Rescue Services
Irish Red Cross volunteers are often called to help in searches for missing people. Specialist search & rescue skills have been developed by the Red Cross to search for people in mountains and lakes, and general members also provide back-up in such operations.
Our rescue services are available through the 999/112 system as a support to specialist agencies, such as the Irish Coastguard and an Garda Siochana.
Mountain Rescue
The Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team -all are volunteers - in Glendalough, County Wicklow.
The Glen of Imaal Red Cross Mountain rescue team provides a 24 hour on-call service for those lost or injured on the mountains of Wicklow.
This Red Cross team is also often asked to assist elsewhere in Ireland when major searches are underway. This service is activated via the 999/112 emergency call number. Visit Glen Of Imaal Mountain Rescue website www.wicklowmountainrescue.ie
Lifeboats
The Irish Red Cross has a lifeboat that serves Lough Corrib and Lough Mask. This D class lifeboat crewed entirely by volunteers is an invaluable resource for users of these lakes.
Since its launch in 2004, the lifeboat, under the stewardship of Tim Clesham, has been involved in many exercises. In 2006 it received its first call out for a man missing on Lough Corrib and brought the man safely ashore.
Dog Rescue Team
The Irish Red Cross also has a dog rescue capability. Our dogs have been involved in many searches and have assisted in the recovery of several missing people. They are activated via the 999/112 system.
Searches
Irish Red Cross volunteers are regularly asked to assist other services in major lowland searches for missing people.
These volunteers frequently give freely of their time and expertise and can be found participating in searches and also providing first aid treatment for other searchers.
Operation to rescue two climbers trapped overnight in freezing conditions
Mountain Rescue – Irish Red Cross Services & Training Officer, Diarmuid Scully, a volunteer with the Glen of Imaal Red Cross Mountain Rescue Team gives a step-by-step account of the operation to rescue two climbers trapped overnight in freezing conditions.
