Memorandum by the Mountain Rescue Committee
of Scotland (SAR 03)
SEARCH AND RESCUE
How effective is UKSAR co-ordination?
Considerable improvements have been made recently,
but co-ordination is still too fragmented.
Do search and Rescue Orgs receive adequate resources?
To a greater extent—yes.
How does the voluntary nature of SAR Orgs affect
objectives?
The voluntary aspect enhances the objectives,
and targets through the immediate provision of trained, and equipped
resources, at minimal cost.
How dependant is the UK on Voluntary Orgs re the
provision SAR
The dependency is in some ways relative to the
type and location, of the incident, but in non urban locations
90%-100%.
How does UK SAR arrangements compare with other
countries?
Very Favourably
What improvements can be made to the UK SAR arrangements?
There is considerable scope for improved integration,
and co-ordination, to provide a more streamlined service.
TARGETS AND
TARGET SETTING
Mountain Rescue in Scotland does not, as such,
have targets but trains, and equips to meet the requirements of
the Statute Organisations to which it provides manpower, and resources.
DEPENDENCY ON
VOLUNTEERS
1. How many: 800 approx.,
2. Facilities: Extensive range of Transport,
Communications, and other Equipment appropriate to the provision
of saving life in remote, or otherwise inhospitable land based
environment.
3. Costs: The actual cost of the overall
provision is not accurately defined. The annual running costs
of the 27 voluntary organisations varying from around £15,000
up to £100,000 per annum.
4. Training Accreditation: Training
is accredited through the training providers.
5. Funding Source: Voluntary donations,
with varying support from statute services.
6. Is Current Funding Adequate: Yes.
7. How do Teams fit into the Community: They
are enthusiastic volunteers who are part of the community, who
wish to provide a service.
8. Is it right to rely on volunteers to
provide SAR in the UK: Yes.
9. What would be the effect if the UK decided
to have full time SAR Teams: Full time Search and Rescue Teams
would be detrimental to the provision of the SAR service, as it
would not be possible to provide the level of cover (in manpower),
nor to achieve a similar, very cost effective budget, as at present.
CHANGES
1. What effect has changes in legislation
had on Voluntary Work: Many of the recent changes in legislation
have had a detrimental effect on the voluntary sector, through
the introduction of regulation not appropriate to the provision
of the service.
2. Positive outcomes from recent legislation: More
exacting Guidelines re operational procedures.
3. Negative effect of recent Guidelines: Dis-satisfaction,
and frustration. Consultation, and discussion between legislators,
and service providers appears to be sadly lacking.
December 2004
| 
