News : Joint training in Delamere Forest
Three volunteer members from Southport Rescue travelled to Delamere Forest on Sunday, 30th May to take part in a major search and rescue exercise, organised by Cheshire SAR and Cheshire Police.
The exercise brief was to locate and ensure the safety of a 40 year old male with severe learning difficulties, who had become separated from his carer.
Many teams helped search the 30km squared area, including Cheshire SAR dog teams, Cheshire Police dog teams, Police Search and Rescue (POLSAR), Cheshire Search and Rescue Bike team, Cheshire Police Helicopter and Cheshire Search and Rescue.
After an intensive six hour search, the misper (missing person) was located.
The casualty was found suffering from a severe head wound, fractured and lacerated arm and possible spinal injuries.
The team from Southport was then shown how to deal with the injuries, make the area safe and extract the patient using a spinal board and basket stretcher.
After the exercise, the Southport crew were congratulated on their skill and professionalism by Cheshire Police.
Cheshire Lowland Search and Rescue and Southport Lifeboat Chairman Neil Rothwell are currently working together in an exchange of skills program between the two rescue organisations, with an aim to improve land based search techniques.
With an increase in land based callouts for Southport Rescue, this type of training is becoming essential.
There are a lot more joint sessions planned for in the future, Southport will not only have a dedicated and skilled lifeboat team, but will be able to help Merseyside Police in locating a missing person in our area.
By Kevin Ball
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