22/07/2026
Last month, our volunteer call-out members and trainees took part in a Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX), focusing on locating a 'casualty', providing immediate medical care, and safely evacuating them from steep and challenging terrain. Take a look at some of the photos below.
Mining is woven into Cornwall's history, leaving a landscape scattered with countless mine workings. While many shafts have been capped or made safe, others remain open and continue to pose a risk. Each year, the team is called to a small number of incidents involving people or dogs that have fallen into or become trapped around mine workings.
To respond to these incidents, the team maintains a specialist rope rescue capability, working alongside Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service where required. We also use these skills in other challenging environments, where steep or unstable terrain makes conventional access impossible.
Every team member trains regularly in rope rescue techniques and safe systems of work, ensuring we can safely access, treat and evacuate casualties while protecting both the casualty and our volunteers.
Regular training like this ensures we're ready to respond safely, professionally and effectively when our community needs us most.
