Apply to become a trainee

Rossendale and Pendle MRT could not provide this valuable community service without the commitment and enthusiasm of our team members – both operational and support. So how do you become involved?

Here’s a few of the most frequently asked questions.

1How do I become an operational team member?

We aim to take on a new group of trainees every year. Anyone is welcome to apply to be a trainee, providing that they have no criminal record, a full UK Drivers License and that they can demonstrate the required commitment, a basic working knowledge of mountain-craft, have the necessary basic equipment and a willingness to learn new skills.

More importantly, they must be a team player.

2How long does training take?

Training begins with a six week induction period, which gives us the opportunity to assess your character, skills and teach you the basics of team membership. It also gives you the opportunity to decide whether this is for you!

Following the induction period, trainees join in with full team training – every Wednesday evening and at least one weekend session per month – to learn how the team works, how we approach different scenarios and to familiarise all team members with the equipment, procedures and protocols.

Individual trainees can become operational once they have shown that they have sufficient knowledge and commitment, however, this is rare within the first year of training. At this point, they are invited to attend certain call outs to further expand their skills.

Operational trainees are made up to fully operational team members only when the team leader is satisfied that they have fully demonstrated their commitment and the skill level required. This process may take two years or more.

Full team members continue to be assessed and monitored on their level of competence and commitment.

3What basic skills do I need?
Basic first aid certificate preferable and the ability to use a map and compass.
4What equipment do I need?

A trainee team member should have maps (1:25,000) of the team’s area, a compass, a rucksack (at least 30litre), suitable outdoor clothing, waterproofs and boots, as well as a head torch and hand torch.

Once operational, we aim to provide each team member with the team equipment they will require for call outs.

5How much time would I be expected to commit?

The honest answer is – far more than you think!

But the key word here is honesty. As volunteers, we all give as much time as we can afford. Work and family commitments vary from team member to team member and sometimes change with time. Some team members are available during the working week, others only in the evenings or at weekend. All we ask is that team members and potential members honestly assess the time they are prepared to commit and continue to do so. From an operational point of view this is key to knowing what resources we can offer the emergency services at any incident.

It’s not just availability for incidents you need to consider. There are the regular weekly training sessions, at least one full day weekend exercise a month and regular fundraising events. You will quickly find that mountain rescue becomes part of your life – and your family's!

6What skills should I have before applying for membership and what will you teach me?

We expect potential trainees to have a basic level of year round hill competence, be able to use a map and compass and to demonstrate an understanding of the basic knots such as bowline, figure of eight and clove hitch. A basic level of first aid competency is required and you would be expected to complete the Mountain Rescue Casualty Care Course and take the exam at the earliest opportunity.

As a trainee, you will be taught how to use the equipment and vehicles, you would also undertake training in radio communications, stretcher handling, search procedures and helicopter protocols.

Before being considered for operational team membership you will be expected to complete a weekend hill assessment, where you will work with other trainees to demonstrate your skill level.

7How can I become a support member?

Support members join in non-operational activities such as fundraising, events and ‘tin shakes’ – anything where we need more manpower and welcome a fresh input of ideas.

Find out more here

Application form

Before completing this application form, please make sure you have a recent DBS Check and a copy of your photo identification.

We require these to be uploaded to complete your online application, thank you.

    Contact Information

    Full Name (Required)

    Date of Birth (Required)

    Gender (Required)

    Email (Required)

    Contact Number (Required)

    Address (Required)

    Town (Required)

    Postcode (Required)

    About You

    About you

    Doctor's Name & Address (Required)

    Do you have a medical condition? (Required)YesNo

    If yes please give details of medical condition(s)

    Have you any previous Mountain Rescue experience? (Required)

    How do you rate your general fitness level? (Required)Good, Very Fit.Reasonably Fit.Not Fit At All.

    Next of Kin

    Name (Required)

    Address (Required)

    Postcode (Required)

    Contact Number (Required)

    Vehicle Details

    Do you have a valid Driver's License? (Required)YesNo

    Do you have any points on your license?YesNo

    If you do have points then please give details?

    Vehicle Make/Model

    Vehicle Registration

    Employer's Details

    Company Name (Required)

    Company Address

    Postcode

    Contact Number

    Interests & Abilities

    What prompted your application? (Required)

    Do you have any charitable experience and in what capacity? (Required)

    Why do you want to become part of Mountain Rescue? (Required)

    What do you class as your main outdoor activity?Fell WalkerRunnerRock ClimberRamblerMountaineerWinter MountaineerOther

    If you chose other, please tell us more?

    How do you rate yourself working in a team?Mix & work wellOKOnly if I have toDon't like working with others

    How do you rate your navigation skills using a map and compass?CompetentNeed some practiceNever used a map or compass

    Do you have any first aid knowledge?NoBasicAverageAdvanced

    How do you feel about working with ropes in an exposed situation?ConfidentReasonably happyWould appreciate some practiceWould never be happy

    What current outdoor qualification certificate(s) do you hold if any? (Rope Access, Mountain Leadership, Climbing, Medical etc)

    Availability

    When would you be available? (Required) Training EveningCall Outs (any time or day)Rescue Cover for EventsFundraising Events

    On average how many hours per day could you be on call and available for emergency call outs? (Required)

    If you'd like to let us know more about your availability, please give details below.

    Documentation

    We require all new applicants to provide a copy of their Photo ID and a recent DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check certificate. If you don't have a certificate then you can request a DBS check here. Please send copies of these documents to secretary@rpmrt.org.uk at your earliest convenience.

    Please Note: If you're an existing team member using this form to update your details then you won't need to provide this documentation.

     

    Declaration

    Do you confirm that these details are correct?

    Do you agree to us contacting you about your application?

    All of the information collected in this form is relevant for the position that you're applying for and will be used to process your application as well as enable us to contact you about your application. We will treat all personal data with the utmost confidentiality and in line with current General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). For more information please refer to the privacy policy linked below.