Training, June 2014, Poolewe

My previous first aid training had usually finished on the note … “and then I’d call the Mountain Rescue”. So this was going to be fun!!

We were briefed about a horse riding accident up the glen. Thinking this was all hypothetical & setting the scene would be left to our imaginations I set off, only to turn the corner and find 2 REAL horses & riders waiting for us! Duncan took charge and soon gave out instructions. There were lots of new pieces of equipment that I’d never used before. I was so mesmerised by the various bags, splits & oxygen that I probably broke the casualty’s neck ten times over – Best get these things ironed out in training though eh!!

Our second rescue was further up the glen. I was in the second half of the team to arrive at the scene of a mountain bike crash. By the time we got there things were pretty serious and the casualty had to stretchered to an appropriate place for the chopper to collect them. I was given the job of holding the strops bag – which I did, for dear life. As I was still unsure whether we were expecting a real chopper of not after the whole horse thing! We weren’t, but it just went to show how realistic the scenarios were. Not only with the props but by the way people were communicating with one and other. The tone of their voice and the directive commands they were giving. It was my first taste of what a real rescue might be like.

The second half of the day was a bit more chilled (literary) with river rescues. We practised our river crossings where Rod found his limits and our throw bag skills where Duncan showed us his new technique off – not holding on to the other end! It was great fun and lots of lessons had been learnt.

All in all a fantastic day only to be topped off with coffee & cake at the café in Poolewe!

Jenny Graham