Plymouth University explores moor in partnership with Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Plymouth
Plymouth University has become the lead sponsor for Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Plymouth (DSRTP).
The official collaboration will allow the two institutions to build on their existing links in a formal partnership that will enhance the work of both organisations.
A new rigorous training scheme will be introduced for staff and students to become fully badged call-out members of the team, enabling them to respond to emergencies. Students will also have the opportunity to volunteer with the team in a wide range of activities on the moor.
DSRTP volunteers will be able to utilise facilities on campus for training and activities, with participation from people across the University. The team will also offer leadership and outdoor training to students. Collaborative research opportunities will also be explored in areas ranging from psychology and dementia to geography and sustainability.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Plymouth University Professor Raymond Playford said: “The University and DSRTP have enjoyed a longstanding relationship for many years. The further strengthening of our relationship through this official partnership will enable us to deliver even greater benefits for staff, students and the general public who may need these services. We are also delighted that our alliance will provide many exciting and valuable opportunities for enhancing the student experience at Plymouth University.”
DSRTP is a charity and is run by a team of highly skilled volunteers. It is one of four teams that make up the Dartmoor Rescue Group and provides a swift response search and rescue service across Dartmoor, Plymouth and the South West. It works alongside other emergency services including the police and RAF, and has a swift-water rescue team and two dog-handlers with trained search dogs. The charity runs two emergency vehicles, including a control vehicle that the University helped the team to purchase.
Professor Iain Stewart MBE, from the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, is the patron of the team further strengthening links between the two organisations.
Training to become a full badged member is demanding and takes approximately a year. Volunteers are taught navigation, first aid, search techniques, radio communications and how to work in all weathers and terrains. Many staff and students have already signed up and are undergoing their training, learning valuable new life skills.
DSRTP chairman Colin Sturmer said: “Having a reliable quick-response team on call in times of need is of tremendous importance and this new partnership will enable us to train and recruit new volunteers to better enhance our provision. It will certainly be a benefit everyone involved as students will be able to develop their teamwork and leadership skills, which are vital in our field, and we’ll be able to utilise the University’s facilities and expertise to improve and develop our service for the future.
“We are currently fundraising to develop a new base for our operations. The team is very grateful for the sponsorship from the University, which brings us a step closer to gaining our new premises.”
For more information on the partnership visit: http://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/partners/dsrtp/Pages/default.aspx
Third year physiotherapy student Nolan Smyth is a volunteer for DSRTP. His story is available here: http://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/partners/dsrtp/Pages/Case-study-with-DSRTP.aspx
