Caithness & Sutherland Search Team
Argyll Forest Search
On Friday 13th August after a Team Meeting in Mey, at 9pm, David Ashpool, David Bertram and myself set off at Lothian & Borders Police invitation to join the search for Suzanne Pilley in the Argyll Forest. Having driven until 3am we decided to have a couple of hours sleep before heading on to the 8am rendezvous and briefing in Arrochar.
A large number of teams from various specialisms across the country assembled and having been briefed moved smoothly, efficiently and professionally into action. They each deployed to their assigned areas and got on with the difficult task at hand. A hard day's searching followed and as reported on the Lothian and Borders website ended for many ay 7:30 pm. Following time for dinner many of the teams; housed together in the local Cadet Training centre; sat and swapped experiences of the day and of past training. I found the all for one and all in this together atmosphere to be very supportive. A lot of myths and chinese whispers about our repsective teams over the years have been well and truly put to bed.
I can honestly say that where help is needed, I have learned that our Scottish search and rescue teams regardless of specialism know how to put the casualty first and get the job done. On Sunday the search continued again starting with an 8am briefing.
It was unfortunate that as a result of travelling needs the CASST members had to leave earlier than some others, but we carried out morning searches and debriefed with the police before leaving the area. Unfortunately like the other teams we had no finds to report.
A warm bath and a family dinner awaited and by 9pm I admit to snoring in an armchair.
Last Updated (Tuesday, 17 August 2010 21:13)
Thurs 29/7/10 Training Report
Friday, 30 July 2010 14:08 | Written by John Glen |
Those members of the team available met on Dunnet head at 19:00hrs. David A placed a cadaver scent and David B put a casualty out for an open area search. The team were joined by a prospective new member and her 7 month old dog. Search 1 - Human Remains - Polly and her handler John were tasked with searching a series of ruined buildings and the land between them. Accompanied by Safety Buddy david B they started their search. Polly worked well covering two of the buildings before picking up a scent at a distance of approximately 20 yards and moving to a third building where she gave a clear indication on an opening in the floor of the third building. Team Trqainer David A confirmed that this was the correct location for the sample he had placed earlier in the evening. The total search time for the three buildings was approximately 10 mintues.
Search 2 - Open Area - TeeDee and David A were tasked with locating an adult female missing for a couple of hours who was last seen walking up a path onto the summit of a small hill halfway across the headland. The search commenced where the path levelled out to cross the flat summit area. TeeDee set off at a steady pace and after approximately 1 1/2 minutes hit a scent and took off across the headland arriving at the casualty about 1/2 a mile from the start point and giving his usual standing bark indication in a total of 2 mins plus a few seconds. His Handler arrived a couple of minutes later wishing that he too had four legs instead of two.
Puppy training - The team retired to the car parking area where they had left the vehicles and our prospective new recruit ( four legged that is) played some simple games finding her favourite toy dropped in long grass. Trainer David A gave her owner a series of short drills to try with her over the next couple of weeks. For her first session this young bitch showed that she was having fun finding her toy and showed that when she could not see it she knew her nose was the next best tool. Let's hope this keeps going. Well done on day one. Tracking Trainee Stroma was back today having recovered from surgery on her ear and will return to training soon. We Need Volunteers
Thursday, 08 April 2010 00:00 | Written by John Glen |
Caithness and Sutherland Search Team is entirely made up of volunteers from many walks of life. From retired police officers and military personnel to teachers, chefs, shop staff, students (over 18), and others. We work hard to get the skills we need in radio communications, first aid, sign language, National Standards for Disaster Management, in short anything we might need to make us better equipped to help. This is a tough activity for many people to be involved with and takes years of training to get right. If you think you have the patience to join us and persevere through the steep learning curve, we would love to hear from you. Most people join us in the hope that one day they will be a dog handler, it is possible, but, it takes a lot of time and hard work as all those who have done it in the past will tell you. An understanding and supportive family help. (The smell of wet dog and muddy handler is not for everyone!) If you are interested then contact us on : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Last Updated (Thursday, 08 April 2010 00:05) |
Training Day
Friday, 23 July 2010 10:14 | Written by Val Ashpool |
A reminder to all that Sunday is a training day. Meeting at the car park on the way to Dunnet Head 1200hrs. Full kit as there may be building search work Training Dates June to October 2010
Tuesday, 22 June 2010 09:12 | Written by Val Ashpool |
These are the training dates from June 26th to October 23rd. Should there be changes they will be posted.
JUNE 26TH TRAINING DAY DUNNET HEAD ( meet at car park half way up) JULY 25TH TRAINING DAY AND ASSESSMENT FOR HUMAN REMAIN DETECTION DOG ( TBA) AUGUST 28TH TRAINING DAY (TBA) SEPTEMBER 26TH TRAINING DAY (TBA) OCTOBER 23RD TRAINING DAY (TBA) All training starts at 1200hrs. Evening training during the week will be arranged as and when members are available. Anyone interested in coming along to see us train is more than welcome. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
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