Mountain rescuers called to mini drama during training exercise

The rescue team were called into serious action during a rope rescue training session at Robs Rocks

Oldham Mountain Rescue Team were involved in a mini-drama shortly after setting up on the second day of their annual rope rescue training session at Robs Rocks, Dovestones in Saddleworth.

On Sunday, they had a call from Greater Manchester Police to say two females had become cragfast - stuck - in a gully near where the team were training.

The females were spotted a short walk away and team members climbed up to check they were safe then, using a confidence rope, they were guided down to safety.

The females were checked over by the team’s medic before continuing their walk on an alternative route.

Ten team members were involved for an hour.

Training resumed in the sunshine before they returned to base later in the day, where team members and families gathered for some great food and socialising in the evening. 

The team thanked everyone who helped make the weekend a success, especially the organisers and leaders of the activities, and those involved in cooking breakfast and dinner on both days. 

The event gives members much-needed experience practicing rescue techniques on the rock face.

Saturday saw team members and trainees rescue a climber stuck on a crag using methods involving a strop harness, a hauling system and cutting the climber’s rope.

On Sunday they practiced a technique where an injured climber is transferred to a horizontal stretcher while on the crag face and then lowered to the ground.

The team also practiced lowering and raising a stretcher on steep ground.

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