is like landing a plane. than twenty minutes, the clock is pushed. You can fly as fast and high as you ticking. Set up your practice The top tip to optimising signal like to begin with. As you home in, exercises with a transceiver that is range is understanding that the you need to get slower and lower well out of range to begin with. Then orientation of your longest aerial when you get close. make sure you have buried it in et’s be honest, we all really matters. You can’t guess what something like a rucksack (to probe know it could happen this might be – so instead of holding 3. Grid search for) and at a suitable depth to get the but we all pray it your device low and staring at a blank Be ruthlessly systematic here. Your measure of digging. So this brings us won’t. Those screen – hold the transceiver to your beacon has brought you in to the to the often overlooked skills of: statistics aren’t ear and keep rotating the unit through signal on the optimum line. In our numbers – they were all three possible axes (see diagram). ‘landing a plane’ analogy, this is like 4: Probe outwards Lpeople who were equally hoping lining up on that imaginary runway. in a spiral and it wouldn’t be them. When all 2: Zoom in Change your position and the square to the slope that fine pow turns out to be soft on the signal transceiver orientation at the same Practise assembling your probe in slab and starts to slide, there is This stage is all about balancing time and you won’t know which a hurry, so you don’t muff it up when no time to go looking for help speed and efficiency. Follow the change made the greater difference. you need it most. Starting at your from others – it’s up to you and display on your transceiver (whatever Keep the transceiver the same way best point with the transceiver, probe your mates! You better hope you type you have) and trust the round (lined up with the runway) and deeply into the snow. Don’t be scared all came prepared, equipped technology over your instinct. Your get right down on the surface of the to really shove the probe with some with (and know how to use) the transceiver is not as prone to getting snow. Don’t get giddy at the first sign welly, in case you need to punch off-piste essentials: transceiver, emotionally hung up on a particular of a strong signal – keep going until through blocks of debris or icy crusts. shovel and probe. direction or area as you are. Kids you are sure you have passed the Your victim has way more to worry (used to blind faith in a ‘Game boy’ or ‘peak’. Mark this point, and go back about than a probe up their nose if
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 43 PAGE 44 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 you don’t find them soon! Bending double to probe a deep snow pack means you’ll wish you bought that three metre probe, rather than that Gucci two metre stick. Likewise, those fancy probes that fit in a shovel handle are a bit like probing with a banana. You’ll soon have no idea where you’ve been, and where you haven’t. Work your way around and out in a spiral, with 20cm or so between holes. Be aware you should always probe at right angles to the slope (regardless of steepness) to be sure to find your victim fastest. See diagram for details or, even better, see the excellent chapter in the Off Piste Essentials DVD. Finally, once you’ve found your mate, just leave that probe in. I cannot imagine how comforting it would feel, and how dismayed you would be if it was taken away again. Wiggle it from time to time to let them know you’re still coming.
5. Dig efficiently as a team Okay, so you probably think I’m being a right pedant now! What could possibly be technical about digging? TOP: TRY TO The harsh reality is that you may have PROBE SQUARE several tons of snow to move so early TO SLOPE enthusiasm and brute strength may ABOVE: DIG AS lead to the wheels falling off before the A TEAM job is done. You’d also be amazed how many rescuers would consider standing on top of the person they are trying to rescue, and digging straight down to them. Every kilo of snow Like all skills, the only way to get being lifted out of a metre deep hole! good at this is to practise, and to Thankfully, this one is relatively practise all five stages (not just stages simple: get a metal shovel which 2 and 3 like so many of us are prone works, and dig the snow out, not up! to do). Getting some training from an With your probe in the snow, start by expert can really help hone your skills, moving downhill to start digging in to or go on a course with a British the slope from the side. One and a Mountain Guide (www.bmg.org.uk). half times the depth on the probe is a Do some homework on the web to good rule of thumb to start with. With keep abreast of new technology and one member taking the lead, keep ideas, and try to keep up to date. You aiming in at a point level with the base can find out more info from the of the probe (not the surface). Shovel excellent ‘Staying alive in avalanche the snow out behind you to the rest of terrain’ book, reading the latest the team, who can clear it out in a research at www.genswein.ch (the conveyor system. Work efficiently as a brains behind the Pulse), or buy a copy team, in a V-shape, and swap roles as of the excellent Off-Piste Essentials you start to tire (see diagram). As DVD. Better still, buy one for your soon as you find the body, try to work mates – as it’ll be them coming to your out where the mouth will be, as rescue, should the worst occur! I getting that airway clear is your number one priority. To buy, visit: www.bmcshop.co.uk OFF PISTE ESSENTIALS DVD: £20 BMC MEMBERS: £18 Published by the BMC in association with Plas Y Brenin, this DVD will educate and inspire all those wanting to learn the essential skills and techniques to venture off the piste. Filmed in the Austrian Silvretta Alps, it follows a team of four skiers on a varied and exhilarating week. Starting off piste in Ischgl, they get a feel for the snow conditions, find fresh tracks, and safely get away from the crowds on a big powder day. On a simple day tour, they make use of skins to reach a ski summit, before enjoying a superb descent to the valley and, finally, they set off on a hut to hut tour through glacial terrain, taking in alpine summits on the way. The skills covered illustrate a progression through off piste skiing to multi day ski tours and ski mountaineering in glaciated terrain, and are appropriate to skiers and boarders of all standards. A must for off piste aspirants!
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 45 E U C S E R
H C A E R T U O : N O I T A
WATER SEARCH INCIDENT R T S U L L I
K U
MANAGEMENT . O C . S E G A M I G N I K C . W W W
G N I K
L Y R E H C
: O T O H P HOPE for the BEST ... PLAN for the WORST
ater search incidents are often urgent but Zones and PPE equipment for personnel operating The equipment used has ideally to difficult incidents to Within water rescue, three zones in each of these zones. be matched against the range of deal with. The initial are usually used to indicate relative In the hot zone it is typically taken hazards but it is difficult to meet all response is often hazard people may be exposed as full water rescue PPE with the requirements all the time and framed around an when operating. training typical at MREW In Water compromises need to be Wurgent rescue effort that is complicated Team or DEFRA Module 3 Water understood. by the casualty not being in the Hot Zones Rescue Technician. The requirements of full water expected location. The change of mode These are typically taken as areas In the warm zone the level of rescue PPE may cause difficulties required means that the rescue effort where personnel are working in, on training would typically be based on for searchers as it is difficult needs to refocus into a search. Key to or over the water. MREW Bankside Team training or equipment to operate in under developing an effective response is the Warm Zone DEFRA Module 2 Water Rescue certain circumstances. Drysuits, understanding of: This is an area that typically First Responder. personal flotation devices with G Where to search extends 3m or so away from the In the cold zone an awareness of thermal undersuits are ideal for G How to search water’s edge or a point that a water hazard and the relevant PPE working in the water (typically at a G AND developing a plan to maximise person may accidently enter it, is typically expected, not least to temperature of 7-14°C), but when the chances of success. Within that plan such as the top of a steep enable people to recognise that working along a difficult bankside there is a need to be aware of incident embankment. they may be exposing themselves on a hot day it can be less than management considerations so the or their team members to risks they ideal due to factors such as heat Cold Zone have not had specific training in. stress and limited range of search is managed as effectively as This zone is outside the hot and When searching, team members movement. However, the possible. warm zone and personnel will often transit through different consequence of accidental entry This article discusses the application of operating in the cold zone are zones as they progress along the into the water may be extremely typical water rescue incident unlikely to enter the water. river. At different times the team hazardous. management considerations to the members actively searching may For parties being deployed they water search and some of the dilemmas The zones also indicate the level find themselves in the water, should be briefed to minimise their that may be faced. of training and personal protective working above it or very close to it. risks accordingly and it might mean
