Meath Civil Defence – Rope Rescue Comp. – Beligum – May 2012

23 May 2012

The Meath Civil Defence Rope Rescue Team took part once again in the GrimpDay International Rope Rescue competition in Namur, Belgium on Saturday 12th May. The team comprised John Crosby (Leader) Shane Quinn, Colin Coldrick, David Connor, Brendan Healy, Liz Williamson (Victim) and Gary Coldrick (Logistics). The competition this year was limited to 30 teams from across Europe. The selection of teams for this year’s competition was based initially on two criteria, country representation and finishing position in last year’s competition.

As the only team from Ireland and with a top thirty position in last years competition the team qualified on both criteria and was invited back to this year’s event. This year’s competition involved six challenges which commenced at 8.00am and ran throughout the day finishing at 5.00pm. Challenges included First Aid, Hauling systems in various situations, Pick-off rescue and stretcher work. Team member Colin Coldrick’s inventive wheeled system for the basket stretcher drew much attention from other teams as they carried their stretchers around the sites.

Year on year the competition has become more competitive with very little marks separating most of the teams. This year the Meath team finished 23rd with a very credible performance in what was a very tough challenge featuring twenty eight full time emergency services teams and one other volunteer team. Team leader John Crosby commented that "the team gained a huge amount of experience in this year’s competition which will stand to them in the future". Many new friends were made among the rope rescue community across Europe.

The team will continue their training throughout the summer months with the addition of a number of new members undertaking the level one course.

Link to photographs of Meath Civil Defence, Rope Rescue Competition, Belgium

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