A guide to the Peak District Mountain rescue teams

The Peak District, located in central England, is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, attracting thousands of visitors every year. However, the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather can lead to accidents and emergencies, requiring the services of mountain rescue teams. There are several mountain rescue teams operating in the Peak District, each covering specific areas and offering specialized services.

A Wanderlust Women walk in the White Peak. Photo: Amira Patel

The Peak District Mountain Rescue Organisation (PDMRO) coordinates the efforts of all mountain rescue teams in the area. It comprises seven teams, each covering a different area of the Peak District, including the Edale Mountain Rescue Team, Buxton Mountain Rescue Team, and Kinder Mountain Rescue Team. Each team is made up of volunteers who undergo extensive training to deal with a range of emergencies in the mountains.

The Edale Mountain Rescue Team covers the area around the village of Edale and the surrounding hills, including Kinder Scout, the highest peak in the Peak District. They are one of the busiest mountain rescue teams in the UK, responding to over 120 call-outs each year. The Buxton Mountain Rescue Team covers the area around Buxton, the Goyt Valley, and the High Peak Trail. They are responsible for around 50 call-outs annually. The Kinder Mountain Rescue Team operates in the central part of the Peak District and is responsible for Kinder Scout and the surrounding hills. They receive around 30 call-outs each year.

The Glossop Mountain Rescue Team covers the western side of the Peak District, including the Dark Peak and Bleaklow. They are one of the busiest teams in the Peak District, responding to over 100 call-outs annually. The Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team covers the area around the Woodhead Pass and the Longdendale Valley. They are responsible for around 30 call-outs each year. The Derbyshire Cave Rescue Organisation provides specialized rescue services for caving accidents in the Peak District, with teams located in Castleton and Buxton.

In an emergency situation, it is essential to contact the mountain rescue team as soon as possible. The emergency number for mountain rescue in the UK is 999. The operator will ask for details about the location and nature of the emergency. It is important to provide accurate information about your location, including any landmarks or features that can help the rescue team find you quickly. If possible, provide a grid reference or use a GPS app on your phone to give your exact location.

It is also important to stay calm and provide as much information as possible about the emergency, including the number of people involved, any injuries or medical conditions, and the equipment available. Follow the instructions given by the emergency services and stay in communication with them until help arrives.

In summary, the Peak District has several mountain rescue teams covering different areas of the region. These teams are made up of volunteers who undergo extensive training to deal with emergencies in the mountains. In case of an emergency, it is important to contact the mountain rescue team as soon as possible by calling 999 and providing accurate information about your location and the nature of the emergency.

You might also Like