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Tuesday, 26 March 2024 12:18

DofE team assist - Ryders Hill

Callout 11/2024 Ryders Hill 21:30 22nd March 2024

We were called for assistance at 2130 to a 16 year old female who was participating in a DoE walk. Team members were deployed and other assets were stood up should the situation deteriorate. Once the casualty's condition was assessed, she was able to remain on the hill overnight & walk off in the morning with her friends. Stood down at 0130 with 20 team members attending.

Tuesday, 26 March 2024 12:17

Another leg injury - Hameldown

Callout 10/2024 Birch Tor 15:00 19th March 2024

The team were called to assist South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust to evacuate a walker who had slipped and injured her ankle descending Hameldown.
Team members provided a swift response and the casualty, her husband and their dog were quickly off the moor.
We wish her a speedy recovery.

Saturday, 16 March 2024 09:23

Leg injury - Birch Tor

Callout 9/2024 Birch Tor 14:00 15th March 2024

At 2pm on Friday afternoon the team were called to assist the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust with the evacuation of a casualty with a suspected broken leg from Birch Tor. Birch Tor is approximately 1km north east of the Warren House Inn in an area moorland riddled with deep mining gullies. Personnel from the Devon Air Ambulance Trust were first on scene. They were then joined by an advance party of our volunteers who provided a bothy shelter to protect the casualty from the worst of the elements. The main party then arrived and the casualty was then safely evacuated by stretcher. Technical rope techniques used in the steep, wet, difficult sections. Sixteen of our volunteers were able to assist.

Sunday, 10 March 2024 11:24

Vulnerable male - Newton Abbot

Callout 8/2024 Newton Abbot 02:00 7th March 2024

At 2pm on Thursday 7th March the team were called out by Devon & Cornwall Police to assist in the search for a vulnerable male in the Baker’s Park area of Newton Abbot. The highest probability areas were identified and then searched. The individual was found at approximately 7pm but was sadly deceased. Our thoughts are with the individual’s friends and family.

Thursday, 29 February 2024 17:04

Missing male Buckfastleigh

Callout 7/2024 Buckfastleigh 09:24 28th February 2024

At 09:24 on Wednesday 28th February the team were called out by Devon & Cornwall Police to assist in the search for a high risk 60-year-old male from Buckfastleigh. The highest priority areas were quickly identified and 17 of our volunteers were deployed to search. Within an hour the individual was found but was sadly deceased. Our thoughts are with the individual’s friends and family.

Friday, 23 February 2024 10:46

Tracker ale launched by Bays Brewery

Bays Brewery Launches ‘Tracker Ale’ Charity Beer for Dartmoor Search & Rescue (Ashburton)

Family-run Bays Brewery in Paignton is helping raise much-needed funds for Dartmoor Search & Rescue (Ashburton) with the launch of its brand-new charity brew ‘Tracker Ale’.

Available in bottles, cask and beer boxes from 26 February 2024, the smooth pale ale is made using a blend of UK and American hops, with tropical aromas as mysterious as the moorland landscape.

Bays will be donating 5% of every pint and bottle sold to the Ashburton division to help fund the replacement of its oldest Land Rover for future missions in Torbay, Dartmoor and East Devon.

The Devon charity is made up of more than 60 volunteers who provide 24/7 on-call assistance to the emergency services with the search and rescue of the lost, missing, injured and vulnerable.

Its team attends a range of incidents including steep ground and swift water rescues throughout Dartmoor, Devon and the South West, as well as major incidents across England and Wales.

With over 92% of its income reliant on public support, 5% of proceeds from ‘Tracker Ale’ will help the Dartmoor rescuers purchase a new vehicle for transporting team members and kit to and during incidents across South Devon and Torbay.

Director of Bays Brewery, Peter Salmon, said: “As a family-run brewery that’s passionate about flying the flag for the local area, we’re always looking at how we can give something back to our community and ‘Tracker Ale’ is a great way to say ‘cheers’ to a charity close to our hearts.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the Ashburton team – a group of volunteers who respond to incidents in Torbay and beyond, and without whom the emergency services would not have enough resources to search for those in need.”

Kevin Chamberlain from Dartmoor Search & Rescue (Ashburton) added: “The Team attend around 40 incidents a year at the request of Devon & Cornwall Police, and our volunteers give up a lot of their time attending callouts, training and maintaining vehicles and equipment.

“It’s great to have the support of local businesses like Bays Brewery with our fundraising, and especially as their product, a great range of beers, is an important part of our team building after training and incidents.”

As well as ‘Tracker Ale’, the Paignton-based brewery is supporting a number of other top Devon charities throughout 2024 with its limited-edition ‘charity brews’ concept.

Its second charity beer ‘Funky Monkey’ will be available from April and will see the Torbay brewery partner up with its good friends at Paignton Zoo once again to celebrate its new baboon enclosure.

In July, its third charity brew ‘Chopper Ale’ will take flight, with beer drinkers able to enjoy their pint in the knowledge that they are supporting the vital work of Devon Air Ambulance with every sip.

Completing the charity line-up from November will be ‘Jingle Ale’, a deep amber ale that spreads some festive cheer with 5% of proceeds supporting Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

For further details, images and video please contact:
Caroline Salmon, Marketing Manager T: 01803 555004
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.baysbrewery.co.uk #BaysBrewery

Notes for editor:

Bays Brewery
Bays Brewery is a family-run brewery that has been creating exceptional, multi-award-winning

craft beers in the stunning coastal resort of Torbay for 17 years and counting. Crafted to perfection the Devon way, it prides itself on serving a true taste of the South West with its firmly established flagship ales and refreshing craft lagers. www.baysbrewery.co.uk

Dartmoor Search & Rescue (Ashburton)
Established in 1968, the Ashburton division of Dartmoor Search & Rescue comprises of a highly-skilled, volunteer-led team who are on call 24/7. They are dedicated to assisting the emergency services with the search and rescue of the lost, missing, injured and vulnerable across South and East Devon from the moor to the coast, including urban areas such as Torbay and Exeter. www.dsrtashburton.org.uk

END

Friday, 23 February 2024 10:32

WW2 bomb evacuation Plymouth

Callout 5/2024 Plymouth 07:00 22nd February 2024

6am – First volunteers arrive for initial briefings, 7am majority of volunteers arrive for further briefings. A 200m exclusion cordon around the device had to be implemented. After supporting the cordon evacuation activities during the morning our team stood down at 1230. Our colleagues from Dartmoor Search and Rescue Plymouth and Dartmoor Search and Rescue Tavistock continued to support the Police through the afternoon. On Thursday our team provided 20 volunteers with the total number of supporting personnel being in excess of 70. By the end of the day the bomb disposal experts concluded that the best course of action would be to remove the device from the ground, move it to a slipway and then onto a boat for controlled detonation at sea. The land transfer would require the cordon to be moved 100m further out. We along with the other voluntary and full-time emergency services were asked to return on Friday to assist with further evacuations.

Callout 6/2024 Plymouth 11:00 23rd February 2024

11am – volunteers and full-time emergency services muster at Home Park football ground. We provided 11 volunteers with further support from the other DRG teams and Exmoor. Teams tasked to support the final phases of evacuation in preparation for the transport of the unexploded bomb to the Torpoint ferry slip way at Devonport. Our teams were finally stood down at 5pm on Friday.

The Team were featured, and our Search Manager Kate interviewed, on Spotlight for lunchtime news. 
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001wlf7/spotlight-lunchtime-news-22022024   Interview at 02:45 on the clip

Not one of our normal callouts. We worked with a number of other agencies supporting Devon and Cornwall Police in evacuating a total of 10,000 people to allow the removal of an unexploded 500Kg World War 2 bomb from a residential garden in the Keyham area of Plymouth. This is currently being reported as one of the largest evacuations since the end or the second world war.

