Saving lives in wild and remote places
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Saving lives in wild and remote places
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Much of the rescue equipment used for mountain rescue is exactly the same as that which is used for general rock/ice climbing and alpine mountaineering. This includes such items as clothing, karabiners, slings, belay items (nuts, chocks, friends, etc.), helmets and harnesses. Both nylon and pre-stretched ropes are used with pre-stretched being specifically used for lowering and fixed rope situations.
However the use that this equipment is put to is far harder and more frequent than the average outdoor enthusiast would manage. Lives depend on this equipment and it is not possible to cut corners on its quality or maintenenance. MR Teams will follow best practice and manufacturers recommendations in terms of the use, maintenance and replacement of equipment. This means that Rescue Teams are left with an very large on-going expenditure just to provision the equipment which is due for replacement.
In addition to the general equipment there are a number of specialist pieces of equipment which have been developed for mountain rescue work.
Stretchers used in mountain rescue must be able to be carried to the casualty, and carried for long distances over rough terrain with the casualty on them. They must be able to be lowered on ropes down rock faces, winched by helicopters, and withstand the most severe weather. To meet these demands a number of specialist stretchers have been developed which are now used around the world, these include the Bell, the MacInnes, the Troll Alphin, and the Ogwen. For those who see or experience the R.A.F. helicopters in action, these carry and use two different stretchers on occasion; the Stokes Litter (or cradle) or the Neil Robertson Stretcher which is also used by Cave Rescue.
Keeping casualties warm is always important, and Teams use special bags bags rather like sleeping bags to acheive this. There are two main types of bags, lightweight and heavyweight. Lightweight bags are made by a variety of manufacturers and are used where conditions are not too extreme. The MRC have developed a specialist heavy duty casualty bag which is now M.R.C. standard issue and is ideal for use in extreme conditions. The bag features a full length zip and is long enough to accommodate the tallest of casualties. The bag has a waterproof lining and fibre pile inner. It has carrying straps and access to enable monitoring of the casualty without having to undo the whole bag.
The MRC has also worked to identify and develop a vacuum mattress suitable for mountain rescue work. These mattresses allow a the whole of a casualty's body to be splinted and immobilised, this is vital where back or neck injuries are suspected.