PAGE 46 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 water
AL READ OGWEN VALLEY MRO & OUTREACH RESCUE
that most of the search work is training, PPE and equipment to Recording the deployment and the water, then perhaps the more conducted not wearing full in-water manage the risks. In incidents that return of searchers can be achieved important this function is, but they can PPE but carrying it in case it is have a Fire and Rescue Service by establishing an inner cordon also be tasked to conduct required. The changing into and out attendance they would usually expect control point and ensuring that investigative activities if full PPE is of the PPE may be balanced by the to manage the entry and exit of everyone operating inside the inner required. overall speed of the search when personnel into and from the inner cordon checks in and out with the compared to the speed if wearing the cordon and ensure that organisations control point. Conclusions PPE all the time. operating within the inner cordon are In a large search where search Water search incidents rapidly grow aware of risks and have suitable teams may travel large distances then in size, both in terms of potential Cordons control measures in place to protect multiple inner cordon control points search area but also the sheer At most major incidents, cordoning their personnel. with good communications may help number of potential responders. The to limit the access to the incident site In search incidents these cordons to manage deployment of teams into nature of rivers mean that the search can be expected. This serves a are difficult to establish, mainly due to and out of their search tasks. can be more difficult to manage but number of different functions but, in a the relative size of the search area and planning and careful use of PPE for river search context, they can be the fact that, theoretically, it can grow. Plan for the teams can help to build an difficult to establish and maintain. Practical considerations may mean the unexpected effective search response. The Outer Cordon is usually these cordons are ‘leaky’ with multiple The distributed nature of search Cordon and zones are difficult to managed by the police to ensure the unmanaged access points. work means that the search teams will establish in a widescale search and safety of all personnel required to To help manage these issues, often be operating with a degree of there is always the chance of the assist with the incident. Usually this establishing Rendezvous Points isolation and removed from unexpected. will be based on the roads or (RVPs), Incident Control Points (ICPs), immediate support. During water Good search management footpaths that are used to approach briefing processes, party deployment searches, planning to hold back a processes will consider different facts the scene. and return plans, and getting people rapid intervention team of 3-4 people and develop a range of tactics to deal The Inner Cordon aims to ensure to run them, may help to minimise the fully capable of quickly responding to with them. I that all personnel operating within it early incident management time request for assistance can be a are risk aware and have suitable pressures. consideration. The more hazardous
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 47 Safequip Responder Drysuit PVC coated fabric Back entry Latex neck and cuff seals Latex socks with gaiter Reinforcement on knee and seat MR Price: £ 150 + VAT
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PAGE 48 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 Mountain Rescue Second Annual NATIONAL WATER CONFERENCE 21 JANUARY, 9.00PM TO 5.00PM
IN THE PEAK DISTRICT KEYNOTE SPEAKERS COVERING TOPICS INCLUDING: • CONSIDERATION FOR NAVIGATION AT WATER INCIDENTS • A POLICE PERSPECTIVE • DEFRA STANDARDS: ‘MODULE 5: THE DETAIL’ • AND MORE... DISCUSSION, WORKSHOPS AND PRACTICAL STATIONS, INCLUDING: • INCIDENT MANAGEMENT • VEHICLE EXTRICATION • BOATS IN MOUNTAIN RESCUE • SEARCH MANAGEMENT TRAINING • AND MANY MORE... A REVIEW OF INCIDENTS FROM 2011 * Please note that sessions are subject to change. £30 PER PERSON Refreshments & buffet lunch included. Hosted by Edale MRT in conjunction with Mountain Rescue England and Wales. email: [email protected]. For latest conference news, visit www.edalemrt.co.uk/nwc
REACH AND RESCUE POLE ENSURES OPERATOR SAFETY The pole is designed with larger pole. Our video on operator safety in mind – with a 3 www.reachandrescue.com metre hazard zone to ensure a shows how it can be fully safe distance from the edge of the hazard – and to accurately deploy a flotation or rescue device to a casualty as quickly as possible, on water, ice, mud and flood. The largest pole folds down to 2.6 metres allowing easy storage in a quick release bag. On water, ice or mud, the flotation buoy can be attached to the top section – rescuers decide which accessory is applicable for the incident and attach it to the extended and accurately pole using the snap-on easy deployed in 45 seconds, and release head section. To use, the fully retracted again in 29 operator points the pole toward seconds – one minute, fourteen the victim, releases the first seconds for the entire rescue, clamp on the first section, less if the victim is closer than extends the section and closes 17m. The high visibility end the clamps, repeating until section can be seen by the desired distance is achieved. victim, even in lower visibility. The pole is retracted by Incredibly versatile from an repeating in reverse order. operational perspective, with a A quick connect detachable large selection of flotation and carabiner (Carago) is available to retrieval attachments available in facilitate rescue at heights of kits or individually, it can be suspended victims in harnesses, tailored to suit the rescue making Reach and Rescue Pole situation and operated easily by Kits a versatile multipurpose one or two people in all weather piece of rescue equipment. conditions, from shoreside or The key benefit is the speed it vessel. A failsafe rope ensures takes to fully extend from its the pole sections stay intact if compact state to 17m for the damage occurs during a rescue.
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 49
medic al
The Professionals Choice for Emergency Care Products G Diagnostics the Medical Bags m G fro G Protective Helmets G First Aid G Immobilisation jPRoOPHuYLrACnTICa ANlTsIBIOTIC USE TO PREVENT WEIL’S DISEASE AFTER IMMERSION IN WATER The incidence of Weil’s disease (leptospirosis) in the UK is very low. Nevertheless cases are reported and the effects of the disease are potentially serious. Anything that will reduce the chances of infection is therefore worth employing. A review has been carried out to assess the evidence in favour of using prophylactic antibiotics. Most of the studies come from countries outwith the UK where the disease is common but the findings are applicable to any situation. www.999SUPPLIER.CO.UK The risk from immersion in clear running water is virtually non-existent. However if immersion has Email: [email protected] occurred in standing water, known areas of rat Tel: 0845 2307630 / 0845 2307631 infestation and drainage channels there is very good Fax: 01329 829276 evidence in favour of prophylactic antibiotic use to be used as soon as possible after immersion. The antibiotic of choice is doxycycline. Emergency Medical Journal Dec. 2011 Edale Mountain Rescue Team MOUNTAIN RESCUE CASUALTY CARE SINGLE HANDED TRAUMA/MEDICAL WEEKEND RESUSCITATION Fortunately, it is rare to be presented with a situation 31 MARCH – 1 APRIL where single-handed resuscitation is required. Nevertheless when it does happen it is a daunting task and any information that points to the most efficient practice is to be welcomed. EDALE MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM HQ A recent study has looked at the best position for the LAFARGE CEMENT WORKS • HOPE • DERBYSHIRE • S33 6RP rescuer. The research was done using a bag-valve- mask device and the results cannot be extrapolated to Map Reference: OS 1:25,000 Dark Peak, SK 1663 8266 situations when this equipment is not available. However, the results are sufficiently robust to be worth * FOR CAS CARE HOLDERS/EXPERIENCED noting for the occasions when equipment is to hand. The study looked at three different positions for the MR FIRST AIDERS: THIS IS MOSTLY rescuer; over the head CPR; lateral CPR (with the rescuer to the side of the casualty); and alternating the A PRACTICAL HANDS-ON COURSE two positions. 102 health care professionals using a manikin were £50 PER PERSON studied. The results demonstrated a clear advantage to the over the head position particularly in respect of Course, Sat/Sun Lunch & Saturday Evening meal included. using a bag-mask device Stefan Maisch et al, Comparison of the Accommodation NOT included – information on local options will be forwarded over-the-head, lateral and alternating positions during upon registering interest on the course. cardiopulmonary resuscitation Emergency Medical Journal 2011,11, 974-978 Email [email protected] for a booking form. Payment will be required prior to the course, along with a booking letter on your team’s headed paper.