Tuesday, 20 February 2024 10:09

Extended Exercise at Postbridge

On Saturday the rescue team held a 6-hour search and rescue exercise based at Postbridge in central Dartmoor. Also taking part were representatives from our sister teams Dartmoor Search and Rescue Tavistock, Dartmoor Search and Rescue Plymouth and North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team. We also had two Mountain Rescue search dogs. Two Police Search Advisors and an Army representative from 10 Tors also attended to better understand what we do.
It was typical Dartmoor weather – fog, rain and wind on the higher tops all of which made for challenging conditions on the ground. Over 40 people were involved in the exercise making one of our largest in recent years. Rapid Relief Team (UK) provided hot drinks, hot food and shelter which were greatly appreciated by our search teams returning cold and wet from the hill.
A spokesperson for the team said ‘This exercise allowed us to test every aspect of what we do from the deployment of large number of search teams, radio communications, searching for long periods in bad weather, providing first aid in remote locations and stretcher carries across difficult and often flooded terrain. It also gave us the opportunity to work with our fantastic colleagues from the other Dartmoor teams’.
Friday, 16 February 2024 12:01

Missing person - Torquay

Callout 4/2024 Torquay 20:00 10th February 2024

The team were called out at 20:00 on Saturday evening to assist Devon & Cornwall Police in a search for missing 72-year-old man in Wellswood area of Torquay. The man who suffered from dementia had also sustained a head injury earlier in the day and had subsequently gone missing. Dartmoor Search and Rescue Ashburton and the local HM Coastguard team were approached to assist in a search of woodland areas and costal paths. As our volunteers started to arrive at the scene the missing man was found by police the team stood down.

Friday, 09 February 2024 12:23

Missing person(s) - Babbacombe

Callout 2 & 3/2024 Babbacombe 02:45 9th February 2024

Callout #2
The team were contacted at 02:00 by Devon & Cornwall Police requesting assistance in the search for a high risk 72-year-old male who had gone missing in the Babbacombe area of Torquay. HM Coastguard were already on scene and were starting to task their teams to search the beaches and coastal paths. As our volunteers were preparing to deploy into woodland areas, the missing male was found by the Police. He was transferred to SWAST paramedics who treated him for a minor head injury.
Callout #3
During the on-scene debrief for callout #2 Devon & Cornwall Police asked the team to assist in the search for a 29-year-old despondent male in the same area. The HM coastguard teams resumed their search of the coastal paths and the Torbay lifeboat patrolled the shoreline. Three of our search teams were tasked to search high probability areas around Watcombe and Petitor. Our Mountain Rescue Search Dog England dogs (MRSDE) searched open areas. At approximately 06:00 the team were stood down. Devon and Cornwall Police continue to investigate.
We are very grateful the volunteers from Rapid Relief Team UK for providing food and drink during the search.

We are very grateful the volunteers from Rapid Relief Team for providing food and drink during the search!

Thursday, 08 February 2024 13:54

3 new team members

Ladies and Gentlemen, please meet your newest Full Team Members Liam, John and Luke.
All three have successfully completed their 15-months long period as Trainee Members, including the infamous "all-nighter" final exercise and were presented with their Team Jackets at training last week by Team Leader, Craig.
Well done lads, great effort.
Wednesday, 03 January 2024 10:45

First callout of 2024

Callout 1/2024 Shipley Bridge 22:50 1st January 2024

At 22:50 the team were called out for two teenagers who had their campsite flooded by heavy rain near the Avon Dam on the southern side of Dartmoor. Due to the darkness, high winds and rising water levels in the streams and rivers an advance party was quickly dispatched to locate the teenagers. While they walked in, the remainder of the team mustered at their rendezvous point at Shipley Bridge where additional teams were deployed to support the advance party. When the advance party located individuals, they were assessed and apart from being wet and cold they were found to be uninjured. They were then assisted in walking off the hill towards the Avon Dam. At the Avon Dam the teenagers were loaded into a team Landover and driven back to Shipley Bridge. The team were stood down at shortly before 01:00. We are grateful to 36 of our volunteers who supported who attended this callout.

Saturday, 30 December 2023 11:23

Team member Rob Illman honoured with BEM

Rob Illman is one of the Ashburton team’s longest-serving members and has helped hundreds of injured, missing or sick people in the last 41 years. He has participated in more than 1200 call-outs either receiving the call as Search Manager or as a team member. 

Rob joined the team in 1982 - he had a couple of friends in the team & he was walking regularly on Dartmoor doing letterboxing, so he went along one day & joined up. 

In his time on the team, he was Team Leader (Search Manager) for 17 years. He took a step back 11 years ago to be a Support Team Member and took on the role of driver. That has developed into being a qualified blue light driver; 4 years ago he became an MREW 4x4 Instructor, alongside colleagues, teaching members from across the region off-road skills. 

Over those 41 years, he has been awarded 3 Queen's Jubilee medals (platinum, diamond & gold) recognising over 30 years of voluntary service. He was involved in the Snow Plan with the Local Resilience Forum and active in its execution on Haldon Hill, he was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the community by the former MP Barbara Follet. In addition, he has been involved in Ten Tors for over 30 years and was active in the evacuation in 1996 of participants due to a snowstorm. Rob said: “One particularly memorable call out would be when I returned home from Ten Tors early to attend a family party, only to be called out to search for a young high-risk vulnerable male who had gone missing in mid-Devon. Team members were only available by flying them in from the Ten Tors event. Thankfully, the young lad was found safe & well & the teams were able to return to Dartmoor by helicopter with thanks to the Army for their understanding & support.

“I want to thank all my colleagues in the team & in the emergency services for their support over the years & the nomination. I’m honoured to receive this.”

Saturday, 30 December 2023 11:18

Overdue walker - Haytor

Callout 29/2023 Haytor 17:24 28th December 2023 

The Team's Search Managers were alerted to an overdue walker in the Haytor area. Almost as soon as the callout was sent to team members, the NPAS helicopter located the walker and the Team were stood down.

Saturday, 30 December 2023 11:14

High risk missing person - Newton Abbot

Callout 28/2023 Newton Abbot 13:56 14th November 2023 

The Team were called by Devon & Cornwall police to assist with search for a young female who was reported missing in Newton Abbot. Once the Team had assembled the missing person contacted a friend, and in agreement with the police a decision was made that no further deployment was required as the person was not in immediate danger.

Saturday, 30 December 2023 11:09

Vunerable male - Sidmouth

Callout 27/2023 Sidmouth 03:52 11th November 2023 

Just before 4am the team were contacted by Devon and Cornwall Police to assist in a multi-agency search for a vulnerable male. Eighteen of our volunteers and search dog Binny were involved in searching the heathland and wooded areas of Peak Hill just west of Sidmouth. The team stood down at just before 9am when the individual was found safe and well several miles away. This multi-agency search involved ourselves and Beer Coastguard Rescue Team and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

Saturday, 14 October 2023 12:35

Casualty evacuation - Dart Valley

Callout 26/2023 Newbridge 17:36 13th October 2023

The Team were alerted by South West Ambulance Trust to assist in the evacuation of a casualty from the Dart Valley, however before the Team arrived the ambulance crew had managed to get the casualty to the ambulance and did not need the Team's assistance.

Saturday, 14 October 2023 12:33

Missing teenager, Exeter

Callout 25/2023 Exeter 00:05 13th October 2023

The team were called to Exeter shortly after midnight on Thursday to assist in a search for a vulnerable teenager. A search of 30 high probability areas focussing on urban and parkland regions near the point last seen was coordinated from our mobile control vehicle in the grounds of Exeter police station. We were joined by our sister team North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and resources from Devon and Cornwall police. On completion of the highest priority areas searching was suspended around 6am. The Police investigation continued and with the help of a public appeal, the missing person was found safe and well later on Friday. They were later found substantially outside of our search area.

