The joy of teaching folk on the hill.

I loved taking new team members on the hill. Introducing them to the mountains . Many had no idea of a life in the mountains few had climbed a hill. We had a fairly well used training program for these times. We got the new team members fit and taught them to navigate day and night, also the basic rescue and technical skill of stretcher work. There was also getting them used to steep terrain on searches and we pushed them hard.

I was amazed how they took to things that I had struggled with so quickly. They mostly enjoyed Rock and winter climbing in all weathers the trust was absolute. A few had a hard upbringing and were shocked how well we got on with the Police. That was a big culture change. They met other teams great folk and how the SARDA and a few lassies worked who worked with us on call-outs they always worked so hard. Our base camp provided food and drink as many traveled long distances to incidents.This was another big change in their lives yet it opened their eyes to outside our bubble. We had to take them to new areas as well it was a steep learning curve.

My early days

There were many others things learned by all many new skills first aid, teamwork and communication skills. I was amazed how they improved over a few months. Confidence seemed to improve and despite some of the Call-outs being “way out there “maybe it was not for all but all played their part. We bonded after some big tragedies and there became a unique bond between those who were there in all Rescue Agencies.

For many it changed their life’s and I am so often told this especially when I became ill. They bring back so many memories and being told how important it was to them. One cannot explain how proud I was of them. They never let me down. I did feel great responsibility towards each and every one and was so pleased if on a serious Call-out they all returned safely. They coped with the tragedies we helped them as much as we could.There were also great days when we found casualties you could see the joy in their faces.

You look back and the teams and SARDA meant everything to me and many others. Folk talk about the friendship and companionship you get yet it’s hard to explain. My family like many others suffered as I struggled at time. A lot of the team had poor bosses who unless it was an aircraft crash were not interested despite what their young folks had achieved. There was also the local politics arriving in an area and a few thought we would take over. I worked hard built the contacts over the years and things got better. It was a great period though and you were surrounded by young folk. If you give them the support and trust they always respond. They are full of new ideas and quickly tell you.

Most are living different lives now but most still have a great love of people the mountains and helping others. Many went to climb thee great mountains of the world sadly we lost a few such is the price paid. You get to know the families and even the grandkids who want to hear the tales their Dad or Mum did .

Thank you all