A Historic Day of Mutual Support for UWFRA

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Friday proved to be a highly unusual and significant day for Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association, marking the first time in our history that the team has supported three neighbouring Mountain Rescue Teams in a single day. Although none of the incidents occurred within our operational area, each one required a response to assist our colleagues across the region.

Incident 53 – Assist to CVSRT Near Ilkley

Our first call of the day came from Calder Valley Search & Rescue Team (CVSRT), requesting assistance with a casualty close to the boundary between our two areas near Ilkley.
Our initial team members arrived alongside a crew from West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (WYFRS) and made their way up to the casualty to assess the situation and plan the evacuation. With the arrival of further UWFRA members and a YAS ambulance crew, WYFRS were able to stand down.
The casualty’s injured leg was splinted, and members from both teams worked together to stretcher the casualty safely off the hill to a waiting ambulance.

Incident 54 – Assist to Swaledale MRT at Cam Gill Road

Shortly after returning to base, we were asked to assist with two motorists stranded on Cam Gill Road, just over the border into Swaledale MRT’s area.
As the individuals were heading towards Grassington, UWFRA attended. Their vehicle was secured at the roadside with a beacon placed on the roof, and the two stranded motorists were transported to a hotel in Cracoe.

Incident 55 – Assist to Scarborough & Ryedale MRT (SRMRT)

Later in the day, North Yorkshire Police contacted us regarding a missing 74-year-old male. As the location was outside our area, we notified Scarborough & Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team (SRMRT), who took command of the incident.
Given the urgency, a joint response was agreed, and both teams searched high-priority areas into the early hours of the morning. With no further information available, the search was paused until daylight.
We were relieved to receive the news on Saturday morning that the gentleman had been found by NYP, making his way back towards home.

Reflecting on an Unprecedented Day

After a quiet period, the team suddenly found itself responding to three callouts in one day, none of which were within our own operational boundary.
This unique day highlights the importance of cooperation, mutual aid, and shared resilience among Mountain Rescue teams. We are proud to stand alongside CVSRT, SMRT, SRMRT, WYFRS, YAS, and NYP, and we thank them for their professionalism and teamwork throughout each incident.

Mountain Rescue remains a volunteer-led service, committed to supporting those in need — wherever that may be.