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 51 THE POWERHEART AED G3 AUTOMATIC AND SEMI-AUTOMATIC DEFIBS FROM OPENHOUSE
The AED G3 Automatic and Semi-Automatic defibrillators are two dependable members of our automated external defibrillator family. The fully automatic AED administers a defibrillating shock (when appropriate) with no shock button for the user to press. The semi- automatic AED administers a defibrillating shock at the press of a button. Choose the portable defibrillator that’s right for you. Features AN INCIDENT ON include: G Rescue Ready defibrillator technology self-tests all main components (battery, hardware, software, and pads) daily. INGLEBOROUGH Powerheart Automatic and Semi-Automatic Defibrillators complete a partial charge of the high-voltage electronics weekly, and a full he occurrence of collapse in fell walkers under charge monthly. G Calculates electrical impedance and if subsequent shocks are accidental adverse climatic conditions as necessary, our proprietary STAR biphasic technology escalates the hypothermia has accidental hypothermia has been energy to deliver therapy at an appropriate, higher level become recognised pointed out by Ogilvie and has led G Warranty: A 7-year warranty on the AED. during recent years as him to coin the term Exhaustion- G A 4-year full battery operational replacement guarantee. a cause of morbidity Exposure Syndrome. The incident Benefits include: Tand death in those engaged in on Ingleborough Hill near G Reliability: Both Powerheart automatic and semi-automatic mountain activities. Those Ingleton, Yorkshire, in 1967, defibrillators are Rescue Ready when needed. particularly at risk are the young, illustrates these points and also G Simplicity: Almost anyone can use these defibrillators. the inexperienced and those with enables some comments to be G Reassuring: The AED knows when to (and when not to) deliver the defibrillation shock so users don’t have to worry about “doing it right. inadequate equipment. made on methods of treatment G Comprehensive: The text screen is helpful in noisy and chaotic Excessive physical stress is currently available. environments. thought to be a precipitating Included in pack: factor. The random grouping of On Sunday, 21 May 1967, a party of G Powerheart AED G3 Plus G Carry Bag G Battery Pack young people of different 80 members of the Army Cadet Force G Battery Cable G Paediatric Pads G Adults Pads physical fitness as occurs in were camped at Chapel-le-Dale, near G Rescue Ready Pack youth organisations and the Ingleton. It was intended that the armed forces may lead the cadets should walk the Three Peaks weaker members of the party to route over Whernside, Pen-y-Gent excessive physical exertion in and Ingleborough, a distance of 25 order to keep up with the rest of miles involving 6000 feet of ascent. the party. Recently the possible The party arose at 04.00hrs and had errors in diagnosing all cases of breakfast of beans and sausage
For more information or the Openhouse range, go to openhouseproducts.com • www.ohtogo.co.uk or email [email protected] 01 51 647 404 4 • Fax 01 51 647 404 8
PAGE 52 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 medic al
ROBERT R GRIEVE NORTHERN RESCUE ing back... ORGANISATION, PRESTON: 1967look before setting out at 05.00hrs. The stretcher case, was transported weather was fine, wind west sou-west It was decided to treat the patient elsewhere for treatment. No details speed 30-35 mph at 2000 feet, by the hot bath method as facilities are known of this case although his temperature was 10°C in the valley. for this were available. He was placed general condition after treatment was During the ascent of the second in water at 40°C and remained there poorer than that of the four patients mountain, Pen-y-Gent, at least one of for twenty minutes. His progress treated at Hill Inn. All five cadets were the party (AB) was complaining of during treatment is shown below: later transported to hospital for cramps in the legs and appeared to 0 minutes: overnight observation. be lagging behind the rest of the Rectal Temp: 33.5°C. BP: 120/80. A number of important points party. The party had dinner of stew 5 minutes: emerge from a study of these cases. and rice pudding on descent from BP: 110/75. The clothing work by the cadets was Pen-y-Gent. During the walk to the 10 minutes inadequate for mountain activities. hypothermia or a less stable cardio- next mountain, Ingleborough, Rectal Temp: 35°C. BP: 80/50. On later investigation, the clothing vascular system it is possible that the precipitation commenced at General condition deteriorated, assembly worn by AB was found to fall may be more pronounced and 14.00hrs, in the form of heavy rain became unconscious. Head lowered, legs raised. have an insulating assembly of 1 Clo. could conceivably lead to nervous and hail, temperature fell to 2°C at 12 minutes None of the party had any outer system damage unless the fall is 2000 feet during the showers. At BP: 85/50 waterproof clothing although looked for and appropriate action 15.15hrs, one of the cadets collapsed Improving, conscious, becoming pink. groundsheets were available at the taken by lowering the patient’s head in the area of Simon Fell a little below 20 minutes camp. It is obvious that more publicity and raising his legs. The exact cause the summit of Ingleborough. He was RT: 37°C. BP: 110/60. mist be given to the standard of of this fall in blood pressure is treated by covering with a sleeping Rational, active. clothing required for mountain unknown, it is likely however that it bag and polythene bag by members 25 minutes activities. None of the cadets will prove to be due to a sudden of a mountain rescue team escorting BP: 120/70. interviewed had received any decrease in peripheral vascular the party. A stretcher was dispatched Removed from bath. instruction on mountain clothing or resistance. Until more information is from Hill Inn, Chapel-le-Dale, to exposure. From the comments of collected on the effects on blood collect this casualty. At 16.00hrs, two After treatment AB was able to walk some of the party, the food provided pressure and other vital functions, it more cadets collapsed and a request unassisted to the bedroom. AB was was insufficient to sustain the cadets is felt that the method of active for assistance was made to the noted to be wearing cotton vest, during a rigorous mountain day. It rewarming by means of a hot bath Northern Rescue Organisation who string vest, cotton pants, wool was noted that the condition of the should only be used with great were in Ingleton having completed pullover, denim trousers, denim casualties evacuated by stretcher caution and preferably only then with the safety check for the annual jacket, wool socks and boots All his was better than that of the two medical advice and attention. Fellsman 50 mile Hike. Five minutes clothing was soaking wet. He was aged casualties assisted off the mountain later, it was learnt that two more fifteen, height 180cm, weight 68kg. The author would like to thanks Mr when they arrived at the road head. cadets were being escorted off the Cliff Price, Secretary of the Three other casualties were treated However, no definite comparison can mountain. It now appeared that there Lancashire Mountain Accident Panel at Hill Inn, one walking case and two be made as the exact original state of were at least three stretcher cases for permission to publish information stretcher cases. None of these the two groups is unknown. The and two walking cases coming off the contained in the LMAP report on this casualties were hypothermic and recovery of the four cases treated as mountain. The landlord of the Hill Inn incident. I they were all shivering. The two cases soon as they reached the road head offered a bathroom and a bedroom transported by stretcher appeared to was quicker than was that of the case Thanks, once again to Phil Lund for for the treatment of the casualties and have been improved by the treatment evacuated nine miles before sharing this material over the last three the public bar became the receiving they received on the mountain from treatment. This illustrates the possible issues. room. Resuscitation equipment from the rescue teams. This consisted of adverse effects of an ambulance the NRO’s ambulance was installed insulation in a down bag and journey for victims of exposure and in the bathroom. THE AUTHOR, BOB GRIEVE covering with a polythene bag that efficient treatment facilities at the PICTURED AT BROUGHTON The first casualty (AB) arrived at together with the administration of road head are desirable in al cases AMBULANCE HQ 17.15 hrs being half carried, half warm fluids. The clothing worn by and may be essential in a few cases dragged by one of his companions. these three casualties was similar to if they are to be resuscitated. During On examination, he was unable to that worn by AB, All three casualties treatment of three of the casualties, a respond on simple commands. He were given a bath at 40°C. This fall in their blood pressure was noted was cold to the touch but was not produced a considerable subjective whilst they were in the hot bath. This shivering and was very pale, muscle improvement in their general fall was most marked in the tome was increased. At this time: condition. Two showed a transient fall hypothermic casualty (AB) and Rectal temperature: 33.5°C (92°F) in blood pressure after about five produced a transient period of Blood pressure: 120/80. minutes in the bath. A fifth casualty, a unconsciousness. In a person with a Pulse: 60 per minute, regular. more profound degree of
