New Base Update
Fencing between the base and the Stone Masons has been completed as well as a low level fence around the parking area. An outside tap has now been installed and with the completion of the groundworks we can once again wash team vehicles at the base. The kitchen has a usable sink but not yet hot water as we await a heater being installed.
Activities
The team evening training in November was on Psychological First Aid. This covered different psychological responses in both casualties and mountain rescue personnel. It looked at techniques that can be used to aid our treatment of casualties and ways of building resilience in team members which enable them to stay well. We were grateful for the contribution from a lecturer in mental health.
The casualty care training evening was on Basic Life Support and covered recognising dangers, checking for a response, opening an airway and checking for breathing, when to call for additional help, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Also covered was first aid for a choking casualty. The different steps for CPR and choking for babies 0-1, children 1-18, and adults were all practiced.
The team also had a night exercise in November based around Bassendeanhill Farm involving the search and treatment of two casualties. The annual general meeting saw Leeann Ross appointed to the position of Depute Team Leader, the first woman to hold the position.
The Cheviot Goat a 55-mile run in the Cheviots, promoted as a Brutal Winter Ultra Run, was due to take place on Saturday the 7th of December. Team members were to provide safety back up, all day, at the Border Gate, Auchope Refuge Hut and at the point where the Pennine Way and route to Cheviot summit part. Given the impending Storm Darragh, the Depute Team Leader informed the organisers that he was not prepared to have personnel stationed in such high exposed positions. The organisers altered the route to a lower level one but later had to postpone the event given the dire weather warnings.
BSARU wishes Kelso Life readers all the best for 2025.
