Most of us find it challenging just holding down a regular full time job, never mind finding time to do volunteer work.0:05
Steve Johnson works as a volunteer mountain rescuer in his spare time.0:15
Steve, thanks for coming to share your experiences with us.0:21
Can anyone do rescue work?0:27
People from all walks of life can attend classes part time at special search and rescue academies.0:30
Some even go on to obtain entry level qualifications.0:36
Many have a love of the outdoors and are experienced climbers.0:40
One thing they all share is enthusiasm and dedication.0:44
How do the academies go about teaching people to be rescue volunteers?0:48
Oh, they often recreate a past search mission.0:53
It's fictional, but it gives trainees the opportunity to test skills like tracking down lost individuals, freeing trapped victims, or rescuing an injured hiker from a cliff face.0:56
It really is excellent practice before the real thing.1:06
So how does it feel to be out there actually rescuing someone?1:10
Believe me, it can be an emotional roller coaster.1:15
You feel proud to be out there helping, but you can get so frustrated and even angry at times.1:17
Some people don't appear to use any judgment whatsoever.1:23
They set off in normal clothing with just a little rucksack, no rope, no helmet.1:26
They have no idea of the basic guidelines and how these things can make all the difference in an emergency.1:31
Do you recommend climbers and hikers use a global positioning system when they're up in the mountains?1:37
A GPS can give you a very precise indication of your position.1:43
Alright, but it isn't much use to you if the batteries go flat.1:47
No, I am not all that keen on these modern systems because they can so easily fail you just when you need them most.1:51
In fact, the only electrical item on my list of essentials is a good waterproof torch.1:57
You might find yourself caught out in the dark.2:02
I guess water is on the list too, right?2:05
Well, you won't get very far without it.2:08
You should always carry water with you.2:11
It depends on the time of year.2:13
But generally speaking, you cannot rely on collecting rainwater in an emergency.2:15
And you need to make sure that any water you get from streams is safe to drink.2:19
Has your attitude to volunteer work changed over the years?2:24
Since becoming team leader, I have taken on far more responsibility, but it's a great honor for me to do the job.2:28
Rescue is all about problem solving, skills and communication.2:35
You have to select people you know can get the job done.2:39
You need to communicate the plan to everyone involved and you need teams that can get it done effectively in good time.2:42
What advice do you have to keep mountaineers from becoming rescue candidates?2:48
Mountaineering is a serious sport.2:54
That means you can't just go out and do really hard routes with no real knowledge.2:57
The key components to safe climbing are good equipment, good experience and good judgment.3:01
You can't prevent 100% of accidents, but many are avoidable.3:07
Climbing can be very safe if you go into it knowing the risks, knowing your limits and acting accordingly.3:12
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