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 53 FIFTH EUROPEAN CAVE RESCUE CONFERENCE STARIGRAD-PAKLENICA CROATIA 15 -18 SEPTEMBER 20 11
PETER ALLWRIGHT BCRC
PAGE 54 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 caves
ollowing the UIS Cave directly in the testing, there was a long the Hölloch was presented by Felix Rescue Conference wait between ‘things happening’, until Zeilger, from Switzerland. This is now held in Bulgaria in the interesting bit when it came to a mature radio system offering a lot of May, the 5th European cutting the rope to simulate a failure. facilities but using only text Cave Rescue meeting The net result of this testing was messaging. The CaveLink radios can was held in Starigrad, analysed on the Saturday and a report be attached to a number of specialist FCroatia – located on the coastal prepared. This showed that the data collection devices (the initial road between Zadar and maximum loading encountered was design objective). well within the safety limits. A report on A text message can be entered in a Rijeka.The conference was based this testing is available from the author manner similar to a mobile phone around the Croatian if you require more details. and, when transmitted, will take many Mountain/Cave Rescue Base for The author was scheduled to seconds (and possibly minutes) to the Paklenica National Park. The present the Nicola 3 cave radio on the send depending on the transmission conference was attended by Pete Sunday morning. During the period distance. The system guarantees and Barbara Allwright, from BCRC leading up to the conference, successful transmission requiring the and Dr William Lumb, Medical strenuous efforts by the designer receiving station to check the data is Officer BCRC, with delegates from Graham Naylor, supported by Pete correct using software techniques. several European cave rescue Allwright, had been made to get a CaveLink will retry failed messages, groups including the French, working pair of radios. There had increasing the transmission power Italian, Austrian and Croatian been one successful test in Oxford but until successful. This system can be organisations. this had been terminated early by the connected to mobile phones and to Whereas the weather in Bulgaria has intervention of a rather large bull some radio systems. been unseasonably cold in May, the showing great interest in Graham’s It has been used extensively by the weather for this conference was red rucksack! Swiss Cave Rescue (Spéléo-Secours unseasonably warm and sunny with Subsequent tests had been Suisse http://www.speleosecours.ch/fr/ temperatures regularly reaching 31°C disappointing with no communication in French/German) and is also used in the shade. So it was a good thing being made. So on arrival in Starigrad, for long term data collection. See the Adriatic was within a few hundred Pete decided to make sure the website for details www.cavelink.com. yards of the conference location and batteries were fully charged and good use was made of this fact. The tested the voltage level first – and European Cave accommodation was very comfortable found the level was much too low for Rescue Association and clean whilst the food was good the radios to operate, thus explaining The idea for a grouping of cave local cuisine, with use of local hotels the problems. rescue organisations across Europe and restaurants for various meals. So the batteries were all fully has been developing over recent The conference was split into recharged and checked. On the years. The thrust for this comes from various threads. The Medical thread Saturday morning, further bench tests the active continental teams – France, comprised a variety of meetings of were carried out which showed that Italy and Croatia – together with a doctors at which Dr William Lumb the Nicola 3 radios would talk to each number of eastern European teams. represented the BCRC. other if the aerials were in close This year, shortly before the There was a meeting of cave divers proximity. Further, Christian Dodelin conference, a draft constitution was during the conference, primarily from and Olivier Lanet were present with a circulated. This was quite detailed and France, Italy and Croatia. I do not have prototype of the SSF (Spéléo Secours contained a number of clauses to a full report on events but am advised Français) Pimpernel cave radios. After which the BCRC was unable to all ‘went to plan’. The Italians brought resolving problems with its battery subscribe. The immediate reaction their portable decompression power supply, we were able to show was not the support the progression chamber, which proved to be of great that the Pimpernel would successfully of such an organisation – the brief was interest. talk to Nicola 3. to support the current loose Another thread was technical and So the presentation of Nicola 3 was arrangement supported by regular looked at testing loading on ropes duly given on the Sunday morning conferences. during the use of a Tyrolean with a and we adjourned into the hills to A more formal meeting to discuss loaded stretcher. The testing party attempt some testing. This was only the proposal was held on the were able to simulate the failure of a partially successful with one Nicola 3 Saturday (17 September). belay and, using modern talking to the Pimpernel (if only just). The cited objectives in the Third dynamometer load gauges connected The second Nicola 3 gave no results. Circular for the conference could be to a laptop, were able to measure the Later that week, the batteries were summarised as: peak loading. The testing was carried tested again and it was discovered G Means of exchanging experience out on a very hot Friday afternoon there were further battery problems in and knowledge. high in the Paklenica hills. The that one had failed completely. (The G Increasing cooperation, particularly Tyrolean was strung between two current prototypes of Nicola 3 uses in the case of major operations. suitable rock faces identified before internal rechargeable batteries.) G Producing information and reports the conference. For those not involved The CaveLink radio system used in about incidents.
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 55 YORKSHIRE DALES RESCUE PANEL & BRITISH CAVE RESCUE COUNCIL 25TH BCRC CAVE RESCUE CONFERENCE 12-14 OCTOBER 20 12
On behalf of the British Cave Rescue Council, the Yorkshire Dales Rescue Panel (YDRP) will be hosting the 25th National Cave Rescue Conference on the weekend of 12- 14 October 2 01 2. The conference will be based in Clapham, North Yorkshire, the location of the Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO) headquarters. A First Circular is planned for the New Year. At this stage, it is expected that Saturday Other ideas conceived included view to ratification at the next audio was very quiet and was being will comprise a number making an active contribution to European Cave Rescue meeting in drowned by the background of workshops, whilst ‘caver safety’. Whilst the BCRC would the Jura, France next October. interference. The fact that N3 Sunday will be more lecture based. subscribe to these ideas, to quantify reception would be quiet was an them formally was felt a step too far. Further Nicola 3 expected problem – the amplifier Any suggestions or For example, aspects of ‘caver safety’ testing settings are presently fixed and are at proposals for workshops and training here falls into the remit of Following a holiday in Croatia, we a low amplification setting. The fact or lectures, please the British Caving Association, headed to France through Italy, that the background completely contact the organising deliberately separating the role of arriving late afternoon on Saturday 24 swamped the signal was not so secretary, Graham Hughes hughesg01@ training and the like from that of September in the Vercours, expected. hotmail.com in the first rescue in the event of problems immediately making contact with However, transmitting from N3 to the instance. occurring. Benoit Joly from 3SI (Speleo Secours underground station (at, I was There was some support for the idea Isere). After a drinks break, we carried advised, –30 metres) was good and of keeping a loose arrangement, but out some surface tests with the clear, although the Bluetooth coding overall the teams represented almost working Nicola 3 and a Nicola 2. At settings are not quite correct leading unanimously supported the idea of a last some real success with clear to ‘robotic’ voice reception. Some formal setup. There was a suggestion 2-way communications albeit over a time was then spent experimenting that some funding might be available very short distance. So the tentative with aerials and configurations, but no THE EUROPEAN from the EU. Within this, having a plans for testing the next day were significant improvement in Nicola 3 formal organisation would allow cave now confirmed. reception was achieved. CAVE RESCUE rescue to speak with one voice and An intense thunderstorm overnight To conclude, the first Nicola 3 PCONlFuERs ENCE thereby be taken seriously by the lead to a very misty morning, but a dry underground tests were deemed on 2012 IS EXPECTED authorities. clearing day was forecast. A rigging the whole to be successful with the TO BE HELD There were different opinions group from 3SI started early; we were major problem of the signal whether cave rescue should fall within collected from the hotel at 9.30am and amplification being known. The N3 19-21 OCTOBER IN the FSE (Fédération Spéléologique headed to the Gouffre Fumant. developer, Graham Naylor, is planning THE JURA, FRANCE. Européenne www.fsue.org) or act as At the entrance, both Nicola 2 and a further round of prototypes shortly a separate body. This matter is to be Nicola 3 radios were set up. Not too with a view to going to production first investigated further. long afterwards, communication from quarter of next year – watch this The outcome of the meeting was to underground was established on the space! I ...A busy period progress the draft constitution to one Nicola 2. However, whilst the Nicola 3 for some cavers! that is acceptable to all teams, with a (N3) was picking up the signal, the
