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Mountain rescue teams have been busy saving walkers across Lancashire terrain after an unsettled start to the year that has included snow and storms.
When Blog Preston spoke to Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team (BPMRT), they had been called out four times in the last four days.
Mark Britton, from Preston, knows all-too-well the hard work volunteers do after breaking his ankle up Pendle Hill.
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“It was really embarrassing and couldn’t have happened in a worse place.
“I had the pleasure of a week on the orthopedic ward at Royal Preston waiting for surgery. I’d broken three bones.
“They were with me within the hour and got me back down to my car.”
Mountain Rescue teams like Bowland are volunteer-based organisations with little funding from the government.
It costs approximately £35,000 per year just to remain operational, and this amount is raised entirely through donations from the community and local businesses.
Dan McFarlane, a spokesperson and volunteer at Pendle Mountain Rescue said: “It is hugely rewarding but equally is like an additional job at times too.
“It’s a lifestyle choice to be able to commit the time needed to be a part of a team.
“From medical courses to technical rope rescue training, off-road driving to blue light training as well as water and flood rescue, there is a never-ending list of training and skills to keep up to date.
“There is always an additional job that needs doing, something that needs fixing, a vehicle for service MOT and that’s on top of the weekly training.
“Everyone comes from a different background which means there is a huge pool of knowledge across the team.
“Everyone is willing to put in the time and effort to be there to help others, so it is an amazing feeling.”
That team’s main base is in Burnley and oversees an expansive territory of around 350 square miles with 40-50 volunteers, all of whom maintain full time employment.
Daniel and Sairah, from Manchester, are another couple who were grateful for the team when they embarked on their walk in the Forest of Bowland.
“After purchasing a Britain’s Best Walks book, we picked a walk, packed the walking boots and sticks and headed out.”
There was no signal at the car park starting point so the couple were reliant on their book and faded path arrows.
“After taking a few wrong turns, we managed to get up to Dunsop Head. Unfortunately, we were losing light and the clouds descended around us – making it hard to see more than a few feet in front of us.
“Annoyingly, the one thing we hadn’t thought to pack was our head torches!”
The pair decided to call for help, using the What3Words app which “made it much easier for the team to find us.”
They added: “The whole experience, although very humbling, has not put us off walking.
“It has reminded us to pack a few more essentials (such as torches) and possibly to pick a time of year when we have more daylight!”
Daniel added: “The Mountain Rescue team are made up of volunteers who were absolutely amazing.
“They aren’t being paid to help the lost or injured, but do it through sheer passion to help others.”
The couple shared their top tips when going on walks:
- Triple check the route
- Download ‘what 3 words’
- Take emergency items such as a first aid kit, a touch, an extra battery pack to charge your phone
- Take food and water
- Take spare warm clothing even if it doesn’t seem like you need it!
Walking is a popular hobby with people around Preston and the wider Lancashire areas, with charity groups such as Ramblers hosting frequent walks around the area.
They welcome non-members who want to join and help the campaign for keeping English countryside paths open to all walkers.
Barry Rutlidge, Preston Ramblers walk co-ordinator, said: “The group makes sure there are no hazards along the way and gives those attending any information around the terrain and the types of paths we are using.
“There’s always at least two experienced walk leaders and we carry a standard first aid kit.”
Pendle Mountain Rescue promotes “#BeAdventureSmart even on local hills and walks don’t be afraid to turn back and go another time.”
AdventureSmart is a campaign used by organizations to provide essential information needed for people to get outdoors with confidence.
There are increased challenges for walkers during the winter months and it’s important to know the answers to the 3 questions above.
- What to wear:
- Warm/windproof trousers or leggings
- Thermal top/base layer
- Fleece/insulating top layer
- Regis-soled footwear with appropriate socks
- Warm hat and buff
- Gloves or mitts
- Sunglasses- sometimes the sun shines in winter!
- Waterproof jacket and over trousers
- What to carry:
- Rucksack and rucksack liner
- Spare insulating layer
- Map and compass
- Head-torch
- Whistle
- Fully charged phone and power bank
- High energy food and drink
- Sunscreen
- First Aid Kit
- What to pre-plan:
- Plan for shorter daylight hours. Set out in good time, carry a torch even if you intend to be back before dark
- Get relevant information about where are going
- Check latest weather conditions before you set off- take advice and only attempt trip if the conditions within you and your companions’ abilities
- If in doubt, alter your plans or go with a qualified guide.
- Be flexible!
If you or someone you know, finds themselves needing rescuing dial 999 and ask for the police/ mountain rescue.
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