The Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team (NNPMRT) has welcomed 5 new full
team members this month; Ninette Edwards, Steve Montgomery, Rob Andrew, David Manson and
James Higgins.
To become a full team member, each had to undergo six months as a trainee member learning how
the team operates and the skills required. This training is then consolidated over a further six
months attending call-outs as a probationary member, before being assessed as competent in all the
core skills required to achieve full team member status.
It costs the Team around £2.5k to equip each member with the personal protective equipment
required to keep them safe while attending search and rescue missions.
The Team has been activated 5 times during June, albeit without requiring a full team deployment.
On 4 June 2017, an outdoor care worker raised concerns regarding a vulnerable youth who had gone
missing on a trip to Kyloe Woods. The Team was places on stand-by and the young male returned
safe and well after an hour.
On 9 June 2017, a 57 year old walker reported himself lost on a 4-5 mile circular walk from Ingram.
Following discussions with Mountain Rescue by phone, the walker was able to make his own way
safely off the hill.
On 17 June 2017, two female walkers collapsed with heat exhaustion. The Borders Search And
Rescue Unit evacuated the casualties while NNPMRT were placed on stand-by ready to assist.
On 25 June 2017, two competitors fell badly at the Hadrian’s Wall Half Marathon and had their
wounds cleaned and dressed by Team medics.
On 30 June 2017, two 17 year old walkers who were part of an organised Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Expedition group were reported lost in the Bell Crag area of the Wark Forest. The missing females
were located by their Expedition Supervisor prior to the Team being deployed