In a rescue situation people put themselves in our hands. They expect to be kept safe and given appropriate first aid or available medical treatment. Being highly trained in rescue techniques and advanced first aid is fundamental to all operational members.

The mountain rescue skills you require will be taught and maintained during the team’s training year. You will fit into one of three stages:

• Part 1 covers the elements required for inclusion on the Operational Call-out List.
• Part 2 covers the elements required for full membership
• Part 3 is an ongoing opportunity for further personal development

To complete Part 1 you will have been trained and assessed on all aspects of the Trainee’s Logbook, for Part 1. You will then have a short interview conducted by senior team members to check your understanding of all the elements covered in Part 1. You will then be placed on the call-out list and receive call-outs via text.

All operational members are required to maintain their skills and competence in the key areas such as first aid, navigation and rope work. Additional training courses are available covering our key skills, for both full and trainee team members.

All members are expected to attend a high percentage of training events – there is much to learn and practise.

Training takes place virtually every Thursday evening either at base, or outdoors. A typical outdoor exercise might involve a search for a missing person followed by diagnosis and treatment of any injury or medical condition and an evacuation by stretcher. A debrief will identify good work or learning points. There will be a longer day or night exercise at the weekend throughout the year. Every year we hold over 50 training events. The programme covers the full range of skills needed including:

• advanced first aid
• life support skills
• search techniques
• ropework for steep ground or crag situations
• radio and communications
• working with rescue helicopters, ambulance and police services
• working with other rescue teams

Most training is done in-house by members holding appropriate qualifications. It is a mix of practical sessions, lectures and discussion groups. New applicants work to achieve standards set out in the Trainee’s Logbook and BMRT Handbook. Trainees may be required to attend separate training structured to their needs.

All members are expected to attend a high percentage of training events – there is much to learn and practise.