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The Future

 

The Team readily acknowledge that as a Category 1 Responder, it faces new and exciting challenges. In technical terms, the role and function of voluntary search and rescue organisations has evolved, and both the Police and public expect an increasing level of professionalism and flexibility. We also acknowledge that recent rescues have generated substantial local and indeed national media coverage.

 

In response the Team has taken a number of initiatives to include:

 

The development of in-house training procedures.

Pro-active education and public training through the promotion of skills courses.

One of our team members is currently training a search dog through SARDA, (Search and Rescue Dogs Association), which will substantially increase our in-house search capability.

 

It is anticipated that in future the team will need to provide a more flexible search capability, and that the standard of medical care provision will increase. This will be further expanded as it is proposed that we will in future be called directly by the West Country Ambulance Service. Our ability to sustain future change is currently constrained by the age and capacity of our property and vehicles.

 

Vehicles                                                                                      

 

In terms of carrying capacity, the existing van is no more than adequate. When we finished fitting it out in 2001, there was sufficient storage for the equipment then carried. We have subsequently added a second vacuum mattress, extraction stretchers and improved external lighting. We presently have no provision for the potential storage of Entonox (anaesthetic), nor is there a wind-out awning available to extend the capability as a command and control post.  The capacity of our portable generator is inadequate for battery charging, enhanced radio facilities, or water heating.

 

Our proposal is therefore to acquire two new vehicles. The control vehicle would be of similar size to the existing van. Its primary function is to act as a command and control unit, albeit with more usable space than is presently available. It would carry only sufficient kit to provide for one team. The second vehicle, which will require an all weather 4-wheel drive capability, will be slightly smaller. It will have capacity to carry the driver plus 4, their personal kit, and the bulk of the team equipment. This will allow the team kit and search dog to be deployed away from the control vehicle if deemed appropriate.

 

Property

 

Our existing garage will not be of sufficient capacity to house two vehicles, and indeed is now inappropriate for the maintenance and storage of team kit. In 2003 the Team was approached by The Governors of Widewell School, who are in the process of securing funding for the wholesale redevelopment of their site.  “The ARK Project” as it is now known, envisages the provision of a wide range of newly constructed facilities for use by the school and community based groups. 

 

The Team has gladly offered its full support to the project, which it is proposed will incorporate new and appropriate garage, storage and training facilities for our exclusive use. Negotiations in respect of the overall funding package are now well advanced, and we are hopeful that the scheme will incorporate new garage and base facilities for the Team.

 

Funding

 

The Team is seeking to raise capital funding as follows:

 

Control Vehicle:                 £25,000

4X4 Vehicle:                      £25,000

Conversion Costs:              £25,000

 

TOTAL                             £75,000.

 

Detailed specifications and costings are available upon request. The position regarding the payment of VAT is currently under review, and it may be possible to claim a dispensation as the vehicles will be capable of use as ambulances.

 

The Trustees recognise that this is a most substantial sum, and intend to promote a public campaign of awareness throughout the community that will be launched in Spring 2008 to encompass local and regional media.  Nonetheless, it is recognised that the teams’ cash reserves will enable the increased overheads associated with the project to be met well in to the near future. We remain confident that our fundraising efforts can meet the long term liabilities.

 

We therefore seek sponsorship from both the corporate and public sectors, and can offer an opportunity to be associated with a voluntary organisation that is hugely respected within a wide community. We will also provide sponsors the opportunity to use their corporate branding on the vehicles and team clothing so as to maximise the publicity potential. We have a flexible approach to this process, and can offer potential sponsors a wide range of funding options.

 

It is envisaged that the fundraising process will include a full campaign of civic and media promotion, and we can offer sponsors the opportunity to become an integral part of that process.

 

Appendix 1 Callout Statistics 2006.

 

January 2nd.   Norsworthy Bridge. Walker overdue at Peat Cott having walked from Norsworthy. 15 members. 105 man-hours.

 

August 22^nd. Blackaton Cross. Subject from Wotter who was known to like the Trowlesworthy area. 10 members. 60 man-hours.

 

September 21^st.  Wembury Woods. Subject believed to be contemplating suicide. 12 members. 60 man-hours.

 

October 3^rd.  Wembury. Subject overdue from walk. 24 members. 120 man-hours.

 

October 8^th. Lutton to assist fallen walker. 12 members. 24 man-hours.

 

October 16^th. Staddon heights golf club. Subject believed to have sleeping pills and bottle of gin. 17 members. 68 man-hours.

 

October 18^th. Norsworthy Bridge. Subject disappeared whilst collecting prescription. Known to favour Norsworthy area. Joint with Tavistock. 6 hours. 22 members. 132 man-hours.

 

October 31^st.  Barne Barton. Despondent. 9 members. 54 man-hours.

 

November 16^th. Budleigh Salterton. Despondent. Joint with Okehampton.  10 members 110  man-hours.

 

December 29^th. New Waste. 2 Walkers lost between Plym Ford and the Redlake Tramway. Joint with Ashburton and Tavistock. 19 members 190 man-hours.

 

Total Man-hours 932

 

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Appendix 2                                                                              

 

Trading and Profit and loss account Year ended 31^st December 2005

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