Join the team

Recruitment Criteria for Membership of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team

Values

Teamwork

• You instinctively act in a manner which supports and contributes to what is best for the team.

Reliable

• You do what you say you will do.
• You attend a significant percentage of regular training: first and third Tuesdays per month plus last Sunday of the month, team meetings and winter training.
• You attend rescue call-outs whenever you can.

Resilient

• You are able to respond well under pressure.
• You take appropriate steps to support your physical, emotional and mental health.

Empathetic

• You are empathetic, relating to others non-judgementally and with compassion.

Trustworthy

• People trust you because you are honest, reliable, have integrity and respect confidentiality.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

Self-reliance in the mountains

• You are able to travel confidently, safely and independently through a variety of mountainous terrain above 700m in height, in poor conditions in summer and winter. This should include being away from marked paths, ,moving over steep and rocky ground, and experience of walking with ice axe and crampons.

Navigation skills

• You are able to use a map and compass to navigate in poor weather/ visibility, including at night.

Driving

• You have a driving license and are able to drive safely.

Fitness and Stamina

• You are able to carry a pack weighing about 17kg from the Mountain Rescue base to the summit of Helvellyn and back down.

…

We welcome new members. You need to be self-sufficient in the fells in all conditions, all year round. You also need good knowledge and recent experience of the terrain we operate in, and to be confident moving and navigating on difficult ground away from marked paths. There is no requirement to be a rock climber, but familiarity with climbing rope work and equipment helps.

You will need to be aged 18 or over and live within 30 minutes normal driving of our base.

Prospective members are invited to Base to gain a greater understanding of what we do and who we are. We can also understand more about you. Acceptance as a probationary member would mean that you join in with team training and then after a period join in on callouts on the hill. Probationary periods are around 18 months, with a test of Mountain Rescue skills prior to election to full team member.

If Team membership is not for you, there are a number of other ways you can support Patterdale Mountain Rescue.  You could help raise funds and organise events through our thriving Supporters Group, or ensure appropriate management of our supporting charity, Patterdale Mountain Rescue Association Ltd, by acting as a Trustee.  For both these opportunities, please contact: trustee.secretary@patterdalemrt.org.uk . 

If you are interested in joining the team, please email the Team Secretary