Much time is dedicated to training for any eventuality. The most important attribute of any Team member is that he or she must be a competent mountaineer. Additionally, each member must be adept in many skills such as radio operations, helicopter procedures, high vertical environments and first aid. Callouts can be in any terrain, any weather, day or night and can mean long periods on the hill. Most of the training is done ‘in house’ with experienced members conducting training sessions. All the people who join the team soon realise the amount of commitment which is required to be a member of a Mountain Rescue Team.
The training of a new member has to be undertaken in 3 parts: The first 9 months is the Foundation Course, this is completed before undertaking a two day assessment. The next two years are Intermediate training, completed before becoming a fully operational team member. The final stage being Advanced training to specialize or to become a Party Leader. All training is carried out under the Mountain Rescue Councils guideline.