www.bordersar.org.uk
Stuart Fuller-Shapcott and Norman Bethune gave a very well-illustrated talk and demonstration on the work of the Border Search and Rescue Unit, an all-volunteer organization which covers the south-east of Scotland, including the Lammermuir and Cheviot hill ranges. They described the use of radio communications, stretchers, sniffer dogs and helicopters.
Stuart Fuller-Shapcott (L) with a VHF-band hand-held radio and Norman Bethune (R) with a backpack full of useful items.
Stuart Fuller-Shapcott (L-centre) helping transport an injured walker using a wheeled stretcher.
Trained sniffer dogs are invaluable in finding missing people, often at considerable distances.
Helicopters are available to lift patients out of remote or difficult locations. The volunteers are trained to beware of strong downdrafts.