In the second of a three-part Historian Peter Holme, of Kendal, describes the history of mountain rescue teams in the Lake District . . .

In the early days the mountain rescue teams had to use their own cars and motorcycles to get as close as they could to the scene of an accident. Some members used the Ribble bus service to get wherever they were supposed to be.

As the victims were usually well off the beaten track, they then had a long walk to the accident site.

There were some unusual types of vehicle, with the Cockermouth Team topping the list having, at one time, a converted Rolls Royce as its ambulance.

Now, the Kendal Mountain Rescue Team has four vehicles, three of them all-terrain. They contain all manner of equipment, including stretchers (which can be taken apart to make carrying up to the casualty easier), ropes and advanced medical equipment.

They also have access to the RAF Search & Rescue helicopters, as well as working with both the Great North and North West Air ambulances on a regular basis. However, team members still need to be prepared to walk to all incident sites carrying rescue gear, as helicopters are often not available or cannot land because of the terrain or weather.

All the teams have regular training events on the fells, with one or more of the members acting as victims. These training sessions also include trained search dogs.

It typically takes two busy, years to be fully trained and then, hopefully, pass stiff assessment trials before being allowed to work on a real search.

The team does not receive any funding from government and relies on donations to fund its £50,000 a year running costs. It should be noted that this is for equipment, fuel insurance, etc. as no team member gets any payment. There is no wish or intention to charge for the services when called – but the odd ‘thank you’ is appreciated.

Among the many genuine call outs they do get the occasional amusing incident. Sometimes they are genuine, such as the case when an elderly man was reported missing in the Grasmere district. Mountain Rescue Teams from all over Lakeland were called out.

All hope had been abandoned and the Kendal team was returning home when they saw the old man in Finkle Street. He had walked all the way from Grasmere. The team was thus able to make the unique claim that it carried out a rescue in the middle of the main street.

At the opposite end of the rescue spectrum was that of a man and his wife who ‘called mountain rescue on a mobile phone. “We are completely lost,” they said. “We have been wandering the fells for hours. Can you send a helicopter as we are both tired and have a dinner appointment in three hours.”

To get further information on Kendal Mountain Search and Rescue Team see www.kendalmountainrescue.org.uk. You can leave a message on 01539 727134 or write to the team at Busher Walk, Kendal LA9 4RH.