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THETFORD TRAINING WEEKEND 2008 - IT RAINED! A LOT!
At 21.00 on the Friday our weekend scenario began and foot teams went out to look for a missing Mum and two children (Tulip & Annie) who had not returned after a picnic in the woods. The family were found relatively easily and then the "rescue" element began as the "mum" had an ankle injury and needed carrying out to the road. Once the teams had improvised and used a thick branch wrapped in a coat for a seat the "mum" (Deborah) took pity on them and recovered so she could walk out. A gentle introduction to the weekend.
Saturday began for the teams at 06.00 hours with the main exercise of the day. And still it rained. A number of people were missing at "Two mile bottom" picnic site and the first two teams began. Throughout the day more teams were dispatched including 4 dog teams and the bike team and 2 more foot teams. A big THANK YOU to our mispers Ian and Mick who gave up their time & came both days to hide for us.
And still it rained!
We finished the exercise for lunch and in the afternoon some of us went "off roading" - just to finish off the excitement for the day. The evening saw families arrive to join us for the traditional barrel and BBQ. This year saw a new addition to the festivities with presentations - the pink shorts award (for the radio "mistake" of the day), a gnome for James (not sure why), a combined compass/thermometer/light for Ted (and only he knows why) and Angel wings for Deborah (something to do with her cooking breakfasts).
Sunday was even busier and CONGRATULATIONS to Cambridgeshire Search & Rescue team who passed their ALSAR assessment today. NorLSAR set up an exercise for them and the pressure was on with observers from Norfolk and Cambridge police as well as NorLSAR team leaders. So well done to you.
The dog teams had their own exercise and we were lucky enough to have Liz and Ian hide joined by one of our newer team members Dexter. And the weather turned VERY hot and humid. It was so extreme it was bordering on being too much for the dogs. More details soon on the dog page. While the dog team were out the canoe team went down to the river to practise. Thank you also to the Scouting organisation for letting us use their venue. They kindly relaxed their rule of no dogs and we appreciated not only the fantastic venue, but the facilities and beautiful surroundings.
And finally after lunch, down to the river to play! I think all agreed a great weekend socially and lots learnt about searching.
2008 TRAINING
We have
had a busy time with public events as well as training and
it has been nice to welcome new members. So far this year we
have completed basic water safety training, first aid,
communication, radio use, navigation and a number of
practical exercises based on searches we have done in the
past.
Our basic water safety
training includes a reminder of
the basic safety principles and practising rope throwing,
before moving on to the more complicated:
If you are not as good as the
canoe team members at paddling and controlling direction
experts are on hand to show you how it is done.
As we
approach the half way stage in our training calendar we have
been joined not only by new volunteers but representatives
of other agencies and search teams. We have continued our
classroom training at Broadland Council bunker but sadly we
will soon outgrow it as our numbers grown. The hunt is now
on for another building around the Dereham area which has
facilities for us and is FREE!
We have now had a number
of night time scenarios;
some at new venues for us. NORLSAR operational members need to complete our minimum
requirement training program every year, ensuring they are well equipped to lead, or be part of a search team at any time.
All operational members of NORLSAR must also have completed ALSAR search technicians' training & assessment
NORLSAR has members that don't directly participate in searches, but are nonetheless essential to the team. People with administrative, financial, procurement and other skills are always needed to keep us operational. We also have members trained in remote access and working at heights, all-terrain driving, canoe-handling and bike searching. Our search dogs can be quickly put into any search area, no matter how inaccessible.
For members considering training on one of our special skill activities, visit the page relating to the activity you are interested in
pursuing.
This is the minimum requirement for all NORLSAR members. We do however ask that you complete as much of the training as possible in the year.
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Basic Navigation Basic Radio Techniques
Basic First Aid
Dog Familiarisation
Weekend Exercise
Basic Water Safety
Five Scenario
Night Exercise
Team building Exercise
Fundraising Event
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