Monday, 02 October 2023 10:38

Overdue walker - Combestone area

Callout 24/2023 Ryders Hill 20:00 30th September 2023

The team were called out just after 8pm on Saturday evening to look for a lost walker who was thought to be somewhere between Dunnabridge/Bellever Tor in the north and Holne Moor and Ryders Hill in the south and is an area in excess of 20 square kilometres.
In addition to the size of the area, the low visibility, wind and rain made for challenging searching conditions. As the search continued late into the night an on into Sunday morning we became increasing concerned for the ongoing welfare for the missing individual.
Our search teams were supplemented by a number of Devon & Cornwall Police officers. We were also supported by our sister teams from Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team - Tavistock, North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team and 3 Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England teams (Paula & Amber, Chris & Binny, Jenny & Angus) and their navigators. Two Coastguard search teams were also in attendance. The Devon & Cornwall Police drone team were also deployed.
Shortly before 7am the missing walker was located by a team from North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team in the southern part of the search area. After being assessed they was found to be fit enough to escort off the moor and was then handed over to the full time emergency services. This large multi-agency search lasted for over 10 hours and involved in excess of 60 individuals from 7 organisations. We are pleased that it resulted in such a great outcome.
Wednesday, 27 September 2023 09:30

Missing vulnerable female - Throwleigh

Callout 23/2023 Throwleigh 18:00 26th September 2023

At 08:00 this morning North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team asked us to assist them in a search for a missing person deemed to be at high risk who had been missing since the previous evening. They had searched throughout the night to no avail.
At 10:40 a helicopter crew of the National Police Air Service spotted the person near Raybarrow Pool on Throwleigh Common ?
One search party went to her while a stretcher party deployed from Shilstone Tor. She was then stretchered back to the awaiting ambulance service ?
On return to our RVP we were greeted by the Rapid Relief Team who provided welcome refreshments for SAR team members, some of whom had been on the moor for over twelve hours. That support was appreciated greatly. A successful outcome from joint working
Wednesday, 27 September 2023 09:26

Injured male - Haytor

Callout 22/2023 Haytor 20:30 13th September 2023

The team were contacted by Devon and Cornwall Police at 20:30 with a request to assist a male in his 30s who had fallen in the vicinity of Haytor Rocks and sustained a suspected broken ankle. As it was dark and the temperature had started to fall the team were keen to respond as quickly as possible.
Fortunately for the individual, this callout coincided with a committee meeting being held near our Rescue Centre and we were able to mobilise rapidly. Two landrovers were quickly dispatched in the darkness to Haytor Rocks and on arrival at the casualty site the team assisted a BASICS Devon doctor with the casualty. One of our landrovers was then used to for transfer the casualty to a waiting land Ambulance. Twenty of our volunteers attended the call. Due to the fortuitous timing of the callout and location of the casualty site it took only 40 minutes from receipt of the call to transfer of the casualty to the land ambulance. Our thanks to the members of the public who found the individual and called for assistance.
Wednesday, 13 September 2023 17:31

Continued search at Chudleigh

Callout 21/2023 Chudleigh 18:00 6th September 2023

On Wednesday 6th September the team were asked for further support in the ongoing search for a missing person in the Chudleigh area. This followed our searches on Monday and further searching by other agencies since then. We agreed that the best resource to use at this time would be our 2 Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England dogs Binnie and Amber who are able to search difficult terrain that it had not been possible to search with other assets. They were deployed in the evening and completed their tasking at 2300.
We have since learned that the missing person has been found outside of our search areas but was sadly deceased. Our thoughts are with the family at this tragic time.
Our Mountain Rescue Search Dogs are a highly specialised and proven search asset, capable of detecting human presence in areas which are not easily accessible to human searchers. Additionally, because of their capacity to detect human scent at a range of up to hundreds of metres in ideal conditions they can cover open areas at a much greater rate than their human counterparts.
Wednesday, 13 September 2023 17:29

Missing vulnerable elderly person

Callout 20/2023 Chudleigh 13:00 5th September 2023

Whilst the previous call was underway, we were asked to stand by to assist in a search for a vulnerable elderly person who had missing from the Chudleigh area for the past 3 days. On completing the handover at Newbridge the team moved to Chudleigh and carried out extensive searches of high probability areas close to the home of the missing person. This included the difficult ground in and around Chudleigh Rocks and a number of other rural segments. Our colleagues from the Devon Cave Recue Organisation also searched the caves. We were joined later by our 2 search dogs and their handlers. Our searches were not successful and the team finally stood down at 2130. The Police enquiry remains ongoing. Our thoughts are with the family of the individual at this worrying time.

Wednesday, 13 September 2023 17:27

Ankle injury in Dart Gorge

Callout 19/2023 Dart Gorge, Newbridge 12:27 5th September 2023

The team were called at 1227 asking for assistance in evacuating a person with a suspected broken ankle from the River Dart gorge who was around 3km upstream of Newbridge.
We were able to deploy a casualty carer by Team Landrover to within a short distance of the casualty location, however it transpired that they had already been carried to within a few hundred metres of the road, with the help of members of the public. The casualty was attended by our casualty carers before being brought the remaining distance to the road in the team vehicle and handed over to the ambulance service. We wish them a speedy recovery.
Wednesday, 13 September 2023 17:26

A busy evening

Callout 17 & 18/2023 South Hams 16:00 8th August 2023

The team were called out at 16:00 to search for a high risk despondent in the South Hams. The missing person was found alive but unwell as team members started to arrive at the RV.
As members were dispersing, a further call came to look for a missing child elsewhere in the region but thankfully they were found before the team deployed.
Monday, 07 August 2023 08:04

Adder bite, Three Barrows

Callout 16/2023 Three Barrows, Ivybridge  18:30 6th August 2023

The team were contacted approx 6:30pm on Sunday evening to assist with an 'unusual' incident on the moor. A dog had had a encounter with an adder near Redlake, a remote part of the moor north of Ivybridge. The owner, having initially phoned for a vet's advice suspecting a bite attack, then correctly called the Police for Mountain Rescue assistance. Three of our team members in a suitably equipped 4x4 vehicle, were able to swiftly respond and safely transport the pair back to Ivybridge, where the grateful owner picked up his car and took Olive (pictured) for treatment. We wish the poorly lass a speedy recovery aided by, we're quite sure, a few well-deserved treats.

Monday, 03 July 2023 15:09

A busy day for our Dog Teams

Callout 15/2023 - East Devon 04:00 2nd July 2023 

The team were called in the early hours of Sunday morning (2nd July) in relation to an ongoing search for a missing person in East Devon. Both of our team search dogs along with 2 from other local teams, their handlers and navigators, were deployed alongside Devon and Cornwall Police officers as part of the search effort for several hours on Sunday afternoon.

Callout 16/2023 - East Devon 16:00 2nd July 2023 

Further searches in East Devon were made by the team’s two search dogs and their handlers for several hours in the evening. They were stood down after they completed their areas.

Monday, 26 June 2023 16:52

Vulnerable elderly female - Sidmouth

Callout 14/2023 - Sidmouth 23:49 24th June 2023

At 23:49 the team were called out to assist in a multi-agency search for a vulnerable 74 year-old female in the Sidmouth area. 11 of our volunteers and 2 Mountain Rescue Search Dogs were involved in searching the high probability areas. At 04:00 the team were stood down for the night with our sister team North Dartmoor Search and Rescue being brought in to continue searching on Sunday.

Monday, 26 June 2023 16:50

Missing person - Shipley bridge

Callout 13/2023 - Shipley Bridge 16:43 24th June 2023

Devon and Cornwall Police contacted the rescue team to ask for assistance in looking for a missing person in the Shipley bridge area of southern Dartmoor. At 16:45 the team were called out and 22 of our volunteers and 2 Mountain Rescue Search Dogs were deployed. At 18:30 the invidivual was found by the Police and the team was stood down.

