Photos as volunteers mark 60 years of saving lives across Calderdale and beyond

Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team celebrated their 60th anniversary with an open day at its base in Mytholmroyd.

They invited members of the public to explore their fleet of specialist vehicles and range of equipment, find out more about the team’s history and meet their amazing rescue dogs and handlers.

The team consists of trained volunteers who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

While based in Calderdale, their operational area covers much of the northern half of West Yorkshire, stretching north from the M62 to the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and from the Lancashire border in the West to the A1 in the East.

Their work is predominantly split between helping the ambulance service and the police.

This could involve helping to locate, treat or evacuate patients in remote and difficult to access locations such as moorland and valleys, or helping find missing people.

It can be a challenging job and one that requires plenty of training.

The team takes on a cohort of trainees each January, with applicants required to have a basic level of experience traversing the hills.

Those who are successful undergo a structured year-long training programme, starting to attend callouts after six months of preparation.

Then the group meets every week for preparation and training activities, including a maintenance session to check kit and equipment.

Volunteers are also medically trained – all have a relevant first aid qualification, the vast majority have completed an advanced level casualty care programme and there are also a number of doctors and paramedics as part of the team.

To find out more about volunteering, fundraising for or donating to Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team, visit https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/teams/calder-valley-srt/