%%STEPPING UP%% WHEN IT COUNTS
Brian Tinker, a Search Technician, reflects on a moment that brought together teamwork, recent training, and instinct to provide potentially life-saving care. His story captures the reality of being ready to act - even off duty - and how the skills developed through London Search and Rescue can make a difference far beyond the capital. This is a story of professionalism, presence of mind, and the power of being prepared.
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"YOU TRAIN FOR THE %%UNEXPECTED%%… AND THEN IT HAPPENS"
When you volunteer with London Search and Rescue, you never quite switch off. Earlier this year, I was in Snowdonia supporting a charity challenge walk, leading a group of police officers raising funds for the Curtis Palmer Programme. I wasn’t on a search, but I was still carrying essential kit - including a blizzard bag and roll-up stretcher.
As we approached Llyn Glasllyn Finger Post, we came across a 70-year-old woman in clear distress. She’d become separated from her family, disoriented by the driving rain and high winds. From my recent FREC 3 training, it was clear she was showing early signs of hypothermia and deteriorating fast. I knew time mattered.
We got her into my blizzard bag, shielding her from the elements. With the Mountain Rescue Team still around 45 minutes away, I coordinated the group to prepare the stretcher. Thanks to training through LonSAR, we worked together to carry her four kilometres to safety - meeting the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team along the way.
It didn’t feel like heroics. It felt like what we’re trained to do.
%%THEIR WORDS%% STAYED WITH ME
Later that day, the Mountain Rescue Team called to thank us. They said she might not have made it without our actions. That’s not easy to hear - but it’s powerful. Because when you train for something again and again, you hope it’ll never be needed - but you prepare as if it will.
That moment reinforced why I do this. Being able to support someone in distress, to apply those skills confidently and calmly, is what all the training is for.
The following year, Brian was recognised with a Police Commander’s Commendation, an honour that reflects not just his actions on the day, but his dedication and professionalism which the whole team are proud of.
"You don’t always know when you’ll be needed - but when the moment comes, your training kicks in. And that’s what saves lives"
WITHOUT %%YOU%%, WE ARE LOST
Help keep vital search operations like this going. Your donation ensures our volunteers have the training, equipment, and support needed to respond 24/7 to searches for vulnerable missing people. Become a regular supporter and make a lasting difference today.
COVERS THE COST OF THE FREC-3 TRAINING THAT BRIAN USED TO SAVE THE WOMANS LIFE
COVERS THE COST OF A BLIZZARD BLANKET, PROTECTING CASUALTIES FROM THE ELEMENTS WHEN FOUND
COVERS THE COST OF EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK, WHICH ALL OUR NEW SEARCH TECHS COMPLETE.
Join us in making a
Difference
Your support can help us find missing persons and bring hope to families in need.
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