Monday, 26 June 2023 16:47

Missing elderly male - Buckfastleigh

Callout 12/2023 - Buckfastleigh 00:44 15th June 2023

Devon and Cornwall Police contacted the rescue team to ask for assistance in looking for a 68 year old male with dementia who was missing in the area of Pennywell Farm, just outside Buckfastleigh. 17 of our volunteers and 2 Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England teams were involved in the search. At around 03:30 the missing person was located and taken to Totnes Police station where he was reunited with his family. The team were stood down at 03:45.
At 20:30, later the same day(Thursday 15th June), the team were contacted by Devon and Cornwall Police to support an ongoing multi-agency search for a vulnerable female on the northern side of Exeter. Both Dartmoor Search and Rescue (Ashburton) and The North Dartmoor Rescue Team were put on standby. Just as 30 volunteers from both teams prepared to deploy the individual was found and the teams were stood down.
Saturday, 13 May 2023 09:24

Missing elderly gentleman, Higher Ashton

Callout 11/2023 - Higher Ashton 18:00 12th May 2023

The Team were alerted to search for an elderly gentleman with dementia who had left his home in Higher Ashton at lunchtime and had not returned. As the Team gathered, D&C Police collected sightings of him on a road leaving the village. Fortunately the DSRTA search dog teams were on Dartmoor for a SARDA training weekend, so we were joined by 3 other search dogs from across the country and the 5 dog teams were tasked to search likely areas along the road. As further foot teams were being formed the gentleman was found by one of the dog teams in the corner of a field. Luckily he had only sustained minor injuries, and could walk back to the road escorted by a team member, and was picked up by Land Rover and returned to his family who were anxiously waiting. After a quick medical check with a Team medic, he returned home with his family.

Our thanks to the Great Barn for use of their car park, and residents of Higher Ashton who laid on refreshments at the village hall. 

Callout 10/2023 - Harbertonford 12:20 29th April 2023

While on duty providing rescue cover for the annual Ten Tors event, the duty search manager was alerted by D&C Police to a missing vulnerable female near Harbertonford. Team members were diverted from their deployment on Dartmoor and were travelling to Harbertonford when Police reported that the person had been spotted and the team returned to Ten Tors duty at 12:45.

Steve Pope and Nick Knight from Mid-Devon Advertiser attended one of our training exercises this month, and produced this short video report.

https://www.middevonadvertiser.co.uk/news/watch-search-and-rescue-exercise-with-ashburtons-dartmoor-search-rescue-team-607526

Wednesday, 29 March 2023 16:02

High risk missing person - Sidmouth

Callout 9/2023 - Sidmouth 20:00 28th March 2023 

At approximately 20:00hrs, the team were contacted by Devon & Cornwall Police to assist with the search of a high-risk missing person in a woodland area in the hills north of Sidmouth. Initially two search dog teams were deployed with our remaining volunteers held on standby. One of the dog teams then located the body of the missing person. Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the missing person.

Thursday, 23 March 2023 17:28

Missing vulnerable male - Haldon Forest

Callout 8/2023 - Haldon Forest Park 14:20 23rd March 2023

At 1420 the rescue team were asked by Devon & Cornwall Police to assist in the a search for a 15 year old with learning difficulties and other medical issues who was lost in the Haldon Forest Park south west of Exeter. The police were concerned for his welfare as he had been missing for several hours in the woods, the temperature was dropping, it was foggy and it had also been raining heavily since the morning. One of our search dogs, their handler and a navigator were deployed and other members were preparing to deploy when the individual was found. On assessment by our Casualty Carers he was found to be cold and wet but otherwise unharmed.

Wednesday, 22 March 2023 09:29

Injured walker - Wrangaton

Callout 7/2023 - Wrangaton 14:51 21st March 2023

At 14:51hrs the team were asked for assistance by the South West Ambulance Service Trust for a 49 year old lady hill walker who had a suspected broken ankle. She and her friend had been walking on the southern side of Dartmoor beneath Ugborough Beacon when she slipped and sustained her injury. Our volunteers were quickly at the scene where she was assessed, provided with pain relief and packaged for a 1 Km stretcher evacuation to the road head. We wish her a speedy recovery.

Monday, 20 March 2023 17:40

Lost mother and children

Callout 6/2023 - Dart Valley, Newbridge 17:22 19th March 2023 

Second callout in 24 hours!

At 17:22hrs the team were deployed to locate and assist a mother and her two teenage children who had become lost then unable to move on the steep ground on the north side of the river Dart upstream from Newbridge. As the light was fading, the party of three were located approximately 100m above the path on a steep and difficult wooded slope. They were made safe and fortunately had no injuries. As darkness fell, a technical rope system was then built which enabled each member of the party to be lowered safely to the path below. The party of three were then escorted along the path to a waiting team Landover and taken to the road head. We’d like to thank 40 of our volunteers who gave up their Mother’s day commitments to respond to this call.

Team walking out Rope work

Monday, 20 March 2023 17:37

Vulnerable female - Exeter

Callout 5/2023 - Exeter 00:25 19th March 2023 

At 0025hrs the rescue team were contacted by the Devon & Cornwall Police to assist in the search for a vulnerable female in woods north of Exeter. Initial areas were cleared by our search dogs and as the team was ready to deploy the individual was found safe and well by Police officers outside of our search area.

Saturday, 11 March 2023 12:32

Further 2 new Team members

Last Wednesday we presented 'red jackets' to 2 more trainees who had completed their training with the Team, and now become full Team members.

Congratulations to Simon Reed and Steve Webb in joining the Team.

Tuesday, 28 February 2023 11:01

Collapsed runner - Hameldown

Callout 4/2023 - Newton Abbot 11:30 26th February 2023

Assistance was requested from SW Ambulance Service (SWAST) to a runner who was reported collapsed on Hameldown, near Widecombe. While the Team were assembling, the runner was located and assisted down to the waiting ambulance by one of the Team doctors who happened to be in the area. The Team were stood down at 12:08.

Thursday, 23 February 2023 11:00

Trainee Tim receives his red jacket

Last night after a joint search exercise with DSRT Tavistock,  the first of our 4 trainees who started in 2021 was welcomed as a full team member and received his red MREW jacket. Tim had been working through his training logbook for 18 months, and completed a challenging 'all night' assessment last month. We hope that the other 3 trainees will soon follow suit, and the team can focus on the development of the 4 trainees from 2022 intake.

Callout 3/2023 - Newton Abbot 02:18 21st February 2023 

An elderly lady was reported missing from her care home in Newton Abbot, but as the team were loading the vehicles to deploy, she was located by D&C Police and returned to the care home.

Monday, 13 February 2023 09:45

Search dogs deployed on their first callout

Our two search dogs Amber and Binnie were deployed on their first call out yesterday.

With their handlers, Paula and Chris, they were two of five dog teams from the South West to pass three days of challenging assessment in five mountain areas in the Lake District recently, after years of demanding training.

It has been more than twenty years since we last had search dogs in our team, due to the commitment required to train a dog to such high standards.

These air-scenting dogs can cover difficult terrain quickly and detect human scent over very long distances, saving time and, ultimately, lives. 

4 of the 5 newly qualified search dogs in the region featured on BBC Spotlight recently - here's a video of the report

Monday, 13 February 2023 09:38

Vulnerable male, Newton Abbot

Callout 2/2023 - Newton Abbot 09:15 10th February 2023 

Devon & Cornwall Police contacted the team at 09:17hrs, requesting assistance to search in the Bakers Park area of Newton Abbot for a vulnerable male with concerns for their mental health.
17 team members responded and high probability areas of the woodlands were searched. For the first time in over 20 years DSRT Ashburton were able to use 2 newly trained team search dogs in the search.
At 14:20hrs the missing person was located safe by police and the team stood down.
Friday, 27 January 2023 16:23

Missing teenager - Harbertonford

Callout 1/2023 - Harbertonford 20:15 26th January 2023

Devon & Cornwall Police contacted the team at 19:47hrs, requesting assistance to search in the South Hams for a missing teenager with concerns for their mental health.
27 team members responded and whilst most were still enroute, thankfully the missing person was located safe and well by police.
Friday, 20 January 2023 09:46

2 new 4-legged members

We are now proud to welcome two new team members, brother and sister Mountain Rescue Search Dogs Amber and Binnie (aka Bill). They passed rigorous assessment, searching five areas on mountains in the Lake District over the last three days.
Throughout their intensive training they have shown what a huge asset they will be on call-outs, and it is the first time we have had dogs on our team in over fifteen years.
Congratulations
to their handlers Paula Holbrook and Chris Tuckett, who have continued with their other team responsibilities in addition to the demands of search dog training locally on #dartmoor three times a week and nationally in UK mountainous regions for three days a month.
Thank you to team members and other volunteers, in particular Pete Sherman, for countless hours hiding waiting to be found. In reality, it is these brave 'bodies' that train and motivate the dogs to find.
All 4 newly qualified search dogs in the region featured on BBC Spotlight recently - here's a video of the report
Wednesday, 11 January 2023 11:08

Review of 2022

Review of 2023

Click on the image for full PDF report

Sunday, 01 January 2023 16:00

Missing person - Exeter

Callout 40/2022 - Exeter 11:30 27th October 2022

On Thursday 27th Oct at approximately 11:00hrs, the duty SM, was contacted by D&C Police to assist in the search for a female seen going into the water at the Quay in Exeter.  The team was deployed at about 11:30hrs, and stood down shortly after as the body of a female was recovered by Police divers.  Six members of the team who made it to the Quay were able to assist the Police with cordoning off areas of interest and assisted SWAST in setting up a tent so identification could be carried out.  Our thoughts are with the family of the young lady at this tragic moment in their lives.

