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Mountain Rescue
The Dartmoor Rescue Group was started in 1968 in the Tavistock area when a small group of local moorland enthusiasts started helping the police with search and rescue on Dartmoor. In due course a recognised official team was formed. Currently the Group consists of four Sections (based on Ashburton, Okehampton, Tavistock and Plymouth), each one capable of functioning independently, plus the main "Original charity" which co-ordinates common training, equipment and comms issues plus is main contact point for organisations. Normally two Sections respond on callouts leaving two as a back up in case of an extended operation.
No charge is made on casualties for any operation and it is the current intention of the members, who are all unpaid volunteers, that it should remain that way.
All members provide their own personal equipment. The larger items such as vehicles, stretchers etc. are purchased with Group funds sometimes with the assistance of the Mountain Rescue England & Wales which is the national organisation.
The Dartmoor Rescue Group work in cooperation with, in coordination with and in liaison with, the Devon Police or other emergency services.
Any callout is requested by the Police who assess their need for assistance and, where necessary, contact the appropriate DRG Section Search Controller by telephone or pager. Currently each of the Sections has approaching 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. A 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, several teams will normally be deployed at each callout.
The Group attend and assist with some of the annual events that take place on Dartmoor e.g. Ten Tors, 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.
There is a standardized training program which must be completed by every prospective new member. This would normally be done over a series of training meets. Topics covered include night navigation, first aid and casualty handling, radio procedures, search techniques etc. Some Sections have waiting lists
Applicants for membership are expected to be at least 18 years of age They must be able to demonstrate a knowledge of Dartmoor and be an experienced and capable walker. Training in the special skills required is given by the Group but those who are accepted as members are expected to have the appropriate kit and knowledge to be self-sufficient on the moor for up to 24 hours and have an appropriate First Aid qualification, or be able to take a first aid course soon after joining.
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