Ben Dyson takes over from Tim Hamlet as leader of Assynt Mountain Rescue Team
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Assynt Mountain Rescue Team appointed a new team leader at its AGM at Inchnadamph Hotel last Saturday.
Ben Dyson takes over from Tim Hamlet who has led the rescue team for the past three years.
A team spokesperson said: “We would like to thank Tim for his hard work and dedication.”
Mr Dyson, who works as a self-employed environmental consultant and part-time mountain guide, joined Assynt Mountain Rescue Team as part of its annual recruitment drive in the autumn of 2018 shortly after moving to the north of Scotland.
He has since completed his mountain leader training and assessment, winter mountain leader training and first aid instructor’s qualification. He has served as the team’s medical officer and is one of the team’s search and rescue drone pilots.
Mr Dyson has previously spoken of the “buzz” rescuers get from helping people on the mountain and how satisfying it is to be able to put the hours of training into practice for real.
He has also said that the “craic” with his teammates was one of the best aspects of volunteering with a mountain rescue team.
“Through training and attending callouts together you build up a mutual respect and common bond and with this comes with a lot of friendly banter,” he said.
The team combined their AGM with a training day at their base in Inchnadamph.
The members, who are all volunteers, spent the morning receiving medical training in the morning on pain relief, splinting and the use of the team’s new Titan stretcher.
In the afternoon they were joined by the crew of the search and rescue helicopter based in Stornoway and topics covered included helicopter familiarisation and winching.
Assynt Mountain Rescue Team relies on the support of the public and donations are gratefully received.
