Following an incident (51) on The Roaches in July when Buxton Mountain Rescue Team members found themselves working alongside two fire crews from Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service, a plan was formed to meet-up again in order for the two organisations to get to know each other better.

On Sunday morning a fire crew from Leek and another from Ipstones were called to deal with an imaginary incident at the Eastern end of the popular climbing crags.  Having dealt with the first, fire orientated, stage of the exercise a mock injured casualty was found lying on the fell side.  Time to call mountain rescue to see what they can do!

Cunningly concealed just down the road and waiting for the call, the team managed its fastest response time of the year.  Members were soon on site and set about the routine of scene management and casualty care.   It wasn’t long before the casualty was on a stretcher and being carried down to the road by fire crew and rescuers working together.

It was a very worthwhile exercise allowing the time for interaction that was not possible on the July call-out.   Members of the team later returned with the crews to Leek Fire Station for further discussion on equipment and rescue methods.

Photo credit:  BMRT.  –  top- Casualty being assessed in the protection of a large box tent.    Lower- The team work begins with fire crew and rescuers sharing the load.