OPERATIONAL TEAM
Our Operational Team consists of around 50 friendly and dedicated men and women from all walks of life. All members undertake regular and frequent on-going training and assessment in the wide variety of skills needed to perform searches and rescues in a variety of terrain throughout our area, in all weathers. with a high degree of professionalism. In addition, many team members choose to undergo additional training and obtain specialist expertise in different areas including:
Casualty Care
The successful assessment, diagnosis and treatment of trauma or medical casualties is at the heart of what we do as a rescue organisation. Team members undertake regular training and assessment in a wide range of potential injuries and medical incidents, including Basic Life Support, with many also holding the Mountain Rescue England and Wales Remote Rescue Medical Technician qualification, achieved by written and practical examinations. We also have team members who work as medical professionals in their day job.
Missing Person Searches
All Operational Team Members receive training in search techniques equipping us to assist Greater Manchester Police and Lancashire Constabulary in locating high-risk missing persons. Team members can undertake further training to become Search Party Leaders and Search Technicians.
Water Rescue
With two Rigid Inflatable Boats and a variety of specialist equipment, the team is called on to provide assistance to the emergency services with rescues from rivers, reservoirs and lakes and from flooding in urban areas. All our Operational Team members are qualified to at least Defra Module 1. In addition, we have members qualified as Module 2- Water and Flood First Responders, Module 3 – Water and Flood Technicians, Module 4 – Water Rescue Power Boat Operators, Water Flood Incident Managers and a Flood Rescue Technical Advisor – some of the most advanced qualifications available.
Rope Rescue
Many of our rescues involve steep or unstable ground where advanced rope rescue skills are required. Our rope rescue team undertakes additional training, and the techniques used align with those of our local fire and rescue services, which allows us to work seamlessly alongside them.
Standby Rescue Cover
We are present at many community events each year, often providing standby rescue cover for fell races, mountain bike events or long-distance walks, providing a reassuring presence and nearby availability to locate and treat injured people or those with medical conditions.
Multi-agency working
Our call-outs involve being tasked by and working closely with the statutory emergency services. Team members are trained to operate under the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Protocol (JESIP), and we are part of the Greater Manchester and Lancashire Resilience Forums.
Education
Team members frequently give up their time to provide young people’s groups, community organisations and local interest groups with lectures on the work of the team as well as important safety messages about enjoying the outdoors safely, and what to do when an accident occurs.