Friday, 28 October 2022 11:29

Person stuck on Haytor

Callout 39/2022 - Haytor 18:15 23rd October 2022

A busy weekend and the return to Haytor.
The team were called just after 18:15hrs today to help a woman stuck on the top of Haytor Rocks.
Two team members, who were returning from search dog training, were nearby and diverted to help the lady down. Shortly after 18:35hrs the team were stood down.
The relieved young woman told team members “This is brilliant, it was so quick. I don't know what we would do without this emergency service”.
Friday, 28 October 2022 11:23

Overdue walker - Haytor

Callout 38/2022 - Haytor 20:17 22nd October 2022 

At just before 21:00hrs on Saturday night Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team - Ashburton were called out to search for a man in his 40s who was lost, possibly injured, somewhere north of Haytor.
He had been on a dog walk late on Saturday afternoon with his family. As darkness fell and the fog rolled in, he became separated from his group and was unable to find either them or his way back to the carpark. His sister, concerned for his safety, raised the alarm.
Almost 20 volunteers from the rescue team and the National Police Air Service helicopter were deployed in the search for the individual. At around 22:00hrs shouts were heard near the Becka Brook, which is halfway between Haytor and Houndtor. By 22:30hrs the individual was located and apart from being cold and wet was found to be uninjured. He was then returned to the roadhead by one of the rescue team’s 4x4 vehicles.
The Dartmoor Search and Rescue Ashburton Search Manager said ‘We were concerned that the individual may have been injured and were very relieved to find him safe and well. As ever, we are indebted to our volunteers who gave up their Saturday evening with friends and family to take part in the search.’
Friday, 28 October 2022 11:19

Trapped dog - Haytor Quarry

Callout 37/2022 - Haytor Quarry 18:45 13th October 2022 

Not our usual callout, but nonetheless the team were called upon when a lovely spaniel had been exploring a granite spoil heap just north of Haytor when a rock slipped, trapping her for several hours.
With the assistance of Devon Cave Rescue Organisation & Bovey Tracey Fire Station we were able to work together and free Jess who thankfully was unharmed but a little shaken.
Our team located the site and after assessing the situation called for the specialised services of Fire and Rescue and DCRO. As it was dark, our volunteers were then involved in transporting equipment and escorting additional personnel to and from the site. One of our team members who is a vet also assessed Jess when she was freed to ensure she was uninjured. We then transported for Jess and her owners back to their car.
As a small number of members and trainees were in the area doing some night navigation training when the call came in, and were also quickly on hand to assist.
Friday, 28 October 2022 11:16

Injured walker, Cold East Cross, Dartmoor

Callout 36/2022 - Cold East Cross 16:00 4th October 2022 

At approximately 1600hours on Monday, the search manager was contacted by Devon & Cornwall Police to request the team in locating an injured walker in the area of Cold East Cross, Dartmoor.
The lone female in her 60's, an experienced walker was out with her dog and was able to raise the alarm quickly. Knowing Dartmoor, she was able to give details as to her approximate location. Unfortunately, she had taken a fall and sustained a leg injury.
The team were called out at 16:21hrs and were able to quickly locate the lady, administer analgesia, warm her and transport to one of the team vehicles on a stretcher where she was then taken to the roadside to await an ambulance.
As a team we wish her well and will hope for a speedy recovery.
Friday, 28 October 2022 11:14

Vulnerable young female missing - Exeter

Callout 35/2022 - Exeter 15:44 18th September 2022

At approximately 1544hrs this afternoon the team were contacted by Devon & Cornwall Police concerning a vulnerable young female who had gone missing from Royal Devon & Exeter hospital earlier in the day.
Thankfully, whilst the team were enroute to commence searching, the missing person (Misper) was spotted by a member of the public that knew her and she was found safe and well in the local area by police officers.
Friday, 28 October 2022 10:59

Missing person - Haldon Forest

Callout 34/2022 - Haldon Forest 23:43 14th September 2022

Shortly before midnight the team were contacted by Devon & Cornwall police to help search for a male who was reported missing in Haldon Forest. As the team arrived at Haldon Forest the man was located by police and the team stood down. 

Friday, 28 October 2022 10:56

Missing elderly male, Kingsbridge

Callout 33/2022 - Kingsbridge 10:09 11th September 2022

The team were alerted by Devon & Cornwall police to search for an 82 year old gentleman missing from his home in Kingsbridge. However shortly after the alert, police located the missing person and the team were stood down.

Sunday, 04 September 2022 16:54

SWAST assist - Becky Falls

Callout 32/2022 - Becky Falls, Manaton 14:28 29th August 2022 

On Bank Holiday Monday, 29th August the team were called to assist SWAST, to recover a female walker who had fallen whilst out walking near Becky Falls and sustained injuries to both legs.   Paramedics were at the scene and  several members who were in the area arrived ahead of the main team and assisted with the carry off.  Twenty two members were able to respond and those not at the scene or on route were stood down.  We wish the injured lady a speedy recovery.

Sunday, 04 September 2022 16:52

High risk missing male - Torquay

Callout 31/2022 - Marldon, Torquay 23:50 27th August 2022 

Just before midnight on Saturday 27th Aug, DSRT Ashburton were called to assist in the search for a high risk male in the Marldon area of Torquay.  Team members arrived at about 01:00hrs and searched until 03:00hrs.  Unfortunately the missing person was not located and Police enquiries continue. The team stood down and set off home for a well deserved rest, having been out less than 24hrs earlier looking for a vulnerable female in Ashburton.  Fortunately she was found and handed over to the Police.

 

Sunday, 04 September 2022 16:47

Missing elderly female - Ashburton

Callout 30/2022 - Ashburton 04:00 27th August 2022 

The team were alerted to search for a 71 year old female who had left her house in the early hours. Several areas along her likely route to Buckfastleigh were searched, until the lady was located near Buckfastleigh at around 07:30 and returned home by police.

Sunday, 04 September 2022 16:44

Missing vulnerable female - Kingsbridge

Callout 29/2022 - Kingsbridge 09:30 24th August 2022 

On Wednesday 24th Aug, DSRT Ashburton were called by Devon & Cornwall Police, to assist in the search for a missing vulnerable 71yrs old female on the outskirts of Kingsbridge.  13 members of our team along with a Mountain Rescue Search dog team from DSRT Tavistock and several members of our sister team from Plymouth, attended.  Members started to search designated areas just before midday, then in the early afternoon the search dog team found the missper, unfortunately deceased.  Our thoughts are with the family at this tragic time.  

Saturday, 20 August 2022 14:48

Missing child - Buckfastleigh

Callout 28/2022 - Buckfastleigh 15:54 18th August 2022

The Team were alerted to help search for a missing 10 year old child, however within 5 minutes of the alert the child was found safe and well by the police.

Thursday, 18 August 2022 11:24

Missing vunerable person - Bickington

Callout 27/2022 - Bickington 00:30 18th August 2022

The Team were alerted to search for a missing vunerable male near Bickington, however he was located by police while the team were mobilising for the third callout in 3 nights.

