Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire Stage Search and Rescue Training Exercise on our Estate

More than 35 volunteers took part in the night-time event which simulated the search and recovery of a missing vulnerable person.

As part of the exercise, OxSAR utilised their Lowland Rescue incident control vehicle which provides specialist team management and mapping systems, radio communication assets and team medical support alongside two further specialist crew support vehicles including four-by-four off road capability.

“This type of training exercise is vitally important to provide continuing professional development for our search technicians, team leaders and search management teams in the search and rescue of high-risk vulnerable missing people,” said OxSAR’s Comms Lead, Ed Milner.

““Blenheim offered the team an extensive multi-terrain environment in which we could test our search and rescue skills all in one place.

“The Blenheim Estate team could not have been more accommodating in their support of this exercise, understanding the vital service we offer to the local community, Oxfordshire as a whole and further afield in support of our neighbouring county Lowland Rescue teams.

“Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire very much looks forward to the extended invite that has been subsequently made from the Blenheim Estate in facilitating our continued training exercises, including our water rescue assets,” he added. 

OxSAR is a voluntary search and rescue team made up of around 70 members. Founded in 2008, the charity received the Queen’s Award for voluntary service in 2019 and to date has attended more than 500 incidents.

It offers 24-hour support to partner agencies including Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Oxfordshire Local Resilience Forum, and other Lowland Rescue and Mountain Rescue teams. 

“We were delighted to host OxSAR’s training exercise here on the Blenheim Estate,” said Anita Frost, Blenheim’s Health and Safety Coordinator.

“Many people are surprised when they find out there is an active search and rescue team based here in Oxfordshire.

“However, their expertise is often required to assist with a variety of emergency situations both within the county and further afield and we were only too pleased to provide them with an area to carry out their vital training work,” she added.

As a charity OxSAR is entirely funded by donations, sponsors and charitable grants.