KSAR requested logistical support from two of our larger 4x4 vehicles on their training day. Two of our volunteers were pleased to support and spend the day transporting the KSAR teams to different locations. They returned the teams to the rendezvous point after they had finished the various search activities. It was lovely to have one of our trustees observing the process to see how we work with KSAR.
The first of three training weekends this year saw current members updating key skills along with refreshing knowledge over one of the two days. New members, attending both days of the weekend, had more in depth training to enable confident beginnings when out on call and attending various events throughout the coming year.
Members from South East 4x4 Response joined Kent Search and Rescue teams for an evening of road search training. A team can provide a safe search zone between two vehicles for a Kent Search and Rescue team undertaking searches along a roadside looking for a person who is missing. Several teams can be out searching a large area of roadsides at any point in the search.
We are delighted that two of our members recently achieved the Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work plus Forestry (RQF) qualification. With thanks to SC First Aid Training for running the course.
This month we held our monthly meeting at the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance facility where our members were fully briefed on the life saving service provided by the air ambulance team to our south east communities. We were also able to view one of the service's road response vehicles. A huge thank you to the air ambulance team for giving us their valuable time to explain what they do.
Saturday saw our team of South East 4x4 Response Chainsaw Operatives take part in an "experience gaining" exercise. Leeds Castle, provided a woodland area with fallen trees and other challenges. The team tackled a number of these fallen trees, all simulating what they might come across on Kent highways following stormy weather and a Kent Police call out.
They were set the task of assessing each scenario from a health and safety aspect and working out which was the best and safest way to clear each tree. These were trees which had fallen straight onto the floor thus simulating a blocked road. Smaller trees caught on bushes, or other obstacles, simulated the way trees might hang over a roadway. It was a great morning for the members to get their hands dirty and to practise the skills they have been taught during their City and Guilds accredited training course.
We have a dedicated volunteer team of trained and qualified Chainsaw Responders who are ready to keep our Kent roads open when requested to do so by Kent Police.
Two off road training days which took place in the Medway area allowed a number of our volunteers to experience driving their 4x4 vehicles on challenging routes. They were overseen by a trained off road instructor who is a member of our team. There are occasions when a call out requires our on call team to head off road; preparation for these situations is paramount.
We are delighted to welcome the latest volunteers to our expanding team who completed their two day training this weekend. Well done all! Pictured here with our CEO, David Mills, and our Training Officer, Ross Hart.
Some of our responders joined the Kent Search and Rescue (KSAR) protective road search training so those being trained know how to shield KSAR members carrying out road searches for missing people. A successful outcome for both SE4x4R responders and KSAR search teams.
South East 4x4 Response carried out familiarisation and emergency training over a 6 hour period in the Medway area both on and off road in some very muddy conditions!