Wednesday, 17 August 2022 15:09

High risk missing person - Newton Abbot

Callout 26/2022 - Newton Abbot 20:00 16th August 2022

The team were called to assist in the search for a high risk missing person in the Baker's Park area, however while on route to the incident the person was located by the police helicopter which directed local police resources.

Wednesday, 17 August 2022 15:06

High risk missing person - Exeter

Callout 25/2022 - Exeter 20:16 15th August 2022

Late evening on Monday 15th Aug, DSRT Ashburton were contacted by D&C Police to assist in the search for a missing vulnerable male in the Exminster area of Exeter.  14 members were able to assist and searched large wooded areas on the outskirts of Exminster.  The search continued into the early morning standing down at about 01:30hrs.  We were unable to locate the individual and the Police search was scaled back and may be resumed. 

Sunday, 14 August 2022 12:01

Vunerable missing female, Sidmouth

Callout 24/2022 - Sidmouth 16:00 10th August 2022

Late afternoon on Wednesday 10th Aug, the team were called to attend and search an area of woodland above Sidmouth, searching for a vulnerable missing female.  At about 21:30hrs after an extensive search of a defined area we stood down as light was fading.  Unfortunately, the following day a body of a female fitting the description of the miss per, was found in an outcrop of rocks just off the seafront of Sidmouth. Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this sad time.

Sunday, 14 August 2022 11:58

Missing elderly person with dementia

Callout 23/2022 - Broadhempston 15:00 6th August 2022

The Team were called to assist in the search for an elderly female with dementia, but were stood down while en-route when she was found by a member of the public.

Sunday, 31 July 2022 17:32

Missing person - Teign valley

Callout 22/2022 - Teign Valley 21:10 27th July 2022

On the evening of  27-07-22 the team were called to search woodland in the Teign valley for a person reported to be missing and vulnerable. 26 team members attended and searched for just short of 5 hours. We stood down for the night at this point.

The following day a deceased person was located and further searches were suspended.

Our thoughts are with the missing person’s family and friends.

 

Friday, 15 July 2022 08:28

Platinum Jubilee Medals

Platinum Jubilee Medals for Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team - Ashburton

On Wednesday 29th June, Platinum Jubilee medals, to mark the 70th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne, were awarded to members of Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team - Ashburton
The medals were awarded, on behalf of the Queen, by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon David Barlow at a ceremony hosted by Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew of Devon & Cornwall Police at the Police headquarters in Middlemoor, Exeter. The Mayor of Ashburton, where the rescue team has its base, was the final VIP at the event.
Jubilee medals have been awarded to more than 30 members of the 60-stong volunteer team as a token of the nation’s thanks.
The awards are part of a UK-wide celebration which has seen Jubilee medals given to members of the armed forces and the emergency services, including voluntary mountain rescue teams across the UK, who have provided more than five years of service.
The dedicated team of volunteers who make up Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (Ashburton), provide an emergency rescue service 24-hours a day, 365 days-a-year.
Some of the more longstanding members had also received medals during the Diamond and even Gold Jubilees. At this ceremony, six team members received their third jubilee medal which represents a minimum of 25 years of voluntary service from each individual.
Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team - Ashburton team leader Martyn Evans said, "Members of DSRT Ashburton were presented with Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee medal. 31 of the 42 who were entitled, received their medal from the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Robin Barlow. Also present was the ACC for Devon & Cornwall Police, the Mayor and Deputy Major of Ashburton and over 30 family members. Amazingly, 6 stalwarts of the team are now proud recipients of the 3 of the Queen's medals; a proud day for them and their families. After the presentation out honoured guests, family members and team members were treated to a buffet and chatted for several hours before heading off home, only to be called out at 04:30hours to look for a vulnerable missing person on the edge of Dartmoor. All in a day's work"
The Deputy Lord Lieutenant said ‘
‘It was a privilege to be able to distribute Platinum Jubilee Medals to such a large number of worthy recipients. It was wonderful to see such a gathering of volunteering supported by families and friends. It was a particular pleasure to be able to chat to so many of those present and to learn about their individual roles.’
Friday, 15 July 2022 08:23

Fallen climber, Haytor

Callout 21/2022 - New Bridge 21:29 8th July 2022

At 2130hrs on Friday the rescue team were called out by South West Ambulance Service Trust (SWAST) to provide assistance with a climber who had fallen near Haytor Rocks and sustained back injuries.
The team were mobilised and as the light was fading 15 volunteers headed to scene. Just as the first team members reached the casualty site the injured climber was airlifted by the Devon Air Ambulance helicopter. The team were then stood down.
We wish the climber a speedy recovery
Friday, 15 July 2022 08:15

Missing elderly lady, Teignmouth

Callout 20/2022 - Teignmouth 02:10 5th July 2022

At approximately 02:10hrs, the duty SM, was contacted by D&C Police, to search for a 72yrs old female with dementia, poor eyesight and reduced mobility. The full team was called out at about 02:40hrs.  Open areas on the edge of Teignmouth seafront and paths close to the railway line were searched. Once these areas had been done, teams were then brought into search the streets and alleyways, close to the misper's home. Several members had to leave and the remainder were split into 5 teams of two, enabling us to cover large areas of streets along the seafront.   It was whilst streets were being ticked off, a call came in saying the misper had been located not far from her home.  It transpires that she somehow got into a house and it was only when the occupant was woken by teams trying to open doors, that he came down to see what was going on and found the lady sitting on his sofa.  A good end to the day.

 

Saturday, 02 July 2022 10:18

Missing lady - Newbridge

Callout 19/2022 - New Bridge 04:00 30th June 2022

Just after 04:00 the rescue team received a request from D&C Police to assist in a search for a woman reported missing, and her car had been located at New Bridge near Poundsgate. 

Teams were dispatched to search the banks of river Dart and other likely areas while the police made further enquiries. Once the police had confirmed she was definitely at the location using CCTV, assistance was requested from Plymouth and Tavistock DSRT teams and also the Fire Service. Further extensive searches were carried out until late in the afternoon.

The search was planned to continue on Friday 1st July, however the lady was located by police in the Haytor area early that morning and the team was stood down.

Friday, 24 June 2022 07:56

Injured visitor at Becky Falls

Callout 18/2022 - Becky Falls 17:00 22nd June 2022

At approximately 1700hrs on Wednesday 22nd June the rescue team received a request for us to provide assistance to the South West Ambulance Service Trust (SWAST) in bringing a lady with a suspected fractured ankle back from a difficult to access location within the Becky Falls woodland park tourist attraction.
Due to the narrow paths, trees, stumps, roots, steep slopes, boulders and steps this turned out to be a challenging callout. Despite this our skilled volunteers utilised their training to bring the casualty back to the road head as quickly and as smoothly as possible.
Due to the challenging terrain a rope system was deployed then in several sections where the path became narrow the stretcher had to be passed hand over hand between over a dozen of our volunteers. The last stage of the operation used our landrover to transport the injured lady and her paramedic up a 4x4 track to take her to the SWAST land ambulance.
We wish her a speedy recovery.
Monday, 20 June 2022 09:13

Injured walker near Dartmeet

Callout 17/2022 - Dartmeet 16:00 16th June 2022

At approximately 1600 hrs on Thursday Devon and Cornwall Police contacted the rescue team with a request for us to provide assistance to a South West Ambulance Service Trust (SWAST) ambulance crew in bringing an injured patient along a difficult to access footpath in the Dart valley approximately 1 mile south of Dartmeet. An initial team of our volunteers with a stretcher were dispatched  from their rendezvous point at Dartmeet to the injured person's location and within 5 minutes they encountered the ambulance crew and their injured patient walking back along the path towards them. The patient, a 70 year old lady, had fallen from slippery rocks and had sustained a painful leg injury, but after medical intervention by the ambulance crew she was found to be fit enough to walk with assistance back towards Dartmeet.

Monday, 20 June 2022 09:08

Training turns into real incident.

