Join kinder mountain rescue team

Kinder Mountain Rescue Team needs men and women of all ages, capabilities and talents to take part in search, mountain rescue and support work. Mountain Rescue is a 999 service under the control of the Police. It is staffed entirely by volunteers and funded by charitable donations. Most kinder mountain rescue team members come from the Hayfield/New Mills area, but anyone within a 30 minute driving distance from our Hayfield base will be considered. Applicants living within the catchment area of other mountain rescue teams may be referred to their local team.

This page is aimed at those contemplating participation in operational search and mountain rescue callouts. If you are more interested in the fundraising and social aspects of team life, then please contact our fundraiser (Click on the Contact us link on the navigation panel ).

The Kinder Mountain Rescue Team is always keen to attract new members. Men and women between 18 – 70 yrs can apply providing they can demonstrate their ability and willingness to cope with the training, exercises and call outs. You will be expected to gain basic first aid skills by passing a First Aid at Work course. Beyond this, attending regular training sessions at our base in Hayfield will enhance your first aid and mountain rescue skills.

All operational members are expected to be available for call out at any time of day or night.

The Operational team is split into the Hill team and the Support team.

Hill Team

Hill Team members are formed into hill parties and deployed to perform the actual search and rescue work. Each hill party will have an experienced leader.

Support Team

When a call out occurs there is a lot of work to be done in order to get the Hill Teams mustered and deployed. The base support team ensures that the deployment happens as smoothly as possible, and then assists in the rescue by manning radios and providing transport. They are expected to be on the same call out system as hill members, but provide support from home, the base, or a vehicle. Attendance at the indoor training sessions is mandatory to gain the necessary knowledge of radio procedure and casualty care.

Probationary Members

All new members, with very few exceptions, serve a probationary period. During this time they are required to attend a basic training course in addition to the regular team training events. This probationary time fulfils two functions:-

It gives the probationer time to understand the commitment, level of fitness and knowledge of hill craft required to be a full team member.

It gives the Team Leaders time to assess the character and capabilities of the applicant. In adverse conditions, the hill parties need to rely on each other. The team leaders need to be sure that each individual can not only make a useful contribution but also work as part of a team.

The probationary period is generally six months to one year. During this time a high attendance record at training and other team activities is recommended.

Call-Outs

Call-Outs (or shouts) can be expected to number between 12 and 30 per year. They can be at any time of day or night, and involve an immediate or deferred call-out. Rendezvous points will generally be at the base in Hayfield, but may well be elsewhere, in or out of our area.

You will be asked to assist in search and rescue operations on the hills and crags of the Peak District, not only for hill walkers and climbers, but often elderly, infirm or depressed subjects. You will also from time to time be asked to assist the Police in urban and lowland rural searches.

Frequently asked questions

What Kit will I Need?

On achieving full membership you will be issued with a team jacket, trousers and a single team shirt. All the mountain rescue equipment and most of the First Aid gear used on callout is provided by the team, and stored at HQ. We do expect each team member to be self-sufficient on the hill, and this means providing the following kit as a minimum, at your own expense.

Adequate core and shell clothing, plus hill walking boots and gaiters.
Watch and knife.

50 Litre or more Rucksack, Maps, Compass, Whistle.
Personal Lighting. Head torches are generally preferred.

Bivi bag and emergency rations.
Notebook and writing implements

A Climbing Sling, 1 karabiner, 2 prussik loops and a climbing harness.
Ice axe, crampons and goggles for winter conditions.

What mountaineering experience am I expected to have to join the Hill Team?

We accept team members with varying levels of mountaineering experience. Do not feel that you have to be an expert rock climber or mountaineer, experience of hill walking will generally be sufficient. You are expected to be able to navigate using a map and compass. This is not taught as part of basic training.

How fit do I need to be for the Hill Team?

If you can walk up to 8 hours over hilly terrain, carrying a 15kg pack, and navigate at the same time, then you are physically fit enough to join the hill team.

How fit do I need to be for the Support Team?

All we ask is that you are reasonably active and notify us of any existing medical conditions. You will not be asked to do anything outside your capabilities.Support team members are expected to have significant hill walking experience.

Do I get paid/ What will it cost me?

It is entirely voluntary and unpaid work. You can expect to spend your own money on providing your personal kit, which is generally exposed to more wear and tear than average.

Equal Opportunities?

We strongly encourage applications from all members of the community.

What do I do next?

Please use email to contact the Team Secretary, for an application form by clicking on the Contact Us page on the navigation panel.