PAGE 56 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 caves
NAE BWRIGHST F UFTURRE OFORM CLAP HAM.. . THE CRO DISPLAY TRAILER Two local firms, well respected within the Yorkshire Dales, have jointly enabled CRO to complete their display trailer with the GRAND RAFFLE installation of the latest high tech display medium. Steve Tullett, Northern Sales Manager for SDMO, is seen presenting CRO’s WINNERS Malcolm Linford with a 240v generator, which will be used to power The winning tickets for the 20 11 Grand a DVD television unit generously provided by Tooby’s Electrical of Raffle have been drawn and a list of Ingleton in association with Toshiba UK. winners can be found on The trailer is used for PR purposes, visiting local shows and www.cro.org.uk. Ben Lyon of Lyon events to educate visitors and locals about the team and their Equipment kindly visited the depot to rescue work, and to provide sound advice for those venturing into pick the 26 lucky winners who have now the outdoors. The team will be putting together a montage of video been informed. and photos to show their recent and highlight the variety of rescues they undertake. Despite Local businesses supplied a wide the name, the Cave Rescue Organisation undertakes rescues above and under the ground variety of very generous prizes and team and increasingly the majority of the call-outs are to surface incidents. Viewers of ‘Helicopter members and supporters sold tickets to Heroes’ will have seen the team feature many times in several episodes, providing the vital friends and family and at events expertise and support that enables the Air Ambulance to evacuate casualties to hospital. attended by the team across the summer. The raffle was a huge success, raising around £3500, which will be used ULTIMATE THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE to purchase essential team clothing for Early on the morning of Saturday 12 November, nearly 40 walkers and runners met in the winter. Horton-in-Ribblesdale to undertake The Cave Rescue Organisation Ultimate Three Peaks A gentleman from Shropshire won the Challenge. The aim of the Yorkshire Three Peaks walk is to complete a route of 24 miles first prize of two weeks villa taking in the peaks of Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, within a period of twelve accommodation in Florida donated by hours but the time of year for this event meant that the start and finish parts of the route were Zoe Ketteridge, who was herself rescued undertaken in darkness. by the team from Whernside in February For once the weather was kind and there were no serious problems experienced by the 2009 and has since been one of the walkers. Indeed the fastest time was four and half hours! Afterwards, CRO received many team’s most active supporters. messages from those who took part, praising the support and encouragement from the Raffle organiser and team member, team members who turned out to help. Amongst the walkers was a team of three from Fresh Heather Eastwood said ‘we’d like to Radio, who had been publicising the event prior to the date, including Mike Lennon, who thank everyone who bought a ticket, sold described their experience as ‘an absolutely brilliant day.’ And it proved to be the best year a ticket or donated a prize for their yet for fundraising from this event – £4,000 to date. extreme generosity.’
MEANWHILE, BACK AT SNAILBEACH...
n the last issue, Midlands Cave Rescue Organisation (MCRO) reported mainly MCRO members on their recent multi-team training event, held over the weekend of plus Gloucestershire Cave Rescue Group 3-5 September. Little did we know our first call-out after that practice who provided surface would be to the same underground location at Snailbeach Lead Mine in support and a doctor. Shropshire! Many team members I worked in the same The accident places to end up she is 165m deep from the positions as they had happened on the was positioned in surface down and the been on the training evening of Wednesday, exactly the same 40-yard level intercepts event and, six hours 16 November, when awkward location as the it at -90m. It was very after the call-out had one of the members of casualty in the recent fortunate that a scaffold been initiated, the caver the group who was rescue practice had platform at the 40-yard was safely on the descending in the mine, been! level had been erected surface and on her way EMMA PORTER suffered an epileptic fit This time however, where it meets Chapel to hospital. on a short fixed ladder. rather than hauling the Shaft – for the National Not only were the new MIDLANDS This caused the caver to caver up a number of Association of Mining radios (taken delivery of fall a short distance and, fixed ladders and History Organisation CAVE RESCUE that evening) put into once she had recovered pitches, once she was (NAMHO) Conference use, the multi-team ORGANISATION from the fit, she comfortable and stable held at the end of July training really paid off... complained of neck, in the stretcher, a 2011 – and was still in if only we could always back and pelvic pain decision was made to place, which made the forward plan so well and had a number of carry her along the 40- start of the haul much when we organise further fits. When the first yard level to Chapel easier. training events! MCRO team reached Shaft and to do a one A total of 51 cavers the caver, of all the pitch haul. Chapel Shaft attended the incident –
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 57 HUMAN ASPECTS OF EMERGENCY TEAM LEADERSHIP MODULES: G Leadership styles and values G Changing a leadership style G Creating a learning organisation G Team culture G Different individual working styles G Practical scenarios involving interpersonal conflict and some solutions VOLUNTARY EMERGENCY G Personal leadership action plans G Taking care of oneself as LEADERSHIP COURSE a leader Pat Holland has PAT HOLLAND been a member of South-Eastern Mountain Rescue ountain Association (SEMRA) Rescue since the late ‘80s and Ireland served in a number of conducted roles including new the second member liaison, deputy team leader run of its and chairman. His nMew custom-designed particular interests are in search training course on planning and incident command, both Leadership of Voluntary operationally and as a trainer. He led Emergency Services in the Mountain Rescue Ireland for three Horse and Jockey Hotel over years as national chairman during a the weekend of 20-22 May, period of great change, has been chairman of both the Irish Museums 20 11. The aims of the course Association and the Local Authority were to ‘provide senior professional public services. The course programme was Curators Group and was a co-founder emergency service and The leadership course, revised on foot of evaluations of the South Tipperary VES committee. community leaders with designed on behalf of Mountain from the 2009 course with, for Rescue Ireland to develop future example, all operational appropriate leadership Mary Mullins has knowledge, skills and self- mountain rescue team leaders, emergency management been involved in awareness.’ deliberately did not focus on modules being removed. This mountain rescue since technical mountain rescue clearly separated the course 2000 and is a member This was the second time this techniques, but rather upon from the operations training of the South Eastern new IMRA training course had an relevant human interaction course now delivered by a MRT. She has served outing. From the laudatory aspects and techniques useful in separate MRI SAR Operations as team secretary and chairman, for three comments returned by the leading and directing effectively Management course. years as the secretary the operations of voluntary The course modules were attendees from various voluntary for Mountain Rescue emergency services – including emergency service responders delivered as taught leadership Ireland and currently many from Ireland’s own in the attainment of operational theory, facilitated sessions on holds the position of deputy team mountain rescue teams – it missions and unit development various human interaction topics, leader. Her particular areas of interest seems MRI has succeeded in goals. discussion periods for learner are casualty care, search management producing an important new Topics focused on those key groups and practical scenarios. and CISM. additional training resource leadership traits and human The training ethos of the course Diarmaid Scully specifically designed for interactions of particular value to was based on coaching rather is a management voluntary emergency services. voluntary emergency services than teaching. consultant and retired The course, to be titled leaders where the delivery