Cornwall Search and Rescue Team, last night held their first full search and rescue exercise of 2011, at West Moor gate, on Bodmin Moor.

Following the festive season, 28 members turned out to search for a missing and injured Geocacher, and two of his friends who had organised an impromptu search party.

Search Dog handler Shaun Rosevear with his dog 'Tigger' were first on scene and out onto the moor, allowing them a valuable headstart in very favourable conditions. With both vehicles on scene, four full search teams were able to deploy onto the moor soon after, with further team members assisting in Control.

Within ½ hour Dog Tigger, found all three missing people, and arrangements made to escort the two uninjured men to safety. Meanwhile search teams were recalled, and redeployed with first aid and rescue equipment to assist with the injured geocacher, who had broken his ankle, and was suffering from hypothermia.

A saturated moor made conditions underfoot, challenging, but using the Mc Innes stretcher that we have on loan for evaluation, performed exceptionally well, and a the casualty was safely evacuated by 23:00.

A great exercise with some good training and learning points shared by one and all.

Wishing all our readers and subscribers a safe and prosperous 2011.

Tim Hughes – Chairman - Jan 2011