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Dartmoor Rescue
volunteers
SARDA dogs use
airborne scent to
search large areas quickly
The origins of the Dartmoor Rescue
Group date back to 1968, when a small group of local moorland
enthusiasts in the Tavistock area started to help out the police
during search and rescue operations on Dartmoor. In due course, a
recognised official team was formed.
Currently, the group consists of four sections, based in Ashburton,
Okehampton, Tavistock and Plymouth. Each one is capable of
functioning independently, although generally, two sections
respond on callouts - leaving two as a back-up in case of an
extended operation.
The group is a registered charity and survives financially on
fundraising events run by the members and on donations. No charge
is made for the rescue operations, and it's hoped it can remain
that way. All members provide their own personal equipment. The
larger items such as vehicles and stretchers are purchased with
group funds - sometimes with the assistance of the Mountain Rescue
Council, which is the national umbrella organisation.
Membership is open to people who are
over 18, who are required to complete a training and probationary
period.
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During this time, they have to
establish their skills in all-weather navigation and search
techniques, first aid and casualty handling, radio
operating, local knowledge and team compatibility.
Acceptance onto the callout list may then follow. Training
and practice in all rescue skills continues weekly all year
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The weather can change very quickly on Dartmoor |
The group is activated only by a
999 call to the Police who assess the situation and, where
necessary, alert the appropriate section search controller by
telephone or pager.
Currently, each of the sections has around 50 members. No duty
roster exists but all members, if available, respond at any time
of the day or night to take part in search and rescue operations.
The search teams will generally consist of up to eight people with
a Team Leader and individuals nominated as Radio Operator,
Navigator and First Aider - although all members are trained to
undertake any task in a rescue operation. The group attends and
assists with most of the big annual events which take place on
Dartmoor, such as the Ten Tors Challenge, the OATS Walk and the
Abbots Way Walk.
In addition talks, demonstrations and
training courses are arranged to inform and educate moorland users
of all ages in the techniques of hill survival and safety. Some
DRG members also belong to SARDA (Search And Rescue Dogs
Association) and provide dogs teams to work on call outs. SARDA
dogs use airborne scent to search large areas quickly. The DRG is
affiliated to SWERA (SW England Rescue Association) and to the
Mountain Rescue Council. The DRG can only be called out by the
Police and, while mainly used for search and rescue on the moors,
is regularly asked to help in "off moor" searches in rural areas.
Being a charity, the DRG is reliant on
grants and donations to fund its operations. Many hundreds of man
hours are spent by team members and supporters raising funds at
specially organised events. Sometimes organisations "adopt" the
DRG for fundraising over a period of time and we are most grateful
for their support.
The Dartmoor Rescue Group can be contacted for non-emergency
purposes through its General Secretary:
Mike Pesterfield
DRG General Secretary
15 Oak Road
Tavistock
Devon
PL19 9LJ
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