of the As well as the MR learners, five Irish Defence Forces’ ‘Voluntary Emergency unit mission is so critically learners came from non- Commandant with 25 Leadership’ in 2012, was dependant upon the integrity mountain rescue services – three years service in both the Army and the Air designed and delivered by Mary and leadership qualities of the from the Irish Coast Guard, and Corps, and has been Mullins of South East Mountain team/unit leader, who may not one each from the Irish Red a member of the Glen Rescue Association (SEMRA), have the organisational and Cross and Civil Defence. Their of Imaal (Red Cross) Diarmaid Scully of the Glen of management supports typically different, and yet often very MRT for eighteen Imaal MRT, and led by Pat available to professional similar experiences, in delivering years. He served as Mountain Rescue their individual emergency Ireland’s treasurer from 1999-2004 and service missions to the public chairman of their Training-Development I now see working with brought valuable insights and group in 2010. He was awarded a MRI experiences in regard to Distinguished Service Award in 2010. people is something that He has worked in Eircom, and as the voluntary services leadership. has to be done everyday National Services Director of the Irish There was a lot of learning from Red Cross. He is MRI’s liaison officer to each other on this course and the Irish Air Corps, the Irish Coast Holland also of SEMRA – all of emergency service officers in the lots of time to do so. Guard’s SAR Aviation Forum, and the whom have qualifications in direction of their team and the During both the 2009 and 2011 HSE’s National Emergency relevant areas as well as several delivery of operational tasks and courses – each module was Management Office. years service in voluntary and roles. evaluated in writing by the ‘PAGE 58 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 Ireland
HUMAN ASPECTS OF the organisations involved in the course, and how best to work together and learn from each other. We looked attendees – all of whom were EMERGENCY TEAM at the challenges within leadership and the importance experienced responder officers of looking after oneself, time management, dealing with intent on evaluating the suitability LEADER PR and families of casualties etc. Discussion groups of the MRI course for their own formed at different stages to cover and tease out voluntary services. This was MATTIE SHANNON different views on material we were covering. We also followed at the end of the course OFFICER IN CHARGE did a number of live sessions, role playing various with an overall course evaluation. DOOLIN UNIT IRISH COAST GUARD complications within an organisation, between Reaction was very positive. Most management, team members and team leaders and participants felt their view on I’d had the idea we’d get a manual or set of management. This aspect I found difficult as I’m not voluntary service leadership has instructions and lectures on best ways to be a leader comfortable at role playing – I normally need a lot of time changed, now agreeing that but the course didn’t give a general set of guidelines and concentration to analyse situations. There was little leadership starts with (there probably are none as each individual has their in the way of lecture notes but, in the course pack understanding their own own style). It was well organised and open at the same supplied, there were notes and a note book and a CD time, more philosophical, its aim was to get us to look personal management style, of all the material needed to revise the course and help at our own style, give us ideas, open our minds and put ideas and plans into action. values and work ethic as well as share with other participants. Overall I thought the course was very well worthwhile, the culture, ethos and value of The course is evolving all the time and they are hoping I got a lot out of it, with twenty years’ experience as team their organisations. They also to get it FETAC certified in the future. There were three leader, I feel it would be more advantageous to have identified the differences lecturers and a guest speaker and attendees included done this course earlier. As the whole outlook and between leadership and one rep from Civil Defence, one Red Cross, four from activity of a team depends on the type of leader that is management in their roles as mountain rescue, one from Tramore Cliff Rescue and in place, it is essential that each officer in charge is given leaders/future leaders in their three from the Irish Coast Guard. every help, know how and assistance in leading and organisation. The theme was on leadership types, styles and values. managing each team. Courses such as this, and in this An agreed conclusion We completed a questionnaire to show what style of format, are a great help to Coast Guard team leaders in emanating from discussions with leadership each participant uses, then discussed each their task of leading a team of up to 25 volunteers with participants is that attendance at style and looked at ways of enhancing a particular style. each member having very different ideas, strengths and this type of course is highly We discussed many topics including ‘leader’ versus weaknesses. It would give them an insight into recommended for experienced ‘manager’ and the importance of defining the two. Also themselves at first and pointers on how to deal with up for discussion was conflict resolution and ways of MRT/VES members’ who are: team members and problems that exist in all volunteer dealing with it within a team and how not to get sucked groups. To compliment this leadership course a * Trained, experienced rescue into role play in conflict. We discussed the importance of management section or course would prepare most party leaders being open to new ideas and able to delegate, to create OiCs to effectively lead and manage their team in a safe * Skilled in incident command a learning organisation and stand back. and coherent working unit. * Have ambition to become Other topics discussed were the cultures of each of a team leader or take up a senior management or committee position in their mountain rescue team or EVERYBODY LEADS Perrfect Zara, or Please-the-people voluntary emergency service. Vijay when they all want to be team The new, twice-tested and SOMEBODY SOMETIME! leader this time out? When they all successful national ‘Voluntary know best, better than you do Emergency Leadership’ course ROBIN ATKINSON SEMRA anyway, and the rain is belting down has therefore graduated from its and the casualty slowly bleeding At The Horse and Jockey Hotel, and implement progress and out? Will you let them make a pilots in 2009 and 2011 and is Co. Tipperary: an excellent place. change in order to stay on top of our drama out of a crisis? Or can you recognised as both necessary Not an emergency in sight... game! Easier said than done! find a way forward and get the job and recommended. Following ‘Managers manage but leaders The title ‘Human aspects of done and make everybody feel formal approval and lead,’ they say. We have a task to emergency team leadership’ in no good about it too? endorsement by Mountain complete on every call-out; we have way adequately portrays the heady, Not that straightforward when you Rescue Ireland earlier this year, it to manage the process somehow, exhausting mix of flotsam and think about it, is it? This leadership is expected to become a staple and we have human relationships to human porridge we all have to deal course opens your eyes in the of the Mountain Rescue Ireland deal with all along the way! Whether with when we set out on our middle of the melée and I believe annual training programme. We we are mountain rescue, Coast emergency volunteer careers... and that every one of us needs to attend would like to invite leaders from Guard, Red Cross, Civil Defence, these may be our very own team it. We all lead somebody sometime! our colleague voluntary Fire Service, Garda, or any other comrades we’re talking about! Not And we all need somebody to move. emergency services to volunteer emergency response just Joe Public! Unreservedly recommended!!! group, we have to cope with Whaddya do with Bizzy Christina, participate in the course. The L conflict, resolve issues as they arise, BeeStrongLee, TryHard Robin, next is provisionally scheduled Turn the page for 20-22 April, 2012 and for more applications from voluntary emergency service leaders are I learned that there is so much more than welcome. Enquiries to I have to learn! [email protected]. I Really vital, want more of this JANUARY 2 012 ‘ MOUNTAIN RES‘CUE MAGAZINE PAGE 59 L Mountain Rescue Ireland Emergency Leadership Course continued
