An evening with Dartmoor Search & Rescue

The Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (DSRT) is a lifeline for those who find themselves lost, injured, or distressed within the rugged 365 square miles of Dartmoor and beyond.

Made up of four divisions, Plymouth, Tavistock, Ashburton, and North Dartmoor, the team is composed of dedicated volunteers who respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice.

Recently, The Moorlander was given the privilege of joining the Tavistock Team for a training session on the moors.

DSRT Tavistock, established in April 1968, is a critical component in providing an efficient search and rescue service, particularly in remote areas.

Entirely voluntary and funded solely by donations, the team collaborates with numerous other emergency services, including HM Coastguard, the Ambulance Service and the Fire Service.

The Tavistock team trains every Wednesday evening, preparing for real-world rescues by simulating emergency situations.

ABOVE: The Tavistock Search & Rescue Team

On Wednesday, June 26, The Moorlander joined the team at Cadover Bridge. 

All four Dartmoor teams work across the whole Moor, and the surrounding regions ensuring efficient collaboration during larger callouts or when team members are unavailable.

The scenario for this session involved four individuals in difficulty on the River Plym, including a kayaker represented by a mannequin named Fred, who was trapped vertically within rocks, and three others. 

Members of the search and rescue team, along with two volunteers from the Southwest Peatland Partnership, acted as the public in distress.

ABOVE: The training scenario takes place on the River Plym

A communication van served as the hub for the exercise, equipped with radios and laptops to log decisions and coordinate the rescue. 

Under the guidance of the team leader, specialised members, including doctors, paramedics, and ex-military personnel, were deployed to tackle the situation.

ABOVE: Carrying away the training mannequin who was the casualty during the training session

Despite the hot conditions, the water team donned full drysuits and used ropes to ensure their safety as they rescued the stranded kayaker and brought the casualty to shore on a stretcher.

Following the successful rescue, the team regrouped to debrief, discussing what went right and where improvements could be made. 

The evening concluded with a traditional social event at the local pub, a well-deserved break for these dedicated volunteers.

Rhodri Davey is part of the Tavistock team, and is Team Leader. 

He said: “Being part of Dartmoor Search and Rescue is a deeply rewarding commitment. Over my 27 years with the team, I've experienced firsthand the profound difference we make in saving lives and bringing loved ones home safely. We have an incredible team of volunteers who give up huge amounts of time to make the team what it is. Our work is driven by passion and dedication, but it relies heavily on securing adequate funding. Supporting us means ensuring we can continue to operate and support people who want to enjoy our beautiful national park.”

ABOVE: Training at Cadover Bridge 

This year, DSRT Tavistock has already responded to 24 callouts this year, averaging more than one per week. 

The team’s volunteers are trained in a wide array of skills, from First Aid to navigation and radio operation. 

Coordinated through a team leader, individual search teams maintain constant communication with the incident controller.

The team is a close-knit community with unique dynamics.

Among the volunteers are husbands and wives, fathers and sons, and even a grandfather (now retired) and grandson. 

Professions vary widely, including vets, dentists, solicitors, accountants, tradesmen, retirees, teachers, doctors and other medics, and both military and ex-military personnel. 

Within the team, some volunteers have trained dogs as air-scenting dogs, further enhancing their search capabilities.

Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, DSRT Tavistock receives no government funding and relies on public donations. 

The team is currently in need of two new vehicles with off road capability, each costing £50,000, to continue their vital work. 

The community’s support is crucial to their mission.

In addition to their regular callouts, the team has supported emergency services with significant operations, such as the evacuation following the discovery of a World War II bomb in Plymouth earlier this year. 

June alone saw six callouts from June 5 to June 20, highlighting the constant demand for their expertise.

In an emergency, those in need of the search and rescue team should call 999, ask for the police, and then request Mountain Rescue. 

To support the Tavistock division or for more information, please visit their website or consider making a donation to keep this essential service operational.