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Interview with Anne FitzpatrickTeam leader of Wicklow Mountain RescueFor what reasons should one call Mountain Rescue? If in difficulty in the uplands. Being injured, ill or seriously lost (cannot relocate or get themselves safely off the hill). How often does Mountain Rescue get called out to help people attempting the Wicklow Way? Difficult to say as many people choose circular routes involving sections of the Wicklow Way. Therefore a lot of our resuce's may indeed involve sections of the Way, however we have never been called out to rescue someone who got into difficulty whilst walking the complete WW. Usually, what are the reasons for people getting into difficulties along the Way? Being unprepared physically or mentally, being injured/ill or if walking off route getting lost. If called out, what procedure does Mountain Rescue follow? Firstly, the Team are put on standby then the Team leader decides on the appropriate action depending on the situation and resources (of the Team and other agencies) required. This may be as simple as talking/reassuring someone over the phone and helping them relocate themselves or a full blown rescue where the team would respond possibly with the assistance of National Park staff and the Coastguard helicopter or the Aer Corps. What equipment does Mountain Rescue use? In addition to normal hillwalking equipment we have two vehicles kitted out with radios, ropes, crag kits which include technical rock climbing gear. Also group shelters for protection against the weather, stretchers, vacuum mattress and splints to immobilise injury, first aid kits and paramedic kits including oxygen and entynox for pain relief, defibrillators, flares, harness, helmets, search lights and of course our vehicles, a transit van which operates as a mobile command centre and a land rover for access into difficult terrain. This is equipment held by the Team. We also call on other resources like the National Park rescue boat, search dogs and helicopters for transporting search parties into certain areas. In which areas should walkers be especially careful? Walkers should be careful in all areas. Good planning is essential to every trip in the hills. Care should be taken when venturing off waymarked routes such as the Wicklow Way walkers should ensure that they have the skills needed to match their chosen route. Over reliance on mechanical aids such as GPS and mobile phones should be avoided. What safety advice would you give to anybody attempting the Wicklow Way? Make sure you are fit enough to complete the lengthy stages. Make sure you have enough food and water to see you through, especially water in summer weather. Carry a bivvy bag or group shelter to protect against the elements in the event of something going wrong. Always carry a torch. Don't carry too much excess gear as it will wear you out. What equipment is essential, from a safety point of view? Layered clothing, waterproofs, food, water, torch, bivvy bag or shelter and a whistle. Also a map and compass and the ability to use both. How are changes of weather throughout the day likely to affect the chances of walkers getting into difficulty? If unprepared for such changes, it is very likely. If you get cold or wet, judgement tends to be impaired and there is a risk of hypothermia. Hypothermia can develop gradually over a number of hours and can be difficult to detect. Also it is quite likely that more than one person in a group will suffer the effects of hypothermia. Changes in weather can also affect the terrain you can operate on and make some rock and vegetation types slippery. Heavy rain can also make many rivers impassable. What can people do to volunteer with Mountain Rescue? Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue accepts applications from committed walkers and mountaineers who have completed mountain skills course, who live in the Wicklow area and have good availability for training and operations. If one hasn't reached this technical level the Team can offer advice on where to source training and gain further experience. People can also volunteer their time by organising fundraising events on behalf of the Team. view comments |