leadership values, the PAC model, JOHN RONAN learning organisations and working WATERFORD CIVIL styles. As I had never come across DEFENCE any of this material before, I really found it interesting, so much so Early in April, my CDO asked me that one of my concerns after the would I be interested going on a course will be how to remember it Team Leadership course been all. given by Mountain Rescue Ireland. Now it was time to put some of After some more explaining, he our learning into practice, so we finally convinced me I wasn’t going broke into groups, and given to have a stretcher strapped to my scenarios to ‘act’ out (I use that back and sent off up a hill term loosely). It became obvious somewhere. quite quickly that some had more A few days before the course, I of a thespian ability than others. received an email with several While initially seemingly silly, each articles covering Leadership in scenario had quite a serious Search and Rescue, along with a learning message, and related to small bit of pre-course preparation part of the work we had done work. The articles themselves were earlier. I found them very useful for interesting reading as I probably reinforcing the learning concepts would not have come across them covered during the day. otherwise. After some representations were I arrived in the Horse and Jockey made to the instructors, and with on Friday evening, a bit the agreement of those not apprehensive. After registering and interested in rugby, it was agreed getting a quick bite to eat, we hit to finish at 17:00, eat dinner, the ground running. After a few returning to class at 19:00. As the minutes of organised madness, food was arriving at the table, the and lots of laughs doing a team signs were ominous for Leinster. bingo exercise to break the ice, we After inhaling the food, we went settled down to an overview of the back out to watch a most course from the instructors. The spectacular second half. And overview was very thorough, and finished up the evening with a made sure no one was under any session on The Drama Triangle illusions about what would be and some discussion around it and expected of them over the course how to try and avoid getting of the weekend. Andy Holborn dragged into it. Ed Fagan (who I had already met Sunday morning we started WGL/SPA/CWA Training & Assessment – Devon in the bar while getting a bite to eat) earlier than scheduled: earlier to MLA Training & Assessment – North Wales gave an interesting presentation start, earlier we’d all get to head for entitled ‘Conflict – A Journey of Also Technical Advice & Training home. After a recap of the reflection.’ He gave a very relaxed previous day, this morning was Tel: 01752 892421 presentation which generated more introspective, focusing on much discussion, outlining his email: [email protected] o.uk ourselves and our own leadership experiences and opinions on traits, lessons learnt, filling out our topics such as a team code of final evaluation forms, giving conduct, induction, the art of feedback to the instructors before anticipation, and bullying. After lots having a light lunch and heading of discussion it was eventually home. decided the discussion could Personally I found the course very continue in the bar, so class was interesting, even illuminating at adjourned. times. All of the class engaged in Saturday morning, we kicked off constructive debate, brought Cairngorms National Park 3* Bunkhouse. Four rooms sleeps 24 @ £17.50pppn. at the agreed time of 09:00 (to the valuable and diverse experience to Optional equipment hire and instruction. surprise of the instructors, I think). the course and were great GRANT ROAD, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, MORAYSHIRE PH26 3LD After a quick review of the previous company. Tel: 01479 872824 Email: [email protected] night’s work, we jumped right into subjects such as leadership styles, www.ardenbeg.co.uk
Many thanks for facilitating a really good course last weekend. I tAhornoudgh lya en josyehdo it, breintg chnaollengteed to lookf at sittuhatiaonsn ink a sdif.fe.r. ent light. You even organised the weather to be so bad, but I think you forgot to tell the weather men that the course was only for a weekend and not the week ! One of the aspects I enjoyed most was the interaction with the other agencies, I think it smartens us all up a bit to work with other like-minded people who have slightly different agendas. Once again, thank you so much, I hope you were not too exhausted at the end of the weekend. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel too tired at all, I think it was the refreshing thoughts and ideas!! MARY WALSH MAYO MRT
PAGE 60 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2 012 Republished from the October issue due to errors in image reproduction. SHAPING THE MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPES OF SCOTLAND
BY JOHN GORDON
“It was in Scotland that I acquired precision he mid-nineteenth in my ideas regarding ancient glaciers.” century saw a revolution in geological Louis Agassiz (1842) thinking about the processes that shaped Although the last glaciers in frequent, but they have also been sheets) and at times merging with the the present landscape. Scotland vanished 11,500 years ago, extremely rapid. For example at the Scandinavian ice sheets. Westwards, TUntil then, most geologists our mountain landscapes and end of the last glaciation, 11,500 years the ice sheets spread out across the explained surface landforms and landforms owe much to their ago, the climate in Greenland warmed continental shelf and terminated near deposits in terms of a great flood influence. This article introduces the by as much as 10oC from glacial to its edge west of the Outer Hebrides. or marine submergence. Ice Age in Scotland. interglacial conditions in the space of Such ice sheets probably built up five a few decades. or six times during the last 750,000 Although the former extension of The Ice Age During the early part of the Ice Age years. During intervening times, the glaciers and their effects on the We now know that ice ages have from 2.6 to about 0.75 million years mountains were occupied periodically landscape were recognised in areas occurred numerous times in the ago, the climate record suggests that by less extensive corrie glaciers and close to the Alps and in the mountains geological record. The latest, or small mountain glaciers and icefields icefields. The scenery of Scotland’s of Norway, the realisation that large Quaternary Ice Age, began 2.6 million formed repeatedly in the Scottish mountains has therefore been areas of northern Europe and North years after a long period of global Highlands. Subsequently, a sculpted during many phases of America had been affected by cooling following the ‘hothouse’ succession of ice sheets enveloped glaciation. continental-scale glaciation during a conditions of the Early Eocene. This the whole country, extending great Ice Age represents one of the cooling culminated in the expansion eastwards out across the floor of the The last glaciation major scientific advances of the of ice sheets on northern land areas in North Sea (which was dry since global The last time that the climate was nineteenth century. Building on ideas North America, Greenland and sea level was lowered by as much as broadly comparable to that of today by Jens Esmark, Jean de Charpentier, Eurasia. The last few decades have 120 metres due to the volume of water was during the last interglacial Karl Schimper and others, the Swiss seen great advances in the locked up in the expanded global ice between about 128,000 and 116,000 geologist, Louis Agassiz, was pre- understanding of climate change eminent in developing and promoting during the Quaternary Ice Age, the Ice Age theory, and evidence from particularly from the remarkable the mountains of Scotland played a climate archives preserved in the key part in the story. Scotland was an sediments on the floors of the world’s ideal place for Agassiz to test his ideas oceans and in the ice layers of the since there are no present-day Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. glaciers and the mountains are The results have revealed that the Ice relatively low in comparison with the Age was not one long, unbroken Alps. Agassiz visited Scotland in 1840, period of glaciation. The climate has travelling north from Glasgow through regularly switched between warm and the West Highlands, searching for the cold conditions (Figure 1). There were traces of former glaciers. He found many long, cold episodes (glacials), striations and moraines in various broken by shorter, warmer intervals places, including below Ben Nevis, (interglacials) when the climate was FIGURE 1 : Climate change during the last 3 million years but in Glen Roy and Glen Spean he reconstructed from a sediment core from the mid-Atlantic similar to, or even slightly warmer recognised the Parallel Roads to be Ocean. The diagram represents changes in global ice volume, than, that of the present day. Typically, the shorelines of former ice-dammed interpreted in terms of warmer or colder climate. During the glacial intervals have lasted for about lakes, similar to modern features he most intense glacial periods of the last 750,000 years, ice 100,000 years, interglacials for about sheets periodically covered the whole of Scotland and moved had observed near Chamonix. He 10,000 years. offshore; during the many less cold episodes, smaller icefields thus had the compelling evidence he Even the glacial periods were and corrie glaciers existed in the Highlands. Interglacial needed, and on 7 October 1840, periods, when the climate was similar to that of today, or characterised by marked fluctuations under the headline, ‘Discovery of warmer, have been relatively brief. in climate, and the most extreme former glaciers in Scotland, especially conditions when the ice sheets were in the Highlands, by Professor at their maximum extent generally
Agassiz’, the Ice Age was first L lasted only 10,000 to 15,000 years. Not announced to the wider public in the Turn the page only have the climate shifts been pages of The Scotsman newspaper. for more
JANUARY 2 012 MOUNTAIN RESCUE MAGAZINE PAGE 61 L Shaping the mountain landscapes of Scotland continued
