Vehicles:
NoTSRT currently has two vehicles; A new 2.4l diesel landrover defender and a specially converted LDV crew van. These are used to transport personnel, rescue, and medical equipment as close as possible to an incident site as well as acting as ambulances for casualty evacuation. In addition the LDV is equipt to act as an Incident Control Position for planning and coordination of an incident.
Communications:
When responding to an incident, an Incident Control Position is setup at a convenient location from which the Team Leader can liaise with the Police, Ambulance Service, RAF SR or any other specialist resources required for the incident. The other team members are split into search groups. Each search group is equipped with highband handheld portable radios, Control has a more powerful base set, with a 10m pneumatic Clark QTM mast. In some areas we may need to use a powerful portable relay set positioned at a high point in the middle of the incident area to improve radio communications. Both of the vehicles are equipped with mobile radio sets.
Stretchers:
We have two Mark III Bell Stretchers, one carried in each vehicle. These can be split in half and mounted onto a rucsac to be carried onto the fell and assembled at the incident site. They are generally used when lowering casualties from crags or carrying off an immobilised casualty. In some circumstances a Vacuum mattress may be used. These can best be described as flat nylon duvets filled with polystyrene balls, which can be shaped around the form of the casualty. When air is extracted from the mattress, it goes rigid giving the benefit of support and warmth.
Casulty Care:
Each Search group carries basic casualty care equipment. This consists of;
- Casualty bag - used to keep a casualty warm and help prevent hypothermia (exposure),
- Kramer wire - for splinting limb injuries,
- Stiff Neck - a collar for immobilising the neck when neck/spinal injuries are suspected,
- Casualty Care Kit - a pack containing various first aid items, straps for use in immobilisation and casualty cards to record vital signs over the period it takes the casualty to be recovered back to safety,
- Kasou - an emergency shelter that can protect the casualty and team from the elements.
The Search Group can then call on extra specialist equipment if required such as;
- KED / TED - Spine Boards, used when spine injuries are suspected,
- Entonox - Pain relief gas which is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen,
- Oxygen - Used when casualty has difficulty breathing,
The team doctors & paramedics carry a more specialised casualty care kit and can be called in for more serious conditions and injuries.
Crag & Steep Ground Equipment:
Each team member carries a climbing harness, slings, karabiners and helmet. Each vehicle carries ropes & friction devices for abseil and stretcher lowering, ground anchor stakes for use when there isn't any suitable belay, and a selection of karabiners, slings and other general climbing hardware.
Personal Equipment:
Each Team Member is expected to be self reliant for up to 24 hours out on the hill during a callout. Typically during the winter months, this can mean taking sleeping bag and bivvy bag, a small portable stove, headtorch & spare batteries, plenty of food & drink and warm clothing, waterproof jacket and trousers, gaiters, crampons, ice axe, balaclava and warm gloves.
The personal equipment carried by each team member can add up to a considerable weight, before they are asked to carry any team equipment!