Callout 16/2022 - Saddle Tor 15:00 11th June 2022

Whilst assisting D&C Police on a training course for police search managers, an incident was called regarding a member of the public had suffered a dislocated knee on Saddle Tor. Police exercise was stopped and all teams assisted with recovery. This became a joint recovery of PenMaCRA members assisting the recovery of the casualty, who was eventually handed over to the ambulance service.

Monday, 23 May 2022 13:15

Electric wheelchair recovery

Callout 15/2022 - Dr Blackall's Drive 16:20 22nd May 2022

At approximately 1620hrs today Devon & Cornwall Police contacted the rescue team to ask for assistance for a 23-year-old male in an electric wheel chair which had broken down towards the western end of Dr Blackhall’s Drive, just north of New Bridge.
Several team members who were nearby, quickly located the individual and his 68-year-old carer and assessed the situation. In the meantime, a limited callout was issued and 8 team members and a team landrover were dispatched to the location. Team members assisted in getting the broken-down electric wheelchair, its passenger and the carer back to the road head carpark.
Monday, 02 May 2022 11:32

Injured walker, Shipley Bridge

Callout 14/2022 - Shipley Bridge 12:09 2nd May 2022

At approximately 12:10 yesterday the team were contacted to assist with an injured walker, who had slipped on riverside rocks, sustaining a back injury just North of Shipley Bridge car park.
A limited number of members were required and those not required were stood down.
8 team members and a first responder remained with the lady until the ambulance arrived at 14:00. The team utilised their equipment to keep her warm and protected her from the elements until the ambulance arrived where they assisted paramedics in moving her into the ambulance.
We wish the lady well in her recovery.

Tuesday, 26 April 2022 08:56

High risk missing female - Sidmouth

Callout 13/2022 - Sidmouth 18:58 21st April 2022

The team were called at 18:58 on 21st April to assist with the search for a high risk missing female with dementia. As the Search Manager was arranging drivers the team were stood down at 19:02 as the missing lady was found by Devon & Cornwall Police.

Sunday, 10 April 2022 10:59

Missing lady - Seaton

Callout 12/2022 - Seaton 02:48 10th April 2022

The team were contacted by Devon and Cornwall Police at 02:48 this morning to search for a lady in her 50s who was missing in Seaton with significant concern for her welfare.
A full team callout was issued at 03:12 for team members to deploy.
3 search parties covered a number of areas and routes between her point last seen and her home address. A fire service drone search unit also assisted in the search.
The lady was sighted, on the move, by team members at approximately 07:15 and brought back to the care of Devon & Cornwall Police at the RV. She appeared none the worse for her impromptu night out.
The team was stood down at 07:26
Sunday, 10 April 2022 10:57

Unwell walker - Bel Tor

Callout 11/2022 - Bel Tor corner 14:01 8th April 2022

The team were contacted by Devon and Cornwall Police at 14:01hours today following a request for assistance for an unwell walker in an organised party. The duty search manager contacted the party leader directly and learned that the casualty was not far from the road and ambulance service were assisting by phone.
It was agreed to provide a limited response to assist in getting the casualty to the road, and therefore a callout initiated at 14:13hours.
The informant called back at 14:18hours to advise that the casualty had recovered significantly and reached the roadside safely.
The team were stood down at 14:20hours.
Thursday, 07 April 2022 16:06

Missing person - Clyst St Mary

Callout 10/2022 - Clyst St Mary 14:29 6th April 2022

At approximately 14:00hours DSRT Ashburton were contacted by Devon and Cornwall Police to assist in the search of an elderly male with dementia in the area of Clyst St Mary.
The team were called out at approximately 14:25hrs with the intention of providing a limited response to work alongside Urban Search and Rescue from DSFRS with more members in reserve to scale up our response in the evening, if required.
As team members arrived at the rendezvous and began obtaining details from police officers on scene, the gentleman was located a short distance from his home address having returned by his own accord.
The team were stood down at 15:24hours.
Thursday, 07 April 2022 16:04

High risk missing person - Babbacombe

Callout 9/2022 - Torquay 21:10 31st March 2022

The duty SM was contacted by D&C Police at approx 21:10 last Thursday evening, requesting team assistance towards a high risk missing person search in the Torquay area.  Having agreed with the LPSM a targeted area search, the team deployed to  seven open ground and wooded area sectors within 1km of the home address.  The team stood down around 01:00 having completed these, with no further action pending further information.

Thursday, 17 March 2022 08:51

High risk missing person - Torquay

Callout 8/2022 - Torquay 18:00 7th March 2022

The team were contacted by Devon and Cornwall Police at just before 6pm on Monday evening and asked if they would assist the Coastguard in the search for a 29 year old high-risk missing male in the Meadfoot/Ansteys cove area of Torquay. Just as the team were arriving at the scene the missing person was found by the police and the team were stood down. 

Callout 7/2022 - Haytor 11:05 6th March 2022 

This morning the team were contacted by Devon & Cornwall Police on behalf of South Western Ambulance Service Trust (SWAST) and asked to assist with the evacuation of a 70-year-old male who had had a seizure near the top of Haytor Rocks.
A Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) helicopter was also requested.
The rescue team were quickly mobilised and 16 of our members headed towards the agreed rendezvous point at Haytor. As it was possible to transfer the male to the aircraft with the medical personnel who were in attendance our team were stood down en-route to the scene.
The individual was then successfully was evacuated to hospital by helicopter. We wish him a speedy recovery.
Monday, 07 March 2022 11:49

Missing person - Woodbury Common

Callouts 5 & 6/2022 - Woodbury Common 22:35 25th February 2022 

The team were called at 2235 to assist with the search for a high risk missing woman on Woodbury Common. Team members deployed and searched until approximately 0400.

At 0602 on 26-2-22 a second callout was sent for members to continue the search alongside DSRT Okehampton.

The team were stood down at 0852 as the misper had been found and was in the care of medics

Monday, 14 February 2022 08:52

Missing person near Plymouth

Callouts 3 & 4/2022 - Cadover Bridge 21:30 11th February 2022

At approximately 21-30hrs on Friday 11th Feb, DSRT Ashburton were called to give assistance to our sister teams DSRT Plymouth & Tavistock, who were involved in a large area search near Bickleigh Bridge on the edge of Dartmoor, looking for a vulnerable high risk missing person.  Twelve members responded to this call, who were tasked to search areas near Cadover Bridge.  They searched the area until well into the early hours of Saturday morning, unfortunately, without success.  Team members eventually got home about 04:00hrs.

At 07-45hrs on Saturday more team members volunteered to continue the search along with Plymouth and Tavistock. Fresh members assisted this second phase, again in the area of Cadover Bridge and going up to the Dewerstone Rocks.  At approximately 14:00hrs, we suspended our search area, whilst Plymouth & Tavistock continued in the area of Bickleigh Bridge.  Thanks to all who assisted in this search and our thoughts are with the family of the missing person.

A total of 21 team members attended the incident on Friday and Saturday.

Thursday, 27 January 2022 11:31

Missing male - South Brent

Callout 2/2022 - South Brent 17:00 23rd January 2022 

The team were called out at 17:00hrs by Devon & Cornwall Police to assist the search for a missing despondent male in the South Brent area.
Just as team members were arriving at the rendezvous a police patrol car located the male.
The team were stood down at 17:36hrs.
Thursday, 13 January 2022 16:22

Stranded walker near Avon Dam

Callout 1/2022 - Avon Dam, Shipley Bridge 17:32 12th January 2022

The team’s normal Wednesday training evening was interrupted by their first callout of the year.
Devon & Cornwall Police contacted the rescue team at 1750hrs to assist in finding a lady in her 50s who had gone out to take photographs and who had become lost and disorientated North of the Avon Dam.
Luckily, the police were able to provide the team with a grid reference of her location. It was dark by this time and the temperature rapidly falling below freezing. As the lady did not have any additional warm clothing or food an advanced party was quickly dispatched to her location (shown on image attached).
In the meantime, the rest of the rescue team were mobilised. Within 30 minutes she was found by the advance party and apart from suffering from mild hypothermia and bad cramp in both legs was uninjured. She was provided with food and a warm drink and walked to a waiting team vehicle by the Avon Dam. On returning her to the Shipley Bridge car park and further warming she felt fit enough to drive home. As it was on their way, she was escorted home by several team members.
With the callout completed by 1930 our volunteers continued with their planned night navigation training exercise at Venford.
This callout highlights the need to be well equipped when venturing onto Dartmoor, at anytime, but particularly during the Winter months. Always, always remember spare warm clothing, emergency rations, carry a torch with spare batteries and ideally a bivvy bag or bothy shelter.
#BeWinterReady #BeAdventureSmart #dartmoor #dartmoornationalpark #searchandrescue
Monday, 10 January 2022 15:58

