Mountain rescue team’s warning

The Kerry Mountain Rescue Team has issued a warning to climbers: if you get lost on the mountain and you are not injured, be prepared to spend the night on the mountain.

The strong statement comes in the wake of ongoing COVID-19 concerns and the large numbers of people that gathered on the mountains throughout last weekend.

KMRT is now asking that people stay away from the higher peaks and stick to low-lying walkways and climbs.

“Our concern is around our ability during this crisis,” said Alan Wallace, Assistant PRO with KMRT.

He explains that KMRT was forced to make ‘difficult choices’ as the safety of its team members is the number-one priority in the response to COVID-19.

He stated that some of KMRT’s volunteers work in hospitals and live and care for family members that are considered ‘ high risk’ for COVID-19.

“We have team members who are flat out at the moment looking after older, vulnerable people,” Alan said.

“They may not be available to go on a call-out. Our concern is that if we get a call for rescue in the high mountains, it slows our ability to respond,” Alan added.

KMRT will still respond to 999 calls but will evaluate each situation.

If a person is uninjured or lost, they may be asked to wait on the mountain until morning time, or until it becomes possible to rescue them. Likewise, if a person is considered ‘walking wounded’ they must extricate themselves from the mountain.

However, if a person is seriously injured, KMRT will respond with a minimum team of volunteers.

Helicopter support will only be requested if a ‘ time-critical’ injury is sustained.