Leedon Tor was the location for last night’s training, although the team were unable to see much due to the thick layer of fog that covered much of the moor. The focus for the evening was a Command and Control scenario which led to an interesting and different type of training that tested everyone involved.
As soon as members arrived they were allocated, teams. Team Leaders were briefed in Zero4 then relayed back the tasking, which was to locate a missing Ten Tors group. Whilst we were being briefed the “press” turned up to try and interview people along with one of the parents of the missing children who were after answers. This was a challenge for the Search Management team.
Team 41’s navigator led the way down to the forest and whilst on the route were advised that two of the team had been electrocuted during a lightning storm. The remaining members had to treat each casualty and radio back to control to keep them informed of the situation. Whilst CPR was being administered during a torrential downpour, the press and parent of the missing child also joined the scene which added to the already highly stressed situation. A couple of the team did a fine job of steering them away. Another team eventually joined and were able to help with CPR and scene management. The best way to get the casualties to the waiting ambulance was discussed which resulted in a stretcher carry to the nearest road.
Endex was called once we had got back to the rendezvous site and a full debrief will take place over the next few weeks. It was an enjoyable and thought-provoking scenario that gave everyone a chance to get involved and take away some learning points.
