VOLUNTEERS in Avon and Somerset's Search & Rescue Team have been busy this summer helping people stay safe in our county.

Between June and October, they worked alongside the police and the ambulance services at a range of incidents. This included searching for missing people and helping transport casualties who became injured in rugged landscapes.

Alongside this, the team found time to support the Top of the Gorge adventure weekend, put new members through their core training, refresh their Basic Life Support skills and collect a brand-new Ford Ranger vehicle.

The service relies on public donations to be able to respond to incidents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

For more information – and to see an archive of callouts – visit www.assar.org.uk.

Avon and Somerset Search & Rescue (ASSAR) Team call-outs in summer 2024

The following call-outs took place between June and October 2024 in the Avon and Somerset force area. They are quoted from the ASSAR website.

June 27: Search for a vulnerable man

“The team were requested to help police looking for a vulnerable male in Chipping Sodbury (South Gloucestershire). 

“Members searched wooded areas on the outskirt of the town supported by Search Dog Griff from Search and Rescue Dog Association SARDA South Wales into the night.

“As nothing was found the team returned the following day by searching the woodland again in daylight to increase the probability of detection, plus a common on the west of the town.

“Nothing was found and we remain ready to help following further police investigations. The team were active for a total of 10 hours.”

July 14: Search for a young man from Cleeve

“Avon and Somerset Police called us requesting assistance in the search for a young male who lived in the Cleeve area (North Somerset).

“Sadly team members discovered the body of a young male shortly after being deployed into the wooded area.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends as they begin the grieving process.

“The team was operational for five-and-a-half hours including a search dog from SARDA South Wales.”

July 29: Search for vulnerable woman

“Avon and Somerset Police requested the support of ASSAR in the search for a vulnerable female in the Brent Knoll area.

“Working alongside police officers, police drone and dog team we were able to identify her location and once officers had made contact. Confirming she was uninjured, we were able to stand down.

“The team was operational for two-and-a-half hours.”

August 20: Search for high-risk missing female

“Avon and Somerset Police contacted us requesting our assistance in the search for a high-risk missing female north of Wells.

“Initially the team was put on standby while further work was done to ascertain her location. The team was called out as reports had come in that she was in Ebbor Gorge thanks to a member of the public.

“Police made contact with her and the team went back to being on standby and then stood down when the police confirmed our presence was not needed.

“The team was operational for two-and-hours.”

August 27: Calls to help a casualty on a rocky path

“SWASFT (South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust) requested help via Avon and Somerset Police for us to move a casualty down a steep, rocky path to the roadside.

“The team went on standby, then to callout but rapidly stood down as a local team member had got to the casualty site to be advised by the paramedics that the casualty would be able to walk down with assistance.”

September 3: Assisting a person with a suspected broken ankle 

“The team were called out to a person with a suspected broken ankle on the hill side above Cheddar Gorge.

“Working alongside SWASFT colleagues, the casualty was treated and evacuated by stretcher to the roadside.”