Mountain Rescue England and Wales

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Introducing the first ever Annual Review of Mountain and Cave Rescue in England and Wales.

This 32-page, magazine-format publication covers January to December 2011 and includes an overview of developments in the key areas of training, equipment, national fundraising and water rescue. There's the story of the 'Royal' Land Rover – a wedding present to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge which is now a Patterdale team vehicle, and which started a cascade of vehicles to two other teams: Glossop and South Snowdonia.

In a section on casualty care, Dr John Ellerton looks at rescuer fitness and comes up with some surprising conclusions. There's a look at how the internet and mobile phone technology are revolutionising how teams are called out, with the ability to pinpoint a casualty's location through their smartphone, and the development of search management software which will change the way searches are carried out. And, of course, there's a summary of the stats for last year – which showed a return to 'normal figures after a two-year high.

We've included a selection of incident tales and news-bites we think you'll find interesting – and which ably illustrate the reports. And, on the back cover, there's also a handy 'find your local team' guide – so you can support those who work for your own community.

We think you'll enjoy the read. And you can buy a copy now through our online shop.

Representatives of Mountain Rescue England and Wales and the Kendal MRT met at the Staveley showroom of outdoor clothing manufacturer, Montane on Saturday morning for a cheque presentation that marks the end of two years of fundraising by the manufacturer.

“We have had a connection with mountain rescue throughout our almost 20 year history,” says Paul Cosgrove, Brand Director with Montane. “Then, two years ago, we launched a small range of specialist light weight clothing at the Outdoor Show in Birmingham, specifically to raise money for MREW. That work and range has now resulted in a £15,000 donation and it seemed only fitting to hand over this money to the national mountain rescue organisation as part of its Awareness weekend.”

Attending the presentation on behalf of MREW were Neil Roden and David Allan (Chairman) as well as Eddie Harrison (Team Leader) and Dagmar Johnson (Chairman) of the Kendal team.

“This kind of national support eases the financial pressure on teams and we welcome it,” says Dagmar, “but we are also eternally grateful to the local people and businesses who have always supported us and continue to provide so much of the financial backing to our volunteers.”

David Allan, reinforced those thanks: “Without this sort of support for volunteer rescue from companies like Montane – in money and in kind with equipment - we wouldn’t be able to function.”

The opportunity was also taken to launch the new Mountain and Cave Rescue Review of the Year.