Page 57 - Cadet Review Autumn 2024

CADETS’ BIG ADVENTURE: A NIGHT WITH YORKSHIRE LOWLAND SEARCH AND RESCUE!
By Under Officer David Dodds
On the evening of July 22, the Balby Detachment buzzed with excitement. The cadets were in for a treat, a visit from the Yorkshire Lowland Search and Rescue team, stationed at the Scarbrough Barracks. This wasn't just any ordinary visit; it was a part of their Community Engagement Syllabus and promised to be an evening full of action and learning.
The air was thick with anticipation as the team introduced themselves, a sense of awe filling the room as they continued to tell the room about what they did as an organisation. The cadets eagerly listened as the rescuers explained their vital role
in the emergency services, working shoulder-to- shoulder with mountain rescue, the Coastguard, and the RNLI.
Then it was time to get more hands on, after splitting into three groups the detachment set about an immersive interest session. The first stop: the command incident setup. The cadets gathered around the specialised vehicles, their interest peaking as they explored the high-tech equipment used in real-life rescue missions.
Next, it was time for some action. The cadets moved on to rope throwing, a crucial skill for
water rescues. They watched in amazement as the rescuers demonstrated, then took turns themselves,
The entire county should stand and
give these incredible cadets
and adult volunteers a well-deserved round of applause.
laughter and cheers filling the air as ropes sailed through the sky. Each cadet got a taste of what it’s like to be a hero, saving lives from treacherous waters.
The final challenge was extracting casualties. The cadets learned the delicate art of safely carrying someone away from danger, feeling the weight of responsibility and the importance of teamwork and communication skills.
As the evening wound down, it was clear the cadets had not only enjoyed themselves but had also gained a profound respect for the work of the Yorkshire Lowland Search and Rescue Service.
"The organisation is volunteer-led which carries
out incredible work," praised AUO David Dodds, the Detachment Commander. He expressed his pleasure in finally coordinating the event after nearly three months of planning.
In the words of AUO Dodds, “The work this organisation does is second to none.” And on that magical evening, the cadets of Balby Detachment gained a glimpse of that extraordinary world, leaving them inspired and eager for more.
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