Isle of Wight search and rescue team receives £20k boost

The purchase was made possible by the Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks’ (SSEN) Resilient Communities Fund, with additional donations from the National Lottery and Island-based charities.

Fully fitted out to service as a mobile office and communication hub, featuring a 12-meter radio mast to allow seamless and secure digital communication with search teams, the new vehicle has become an essential addition.

The vehicle is equipped with advanced mapping technology, facilitating the identification and recording of areas searched, enabling search planners to make informed decisions in real time and enhancing the Island’s search and rescue function.

WightSAR’s new incident control vehicle also serves as a casualty equipment store, carrying essential resources such as evacuation stretchers, first aid kits and specialised search equipment.

Dean Terrett, WightSAR’s founder and chair, said: “We hugely appreciate the £20,000 award given through SSEN’s Resilient Communities Fund to our local charity.

“The new vehicle provides a much-needed new base allowing our search planner to work with police to coordinate the search, utilising sophisticated mapping and research-based tools to find the missing person as quickly as possible."

Dean continued: “The vehicle is fitted with improved digital communication systems to allow vital search information to be relayed immediately to and from search teams on the ground.

“Then, when a missing person is located, live information can be relayed to the vehicle directly from the scene, ensuring the most appropriate response for the casualty.”

Andy O’Connor, SSEN’s head of region, said: “The £20,000 award given through SSEN’s Resilient Communities Fund reflects the dedication of the volunteers, the quality of the service they provide and the role they play in enhancing the safety and resilience of their community.”