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If the idea of joining the Search and Rescue Team conjures up a glossy picture of walking around displaying a Mountain Rescue badge on a bright red jacket to people in your local area then think again. If, however, you are a walker with good basic skills who is keen to develop these, enjoys working as a member of a team, and interested in learning more for the safety of others then this could be for you. The initial feeling at the induction day was one of mixed excitement and nerves, what can you expect, what will they expect, am I up to standard? |
Once you begin training with the team you will be under constant scrutiny. Don’t take this personally, at the end of the day “the team” needs to know they can have complete trust in you to take on any of the many jobs on a real shout and that you can do it confidently. This may take a long time but don’t give up, much more important to get it right!
Our training programme has been varied and I have really enjoyed the variety and many challenges. The SAR’s give you a chance to try out navigation, radio work and first aid skills. You may even be lucky enough to carry the rescue sack! If your team finds the casualty you get a lot of hands on experience as to exactly what the real thing might be like. It gives you a real buzz of working as a team member. Sometimes you make mistakes, forget how to do things the correct way but this is all part of the training.
I think one of the most important things to remember is never be afraid to ask questions or ask for advice. It is better to ask than to pretend you understand something and covering up, at the end of the day you will be found out and it could be potentially life threatening to a casualty or a fellow team member.
Every week you will be assigned to a small team and given a task. Some are more exciting than others but we all have to take a turn so smile and get on with it! Nothing is that bad!
After each session we adjourn to a pub. Join in because that’s where you will meet the people you’ve been peering at by torch light all night! Ask for feedback but let the experts decide when your probation period ends and you become a trainee and are given your log books. They are the experienced ones so best not to keep asking” when am I going to get my log book”, better to say “how am I getting on and what areas should I be working on”
I have really enjoyed my training. Yes there have been ups and downs, but I have learnt so much and had a great time. I’ve only missed one training session, been away for a weekends training, flown in a helicopter, waded across rivers, bodied for the SARDA dogs lying in very wet hillsides up in the Lakes, worked with other members from teams from other areas and many other memorable occasions.
Be prepared to get wet and cold, laugh and cry, listen and learn but above all enjoy the training, learn new skills and make new friends.
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Copyright © 2007 Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team
(Tavistock), Registered Charity Number
1106094
