STEPPING UP TO THE %%CHALLENGE%%
Rob Emmanuel shares his Search and Rescue journey. From nerves to growing confidence, highlighting how London Search and Rescue fosters learning, support and camaraderie. His story captures how it feels to join live searches, connect with families in crisis, and work alongside the emergency services - making a difference with every deployment.
YOUR %%FIRST SEARCH%% IS NERVE-WRACKING, BUT YOU’RE NEVER ALONE"
I think it’s fair to say most of us feel nervous on our first few callouts.
It’s completely natural, and a sign that we care. The incredible thing about the team is how welcoming and supportive the experienced volunteers are. They remember what it feels like to be new, and they make space for you to grow. As you attend more training sessions and callouts, your confidence builds.
You start to understand the diversity of what we face - different terrain, changing weather, daylight or darkness. With every new deployment, you meet more of the operational team, learn how others work, and begin finding your own rhythm.
Supporting each other becomes second nature.
"THEIR GRATITUDE MADE IT, %%HEARTBREAKINGLY%% REAL"
One search stays with me.
We were looking for a person in crisis who was considered at high risk. While standing near the Incident Control Unit, I spoke with both the missing persons partner and a friend. They were distraught, but so thankful we were out there looking.
In that moment, the reality of our work hit me in a new way. On that search, we worked directly with the Metropolitan Police; not in parallel, but side by side. It was a blended team, and they welcomed our input, support and expertise in woodland navigation.
For me, that was a turning point. I realised how far I’d come, and how much I still want to learn. Seeing that growth, and earning trust on a live deployment, was a truly rewarding moment.
"Progress is really rewarding - there is %%always more to learn%%, but I know I’m heading in the right direction with the right people supporting me"
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.
NEEDS TO BE RAISED EVERY TIME WE TAKE ON A NEW SEARCH TECHNICIAN TO TRAIN AND EQUIP THEM
EACH MONTH HELPS TOWARDS KEEPING OUR VEHICLES FUELLED, MAINTAINED AND READY TO RESPOND
SUPPORTERS CONTRIBUTE £5 EACH WEEK. tHIS FUNDS MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING FOR 5 VOLUNTEERS A YEAR
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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