This weekend, 24th October, the clocks go back and darkness will descend an hour sooner.  It’s a sign of winter closing in and a time of year when all those venturing onto the hills and moors should think about their skills and the equipment they carry.

The early fall of darkness traditionally catches a few people still on the hills without a light or sufficient knowledge and equipment to find their way off.  A call for help often results in one or more rescue teams being called out for a two or three hour search of the moors in darkness.

Working in the dark brings its own challenges and to prepare for such events the rescue team holds special training exercises to ensure members have the skills to operate safely at night. Training involves night navigation and moving safely over steep and rough terrain.  Any casualty site can become very confusing in darkness if members aren’t able to communicate effectively so a familiar practised routine is essential.

Last Thursday evening the team spent three hours exercising such routines and enhancing night skills on The Roaches in Staffordshire.  Team members went to the aid of of an mountain biker who had supposedly crashed sustaining life-threatening injuries.  It was a cold night but rewarding for all members and will prepare the them to work better together when the real call comes.

Of course, most night call-out could be avoided with a little more preparation by those venturing out at this time of year.  So its winter drawers on and a torch, map, compass and spare clothing on every trip.   If however you do need help remember; dial 999 and ask the police for mountain rescue.  Call early before it’s too late!

Photos: BMRT.  Top – How many rucksacks can one member carry?   Lower -Serious discussions at the casualty site.