Every year, the PDMRO holds its foundation course in the heart of the Dark Peak—Crowden.
Delegates from teams across the region and neighbouring teams come together for a full weekend of learning, training, and socialising, providing them with the perfect stepping stones to start their rescue careers.
The course has a rich history in teaching attendees about all aspects of mountain rescue and search-and-rescue operations. It is run by highly experienced and motivated leaders and tutors. When delegates arrive, they don’t know each other, but every year people leave having formed long-lasting (even life-lasting) bonds with members of other teams.
On Friday, attendees arrived for check-in and were immediately plunged into a tabletop exercise, going through real-time search scenario management. After a late finish, a social element gave everyone time to relax and get to know each other, enjoying music from Glossop’s very own one-man band, Dave Yates.
Saturday began early with a series of presentations, lectures, and ‘round-robin’ stations, designed to put some of last night’s theory into practice through mock scenarios. Topics included the role of mountain rescue, searching, scene management, working with the police and other statutory agencies, and a search dog demonstration.
Sunday brought some sporting conditions as Storm Ashley swept through with fierce wind and driving rain, adding realism to what is often encountered on real jobs. Everyone continued in good spirits, completing another set of round-robin stations at a different location, culminating in two large-scale mock scenarios and a few extra treats (IYKYK!!!).
This year we were delighted to be joined by Mike Park, Mountain Rescue England and Wales CEO. Mike took part in all activities and exercises as a delegate and passed all tasks with flying colours. Well done, Mike! And a big thank you for his support—we hope you had a great time.
Personally, I would like to thank all the staff for delivering such a fast-paced, informative course; they all did an amazing job. This course wouldn’t happen without the dedication, time, effort, and hundreds of hours of planning by Dave Morgan, Phil Ridley, Andrew Smith, Paul Edisbury, Amy Morgan, Patch Hayley, and Matt Field.
Their commitment to mountain rescue is, in my view, unmatched. They are a credit to both PDMRO and MREW, embodying what it’s all about. What a team!
The dust from this year’s course has not yet settled, and the equipment is definitely not dry, but planning is already underway for the PDMRO Foundation Course 2025. I cannot wait!
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