Making the decision to call Mountain Rescue can feel daunting. Many people worry that they’re wasting volunteers’ time or fear they’ll be criticised for getting into difficulty. In reality, Mountain Rescue teams would much rather be called to a genuine emergency than have someone wait until the situation becomes far more serious.
So, what actually happens after you’ve made that 999 call?
Your call is assessed
When you dial 999 or 112, ask for the Police and then request Mountain Rescue. The police control room gathers information about the incident, including your location, the nature of the emergency, how many people are involved and any injuries.
This information is passed to a local Mountain Rescue team whose volunteer leaders assess the situation and decide what resources are needed.
Volunteers respond
Unlike the emergency services, Mountain Rescue teams are almost entirely made up of volunteers. They leave work, family meals, social events or even their beds to respond when they’re needed.
Depending on the incident, only a handful of team members may be required or dozens could be mobilised. Some callouts involve straightforward evacuations, while others require technical rope rescue, specialist medical care or large-scale searches.
The aim is always the same: to reach you as quickly and safely as possible.
You may receive a phone call
Don’t be surprised if a member of the Mountain Rescue team phones you while they’re on their way.
They may ask for more detailed information about your location, your condition or the terrain around you. Sometimes they can also provide advice that helps you stay safe while the team is travelling.
If your location isn’t completely clear, they may ask you to send a grid reference, GPS coordinates, a What3Words location or even a photograph of your surroundings.
Search and rescue
If your exact location isn’t known, the team will begin searching likely areas using maps, GPS technology and local knowledge. In more complex incidents, additional teams may be called in to help.
At night, rescuers use powerful head torches and search techniques designed to cover large areas efficiently. Search dogs or specialist search teams may also be deployed if required.
Medical treatment
Many Mountain Rescue volunteers are highly trained in casualty care and can provide treatment well before an ambulance could reach remote locations.
Depending on the situation, they may treat injuries, manage medical emergencies, protect casualties from cold and wet conditions, administer pain relief where appropriate, and prepare someone for evacuation.
If necessary, they will work alongside ambulance crews, coastguard rescue teams or air ambulance services.
Evacuation
Not everyone needs to be carried off the hill.
If you’re able to walk with assistance, the team may help you descend safely. If not, they may use a specialist mountain stretcher designed to transport casualties over rough terrain.
In some situations, a helicopter may be requested. This is usually reserved for incidents where it offers the safest or fastest option, but weather conditions, visibility and aircraft availability all influence whether one can attend.
Will you be charged?
One of the most common questions people ask is whether they’ll receive a bill.
In the UK, Mountain Rescue assistance is provided free of charge. Teams are funded through charitable donations, grants and fundraising, while their members give their time voluntarily.
That said, no one should ever abuse the service. It exists for genuine emergencies, not as a shortcut for tired legs or poor planning.
Learn from the experience
Most people who require Mountain Rescue never expected to need help. The mountains are unpredictable, and even experienced walkers can be caught out by changing weather, difficult ground or unexpected illness.
If you ever do need rescuing, take the opportunity to learn from the experience. Review what happened, improve your planning, carry appropriate equipment and continue enjoying the outdoors safely.
Mountain Rescue volunteers don’t judge people for making honest mistakes. Their priority is simple: getting everyone home safely.