years ago. After a marked cooling around 75,000 years ago, glaciers were then present in the Highlands in one form or another until 11,500 years ago. The last ice sheet built up before about 32,000 years ago. At its maximum about 26,000 years ago, it merged with the Scandinavian ice sheet on the floor of the North Sea and spread out across the continental shelf west of the Outer Hebrides (Figure 2). The ice sheet may then have retreated for a short time before advancing again around 22,000 years ago. During this later phase, the ice was less extensive, with the icefront possibly located some 30 kilometres off the present coast of eastern Scotland and some 80 kilometres to the west of the Uists. The main directions of ice flow have been reconstructed from the patterns FIGURE 2 : A reconstruction of the maximum extent of the last ice sheet around 26,000 years of striations and dispersal of erratics ago when it was confluent with the Scandinavian ice sheet in the North Sea. The inset shows (glacially transported rocks). The the extent of glaciers in Scotland during the Loch Lomond Readvance, between about glaciers grew outwards from major 12,900 and 11,500 years ago. centres of ice accumulation in the Western and Northern Highlands, with an ice shed extending from Sutherland to the Clyde (Figure 2). over the mountains of Harris and Highlands. This final glacial event is solifluction on slopes beyond the Local ice centres formed on the along the west coast of the Uists. known as the ‘Loch Lomond glacier limits produced a variety of islands of Skye, Mull and the Outer The period from about 17,000 to Readvance’ after its type area at Loch lobes and sheets of frost-weathered Hebrides and merged with mainland 14,000 years ago was one of intense Lomond, and the time period is debris. Rockfall talus also ice flowing west and northwest. An ice environmental change as the climate known as the ‘Loch Lomond Stadial’. accumulated below steeper rock centre also developed in the western ameliorated, the last ice sheet wasted The largest icefield built up in the West slopes. The vegetation reverted to Southern Uplands. At its maximum and vegetation began to re-establish Highlands, extending from Torridon to tundra communities, with the loss of extent, the ice sheet probably buried on the unstable mineral soils. Just Loch Lomond, with smaller icefields all trees and most tall shrubs. Rivers all but the very the highest mountains. after 15,000 years ago, the climate on Skye and Mull and numerous flowed in braided, unstable channels, At other times, some of the higher warmed rapidly and ice retreat small corrie and valley glaciers infilling upland valley floors with summits in the Northern Highlands, accelerated. The melting ice released elsewhere (Figure 2 inset). There was sediment. Skye, Rum, Mull and Outer Hebrides vast volumes of meltwater, forming a very strong precipitation gradient protruded as isolated, rocky summits meltwater channels and extensive from west to east, so that much Glaciers and (nunataks). The presence of summit deposits of sand and gravel in the smaller glaciers formed in the glacial processes blockfields on Ben Nevis, Bidean nam glens and straths. The glaciers Cairngorms compared with the large To understand how glaciers shape Bian, Ben Starav, Ladhar Bheinn, Ben retreated actively, with local icefield 50km to the west, reflecting the landscape, it is helpful to know a More Assynt, Conival, An Teallach and readvances (eg. in the northern snow-bearing winds from the SW. little more about them. Glaciers are Clisham, for example, suggests they Cairngorms in Gleann Einich and in Mean July temperatures at sea level moving bodies of ice. They form in may have escaped an icy burial for the northern Lairig Ghru). Only one in western Scotland were 6 ˚C, some areas where more snow accumulates extended periods. regional readvance of the ice sheet is 8˚C lower than that at present, and in winter than melts in summer. The At some stage prior to the last recognised, the Wester Ross permafrost probably existed down to snow is transformed into ice, which glaciation, ice from the mainland is Readvance, which is marked by a sea level. deforms and flows downslope under believed to have crossed the Outer well-defined end moraine in Coigach The Loch Lomond Readvance gravity to lower altitudes where it Hebrides. However, the patterns of and Applecross. glaciers produced some of the most melts. Glaciers exist in various shapes striations and transport of erratics However, the Ice Age had a sting in striking moraines that occur in the and sizes but can be categorised indicate that during the last glaciation its tail. By about 13,000 years ago, the Highlands and Islands (eg. in Glen broadly according to their size and an independent ice cap existed on the climate was again cooling rapidly, and Torridon). Frost weathering was relationship to the underlying islands, with ice centres or domes glaciers once more expanded in the intense on exposed summits, and topography (Figure 3). Mountain
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FIGURE 3 : Modern glaciers reveal how the mountains of Scotland might have appeared at different times during the Ice Age. A. As the climate cooled, small corrie glaciers occupied many shaded valley heads. B. During periods of more extensive mountain glaciation, glaciers from icefields in the West Highlands flowed down the glens to the coast, like these glaciers on South Georgia. C. Outlet glacier draining from the Vatnajökull ice cap in Iceland. D. Ice sheets similar to that in Greenland covered Scotland numerous times during the coldest parts of the Ice Age, leaving only the tops of the highest mountains as nunataks above the ice surface. A fast flowing ice stream drains through the mountains in the left of the photo.
glaciers include small corrie glaciers, to be ‘cold-based’ where the (for example in Norway, Iceland and Conclusion which occupy shaded basins at the temperature at the base is below the south-east Alaska). The Ice Age glaciers changed heads of alpine or highland valleys, pressure melting point (the pressure Some glaciers, however, are considerably the pre-existing and valley glaciers flowing out from at the base of a glacier lowers the composite, comprising zones of mountain landscapes of Scotland and corries or mountain icefields. Icefields melting point of the ice there below warm- and cold-based ice. Where left behind a legacy of distinctive are extensive areas of interconnected 0˚C) and it is frozen to its bed. temperatures and snowfall are low or landforms. They carved out corries valley glaciers, above which higher Meltwater is not present at the ice-bed the ice is relatively thin (eg. at higher and glens, breached pre-existing peaks rise as nunataks (eg. the interface and the glacier moves very altitudes or over underlying hills and watersheds, deepened pre-glacial Patagonian Icefields). Ice caps are slowly at only a few metres per year, mountains), the ice may be cold- river valleys and deposited moraines. discrete, dome-shaped ice masses largely by plastic deformation in the based. Where temperatures and In the Cairngorms, the glaciers that largely bury the underlying basal layers of the ice. Conversely, if snowfall are higher, or the ice is excavated deep glens through the mountain topography. They are the basal ice layer is at the pressure thicker (eg. in valleys or at lower mountains but left the plateau usually drained by outlet glaciers, melting point, the glacier is said to be altitudes), then the ice may be warm- surfaces in-between relatively which tend to follow the valleys that lie ‘warm-based’. Meltwater is present based. Within ice sheets, zones of fast unmodified. In North West Scotland, beneath the ice; examples include and the glacier is additionally able to moving, warm-based ice are known the ice sheets extensively scoured the Vatnajökull in Iceland and slide over its bed or to move over a as ‘ice streams’. They can flow at landscape, forming ice-scraped hills Jostedalsbreen in Norway. Ice sheets layer of lubricated, deforming speeds of several kilometres a year or and loch-filled depressions. As the occur on a much larger scale, like sediment at much faster speeds of more and typically produce highly glaciers melted, they fed large rivers those that cover Greenland and tens to hundreds of metres a year or streamlined subglacial landforms. of meltwater which deposited Antarctica today. more. Cold-based glaciers occur Generally, warm-based glaciers are extensive spreads of sand and gravel. The temperature of the ice in a today in polar and continental areas able to carry out much greater erosion The next articles will look at these glacier is important, particularly in the and at higher altitudes where and landscape modification than changes in more detail and how the basal layers, since this influences temperatures and/or precipitation are cold-based glaciers because they are Ice Age glaciers shaped the whether water is present. Water low (for example in Antarctica, the sliding over their beds and are faster mountains of Scotland. I pressure plays a crucial role in the north of Greenland and in higher parts moving. This can result in quite flow of the glacier, the processes of of the Alps). Warm-based glaciers are marked differences in landforms and erosion and deposition and the typical of more oceanic areas where landscape modification, as landforms produced. A glacier is said temperatures and snowfall are higher subsequent articles will reveal.
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