THE Kerry Mountain Rescue Team dealt with close on 40 emergency call-outs in 2019, with 49 people assisted during more than 2,000 rescue hours put in by volunteers.
There were two fatalities recorded on the mountains through the year.
Close on half of the emergencies occurred during the busy summer months with the majority dealing with incidents on the McGillycuddy Reeks while there were other situations on the Bara and Dingle peninsulas.
In addition to over 2,000 rescue ours, the 35 volunteers also spent a total of 2,300 hours training for all situations with new training modules this year including drone operation and 4×4 driving techniques as well as the regular first aid, casualty care and evacuation, technical rope work and navigation training.
2019 also saw the team involved in a number of inter-agency training operations and emergency simulations on Skellig Michael.
Team members have thanked the public for generous donations received to enable them to keep providing a service and to help meeting growing running costs.
“As well as contributing to regular running costs, fundraising efforts by individuals and local businesses in 2019 have allowed us to procure additional technical and medical equipment, ensuring that the team is equipped to the highest standards for the year ahead,” said PRO Colm Burke.
“The team took delivery of a new command vehicle in October this year. This customised vehicle is a fantastic addition to the fleet and will be a huge asset for us in the co-ordination of search and rescue operations,” he added.
Meanwhile, with the unusually dry and mild weather for this time of the year, there has been a significant increase in the number of people taking to the mountains on climbing trips and the Kerry Mountain Rescue Team has encouraged the public to ensure they start their walk early enough to enable them to return before darkness falls.
Climbers should plan their route in advance and take reliable mountain weather forecasts into consideration.
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