Training weekend for rescue teams

Stirling area’s three mountain rescue teams are to take part in a joint training exercise in the Hillfoots this weekend.

Ochils Mountain Rescue Team is hosting the event on Sunday as part of the Central Scotland Mountain Rescue Group (CSMRG) joint training exercise.

CSMRG comprises Killin, Lomond and Ochils mountain rescue teams and the Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA) Southern Scotland.

During the exercise they will be joined by colleges from Police Scotland, Tayside Police Mountain Rescue Team, the Scottish Ambulance Service and emergency doctors.

The exercise will be focused in the Tillicoultry and Dollar areas of the Ochils and members of the public should not be alarmed at a heightened presence of emergency service vehicles and personnel in the area.

Ross MacIntyre, from Ochils MRT, said: “These mountain rescue teams are some of the busiest in the country and regularly work together when dealing with major incidents.

“Team members and management will be presented with a number of mountain rescue incidents during the day focusing on technical rope work, search management and casualty care.

“Teams will be working with staff and pupils from Dollar Academy who will be acting as casualties during the exercise and have opened up the school facilities to provide welfare services to participants”