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Rise in mountain rescue numbers | Rise in mountain rescue numbers |
(5 days later) | |
Figures released for the first time by the Scottish Mountain Rescue Committee show there were 20 deaths on Scotland's mountains last year and 491 rescues. | Figures released for the first time by the Scottish Mountain Rescue Committee show there were 20 deaths on Scotland's mountains last year and 491 rescues. |
Although the number of fatalities has fallen since 2006 levels, the number of rescues overall is rising. | Although the number of fatalities has fallen since 2006 levels, the number of rescues overall is rising. |
The figures were published as more than 300 members of the UK's Mountain Rescue Service gathered in Stirling to mark the organisation's 75th anniversary. | The figures were published as more than 300 members of the UK's Mountain Rescue Service gathered in Stirling to mark the organisation's 75th anniversary. |
The Scottish Government said £300,000 would be spent on Scotland's 28 teams. | The Scottish Government said £300,000 would be spent on Scotland's 28 teams. |
According to the figures for 2007, there were 312 separate incidents, with 139 people injured while hill walking. | According to the figures for 2007, there were 312 separate incidents, with 139 people injured while hill walking. |
The main cause of rescues were falls or tumbles at 21%, with those becoming lost totalling 15%. | The main cause of rescues were falls or tumbles at 21%, with those becoming lost totalling 15%. |
The number of rescues sparked by hill-walkers that were overdue totalled 14% of all rescues. | The number of rescues sparked by hill-walkers that were overdue totalled 14% of all rescues. |
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Mountain rescue team member on how to stay safe in the hills | Mountain rescue team member on how to stay safe in the hills |
Search and Rescue helicopters assisted in 38% of incidents, with Search and Rescue Dogs assisting in 27% of incidents. | Search and Rescue helicopters assisted in 38% of incidents, with Search and Rescue Dogs assisting in 27% of incidents. |
The survey also found that 54% of rescues were initiated by mobile phones. | The survey also found that 54% of rescues were initiated by mobile phones. |
Fergus Ewing, the minister for community safety and former member of Loch Lomond Mountain Rescue team, is set to address members of the rescue service this weekend. | Fergus Ewing, the minister for community safety and former member of Loch Lomond Mountain Rescue team, is set to address members of the rescue service this weekend. |
He said: "As a former member of the mountain rescue service, I am well aware of the vital role Scotland's mountain rescue teams play in aiding those who end up in difficulty. | He said: "As a former member of the mountain rescue service, I am well aware of the vital role Scotland's mountain rescue teams play in aiding those who end up in difficulty. |
"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting these dedicated, highly professional teams of volunteers and that is why we are giving them £300,000 to ensure that there is a continuing, effective resource for all those who use our hills and mountains." | "The Scottish Government is committed to supporting these dedicated, highly professional teams of volunteers and that is why we are giving them £300,000 to ensure that there is a continuing, effective resource for all those who use our hills and mountains." |
'Better equipped' | 'Better equipped' |
Alfie Ingram, chair of the Scottish Mountain Rescue Committee, said that despite the rise in incidents, people were generally better prepared for an unpredictable climate. | Alfie Ingram, chair of the Scottish Mountain Rescue Committee, said that despite the rise in incidents, people were generally better prepared for an unpredictable climate. |
He said: "Although the total number of stats is going up relative to the number of hours that people spend on the hills, people are actually safer. | He said: "Although the total number of stats is going up relative to the number of hours that people spend on the hills, people are actually safer. |
"Sixty percent of our call-outs are basically hill-walkers that have gone astray or have low level injuries, where it's the end of the day and they've gotten tired. | "Sixty percent of our call-outs are basically hill-walkers that have gone astray or have low level injuries, where it's the end of the day and they've gotten tired. |
"It's always disappointing when you get somebody that's really badly equipped. But the trend is that people are actually much better equipped. | "It's always disappointing when you get somebody that's really badly equipped. But the trend is that people are actually much better equipped. |
"The important thing is though, is that if you've got all this gear, have you read the instructions?" | "The important thing is though, is that if you've got all this gear, have you read the instructions?" |
More than 300 members of the UK's mountain rescue team are expected to attend the conference at the University of Stirling, which concludes on Sunday 7 September. | More than 300 members of the UK's mountain rescue team are expected to attend the conference at the University of Stirling, which concludes on Sunday 7 September. |
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