How to join

Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team needs a steady influx of new members. If you have read through this website, you will have gained an impression of how the team operates and what is involved in being a mountain rescue team volunteer.

If you like what you have seen and think you have what it takes to become a member of Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team, then read on.
 

To be a team member you need to be:

• Aged 18 or above.
• Reasonably fit and capable of going on the hill in all weathers and conditions.
• Experienced in hill walking or mountaineering, with a good working knowledge of map and compass.
• A team player.
• Based locally.
• Available for call-out (taking into account the demands of jobs and families).
• Willing to attend regular training sessions – see the training page.
• Willing to spend time learning about the specialised equipment and techniques of mountain rescue and casualty care.

Be aware that Mountain Rescue is not as glamorous as some TV series have painted it. It can be hard work in difficult conditions. However the rewards are gained from the satisfaction of helping people in need and also being part of a committed, caring and professional team.

On joining the team as a probationary member you will be asked to undergo a personal induction course. Within the training and probationary period, which lasts for a year, you would be expected to meet all the requirements of induction training; gain a minimum first aid qualification (Red Cross basic 1 day) and undergo a night navigation test (this is to prove your ability to help yourself if separated from the team when operating on the hill in bad weather or darkness). Achieving all this, as well as proving your ability to work well with the rest of the team, should result in your being invited to full team membership.

If the comments and conditions above haven’t deterred you then please contact the Team Leader, Adrian Cottrell. Email teamleader@ksmrt.org.uk