Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (Plymouth)

Registered Charity Number 1106095

Search and Rescue in Devon and the South West of England

           To call out Dartmoor Search and Rescue dial 999

If you enjoy walking in any part of our beautiful countryside you could get caught out by the weather, get injured or make some navigational errors.

We are here to help, but you could do a lot to help yourself. Its easy and common sense.

Dartmoor can be VERY wet and VERY windy, conditions can change quickly. A few easy precautions can save you (and us) a lot of trouble.

1. Leave a note with your family or friends saying where you are going and when you expect to get back.

2. Don't forget to tell them when you do get back!

3. On any walk think about a quick way off the Moor if the weather turns foul.

4. How much daylight is left? - is a member of the group tired or lagging behind?

5. If you are caught out on the Moor and can't get to safety then try to find cover in the shelter of a Tor or other feature.

6. If you come off the Moor in a different location than expected and are sitting in a warm pub, phone your family or the Police in case you become the subject of a search and rescue mission!

7. Don't rely on your mobile phone working everywhere.

8. Check the local weather forecast BEFORE you venture outside. Jump to the links page here to check the weather to give you a guide.

9. Make sure that you are equipped for the Moor - basic kit would include :-

-Emergency food in addition to any planned meals - glucose sweets, biscuits, nuts etc.

-Map 1:25,000 and compass - and know how to use them.

-Emergency whistle - six blasts every minute is the recognised distress signal.

-A working torch with spare bulb. Powerful enough to signal with to help us find you.

-Small first aid kit - plasters + small bandages.

-Survival bag - as big as you are and bright orange colour.

-Dry spare clothing in a plastic bag (and put your mobile phone in one too).

-Good ankle supporting boots are a must.

-Waterproofs are also a MUST for Dartmoor !

 

Be aware of the standard distress calls on whistles or torches......

A casualty would blow/flash SIX times a minute on their whistle/torch, and would be answered by THREE blasts/flashes from a Rescue Team.

We use horns that are quite distinct from a whistle and carry well in the wind to attract a search subject's attention.