Winter Skills Training

Every year, the team spends a weekend in the Cairngorms making use of the snowy conditions near the ski centre to hone our winter skills, which we use to keep ourselves safe and hopefully help casualties in our local hills during the dark months. It was an unusual affair this year, as there was a remarkable absence of the white stuff, and when the team divided into three groups (based loosely on relative experience and competence) and headed out onto the hill, each had to travel further than usual to find suitable accumulations of snow and ice to train with. All three groups made the most of the conditions and managed to practice and reinforce all the necessary techniques, and familiarise themselves with the equipment we use in the winter hills; ice axes, crampons and the like. We were also treated to a fascinating talk on the work of the Search and Rescue Dogs Association (SARDA) from one of our number who has a search dog in training. They’re truly remarkable animals!

Callout

Just after 1am on a very chilly night at the end of February the team was called out to search for an elderly gentleman with dementia who had left his home the previous day and failed to return. Given his age (88) and the severe conditions, there were genuine concerns for his safety. We were assisted in the search by our neighbouring team, Tweed Valley MRT. With a fairly small number of boots on the ground and little in the way of specific intelligence to go on, it was a challenging job with real consequences. Some impressive search-management work from our new team leader and the keen ears of one of our members led to a very happy result when the subject of our endeavours was located in an area of enclosed woodland, lost and confused but physically unharmed, thanks in large part to a heavy sheepskin coat. He was helped back to civilisation, warmed up and taken to the BGH to be checked over. It was a very gratifying outcome to a potentially grave situation.

Recruitment

Part of the reason for the low number on this callout was the fact that we have lost a few members recently. In the past couple of months, four members from the Kelso area and one or two others from closer to Edinburgh have left, and we’re on a drive to bring in some new blood. Ideally located in the TD5 area, and with a bit of previous experience of the great outdoors, applicants will be welcomed, assessed and introduced to the vital work we do. Candidates with other relevant skills and knowledge (e.g. medics) are particularly sought-after, although full training in all areas of our activities is provided. More details and an application form can be found on the team website. Just Google BSARU and head to the “Support Us” section.