Skills & Training

| PPE | Quicksand | Water | Shoreline | Snow | Driving | Medical | VHF |

The Bay Search and Rescue team constantly work on developing and refining the skills and training needed to operate in the unique Morecambe Bay and South Lake District environment. Where there are recognised training and qualifications available we make every effort to make use of them. In 2008 the team is undergoing accreditation to ISO quality standards.

PPE - Personal Protective Equipment

Personal safety is vital at all times if we are to be able to operate effectively and professionally. All team members are issued with and trainied in the use of appropriate PPE for the operation undertaken. This includes: drysuits for working in water, breathable waterproof clothing for foul weather conditions, hi-visability overalls and jackets for general work, fleece underlayers, safety boots for work on sands, neoprene gloves, PFDs (Personal Flotation devices) commonly called buoyancy aids fitted with quick release harnesses and rescue knives for river and shoreline work, gas inflation life jackets for offshore and deep water use, personal first aid kits, safety helmets, torches and head torches, standard and long distance throwlines, handheld GPS, handheld VHF radios and night vision equipment. - back to top

Quicksand

Rescue of people, animals and vehicles that have become stuck in the quicksands of Morecambe Bay is what the Team was founded for and is what we have many years experience of. Over these years we have had to develop our own techniques and tools for this simply because there is no one that can offer training, as no one else really has the problem of quicksands on their doorstep as we do. This constant research and development has resulted in the range of vehicles, tools, facilities and skills we now have available to us. Regular training exercises are undertaken to ensure the team maintain this standard. - back to top

Water

As we work near (and in some cases in) water all team members are required to have completed a 'Working in Water - Safety Awareness' Course. A number of team members have undertaken specialist water rescue training and are qualified to 'Swift Water Rescue Technician' level. The majority of the team members are qualified to 'RYA PowerBoat handling Level 2' or above. We also have team members qualified to 'RYA Coastal Skipper' level. As everyone is aware there has been an increase in flooding over the last few years so we are undertaking extra training and developing our techniques and the use of our Hagglund amphibious rescue vehicle with an aim to be able to assist in flood operations should this be required. - back to top

Shoreline

We are often called out to assist in searches of the shoreline around the Bay. Our vehicles allow quick deployment of team members familiar with the local area as well as members of other emergency services. We undertake regular 'patrols' of the shoreline which as well as providing driver training help us monitor the changing geopgraphical conditions. We have also recently started to assist the Morecambe Bay Partnership with Beach cleans, providing a safety backup service for its members, and safe recovery of heavy objects washed up on the shore - such as those from the container ship that ran aground at Blackpool earlier in 2008. - back to top

Snow

As our Hagglund rescue vehicle was originally designed for use in the frozen north by the Swedish military it is ideal for deployment when snow causes transport issues in our area. In recent years we have assisted local ambulance services by providing a vehicle and trained crew to allow them to access areas cut off by snow and impossible to get to any other way. Even Landrovers cannot operate in deep snow and ice conditions and with a capacity for 18 people we can evacuate more people with less trips. - back to top

Driving

The majority of the team undertake training to be able to drive our Hagglund articulated tracked amphibious rescue vehicle. All drivers are required to log their hours and encouraged to undertake training to senior driver level. Team drivers also receive specific training in 4x4 driving for our backup vehicle and a number of the team are qualified HGV drivers and can drive our 16 ton ex military 4x4 truck and trailer which we use to deploy the Hagglund away from our immediate area. All team members are trained in 'banksman duties', 'vehicle safety' and recovery techniques using highlift jacks, winches and tow ropes. - back to top

Medical

Our primary role is to safely evacuate any casualties as quickly as possible into the care of the Ambulance Service at the nearest accessible point available. However we are sometimes called on to provide initial medical assistance and have professional medical skills in the team. Alongside this all team members are required to have up to date recognised First Aid qualifications. - back to top

VHF Radios

The team is predominantly responsible to, and needs to be in contact at all times with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (what used be known as HM Coastguard) and operates Marine VHF licensed frequency radios. All team members operating radios are required to hold a 'VHF certificate' qualifying them in their use. The latest radios we use were purchased with a grant from O2 and their itsyourcommunity scheme. These also have the facility for a private comms channel which we use for team communication - back to top