Review of 2021

Friday, 26 November 2021 14:59

DSFRS assist

Callout 34/2021 - Hembury Woods 15:37 19th November 2021 

At 1537hrs our duty search manager was contacted by Devon & Cornwall Police and asked we could assist DSFRS in the recovery of a deceased individual from a difficult location in Hembury Woods, Nr Buckfastleigh. At 1551hrs a limited callout for team members was sent.
Our team deployed nine of our volunteers, two 4X4 vehicles and a specialised stretcher in support of Devon Somerset Fire and Rescue (DSFRS).
The combined team then swiftly brought the deceased to an ambulance at the road head. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the deceased individual.
The team were stood down within the hour of the callout.
Tuesday, 16 November 2021 15:32

Missing person - Longdown

Callout 33/2021 - Longdown 09:10 12th November 2021 

Missing vulnerable male: At approximately 09:10hrs on Friday 12th November, DSRT Ashburton were requested to continue a search in the Longdown area, Nr Exeter that had commenced just before midnight the previous day by our sister team North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team.
Eleven team members and two SARDA dog teams assisted in the search. Extensive searches in the wooded areas and open fields failed to locate the missing person.
After some 6 hours of intense searching the decision to stand the teams down was taken. Our thoughts are with the family at this stressful time.
Monday, 08 November 2021 13:59

Request for help, Dartmeet

Standby - 13:15  Dartmeet 7th Novemmber 2021

The Team were alerted by Police that an 'SOS' message had been received from a party member near Dartmeet. Further investigations by Police and Search Managers identified that the call was a hoax, and that all members of the group concerned were safe and accounted for.

Monday, 08 November 2021 13:56

Police assistance - Teigngrace

Callout 32/2021 - Teigngrace 16:47 5th November 2021

The Team's Swift Water Technicians were requested by Police to attend the site of a callout from March to assist following additional information from a member of the public..

Friday, 05 November 2021 09:42

Missing person - Paignton

Callout 31/2021 - Paignton 21:18 4th November 2021

At 21:18hrs last night, the team were deployed by Devon & Cornwall Police to search for a high risk missing person in Paignton.
In the darkness, 16 volunteers were engaged in searching high probability wooded areas around Primley House.
The team were stood at 00:15hrs.
Police are continuing their investigations beyond the initial search area.
Monday, 01 November 2021 15:18

Missing dog walker

Callout 30/2021 - Mamhead, Near Dawlish 19:31 29th October 2021

Dartmoor Search & Rescue Ashburton (DSRTA) were deployed by Devon & Cornwall Police to assist in the search for a dog walker who had gone missing near the Obelisk at Mamhead near Dawlish.
Two men had been dog walking at the Obelisk and at dusk one of the dogs fell down a steep wooded slope and did not return. As darkness fell one of the men went looking for the dog. An hour later neither the man not the dog had returned and the remaining concerned dog walker called 999.
Shortly before the rescue team arrived the missing man was located by a combination of the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter and Police officers. A team of our volunteers were dispatched to support the police officers at the scene. On arrival the missing man was assessed and found to be wet and cold but uninjured. The team then walked the individual through more difficult terrain to a waiting South West Ambulance Service Trust (SWAST) ambulance for a more thorough examination.
Also in attendance were a BASICS Devon doctor, the SWAST Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) & Devon Air Ambulance Trust response vehicle team.
Once the missing man was safely at the road head, a second DSRTA team went in search of the missing dog. The dog was swiftly located and freed from undergrowth where it had become trapped. Dog and owner were subsequently reunited and the team stood down at 2230.
The Dartmoor Search and Rescue Ashburton Search Manager said “We were concerned that the missing dog walker had been seriously injured, we are delighted that apart from being a bit wet and cold both he and his four legged friend were found safe and well”.

Tuesday, 26 October 2021 11:47

Missing person - Lopwell Dam, Plymouth

Callout 29/2021 - Lopwell Dam, Plymouth 07:40 22nd October 2021

The team was contacted by the Police at 0740 to request assistance with an ongoing search for a missing person thought to be in the area around Lopwell Dam. This would be the continuation of an overnight search involving DSRTs Plymouth and Tavistock.
We had a turnout of 25 members and were joined by a SARDA dog and handler, which allowed us to field 5 search parties including one dog team. These hill parties searched some difficult, steep, wooded terrain on both sides of the River Tavy, alongside numerous colleagues from DSFRS, HMCG, RNLI and the Police. We were supported by the Fire Service welfare pod and the brilliant Rapid Relief Team who provided magnificent burgers, with all the trimmings, for lunch. During the search it became apparent that there were mineshafts in the area, so we requested and were grateful for the support of DCRO to investigate these. After completing 24 search areas, between the 5 search parties, a handover was planned. DSRT Plymouth and East Cornwall SRT provided a further 2 hill parties, as the majority of our members left for a well earned rest, however DSRT Ashburton continued to provide the search management function.  At about 1850 we were advised that the missing person had been located in a residential property

Tuesday, 26 October 2021 11:44

Injured walker - Erme Plains

Callout 28/2021 - Erme Plains 12:24 10th October 2021

Shortly after midday today DSRT Ashburton were contacted by Devon & Cornwall Police to assist in locating a walker with a lower leg injury on Dartmoor National Park somewhere north of Ivybridge.
20 team members and 3 Land Rovers were deployed onto the Moor using a track from Bittaford. Having located the casualty, team members assessed the injury and carried him across rough ground on a mountain rescue stretcher.
In consultation with colleagues at ambulance control we agreed to convey him back to his car so that he can return to a hospital closer to his home address.
We wish the gentleman a speedy recovery.
Friday, 24 September 2021 11:05

Missing person - Torquay

Standby - 10:18 Torquay 24th September 2021

The Search manager was alerted to a potential search required in the Torquay area, however at this time there is insufficient information to identify viable search areas.

At 11:52 team were stood down as Police had managed to make contact with the missing person and could establish their location.

Thursday, 23 September 2021 13:45

Missing person from Thames Valley area

Callout 27/2021 - Cullompton 09:00 23rd September 2021

Following extensive searches by our sister teams, Exmoor Search & Rescue Team, North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team, Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England, Devon & Cornwall Police over the previous 36hours, Dartmoor Search & Rescue Ashburton were deployed by police this morning to continue the search of a high risk missing person from Thames Valley area, in woodland between Kentisbeare and Broadhembury, East Devon.
We were joined by Urban Search & Rescue, other outside agencies and our colleagues Dsrt Plymouth were also deployed, along with Police Drones and West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team were on standby.
Shortly after we began our search the male was thankfully located safe and well.
Wednesday, 15 September 2021 07:45

Despondent female - Wrangaton

Callout 26/2021 - Wrangaton 18:16 13th September 2021

The team were called at 1816 to assist in the search for a despondent female walking the moor near to Ugborough Beacon. Whilst en route the team were stood down at 1849 as the missing person was located and with police officers.

Thursday, 09 September 2021 16:31

Missing person - Torbay

Callout 25/2021 - Torbay Hospital 17:31 8th September 2021

The Team were alerted at 17:31 to locate a missing person near Torbay Hospital, but stood down while members were en-route at 17:50 as the person was located by police.

Tuesday, 07 September 2021 08:16

Standby - SWAST assist Chinkwell Tor

Standby - 11:51 Chinkwell Tor 6th September 2021

The team were put on standby at 1151 to assist SWAST with a casualty evacuation in the area of Chinkwell Tor. The team were stood down at 1201 as no assistance was required from us

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