Training, June 2013, Diabaig

On Sunday 2nd June, we started off our training with a team brief of the days training schedule. The first part was conducted at the side of the Torridon Y.H where casualty manoevre techniques were performed using the vacuum bag and the stretcher, under instruction from Alasdair and John.

We were then shown 2 anchoring systems by Jim, one using the bear paw and the other using the technically sounding BFK system, until the abbreviation was explained.

From here we drove round to Diabaig, a stunning wee place I hadn’t been to before, but will certainly be back. The plan here was to install the 2 anchoring systems we were shown at the Y.H and to use them to abseil down the approx 100 ft of The Pillar cliff face.

We walked to the top of the cliff which had an amazing view of the bay and split into two groups, one set up the BFK system and the other used the bear paw, under the watchful and intuitive eyes of Jim and Arjan.

Both groups then abseiled down the cliff face either using the Petzl ID or personal abseil technique.

After a quick bite to eat we were then shown stretcher lowering techniques using the Petzl IDs, where Gordon and Arjan were lowered with the stretcher to the bottom of the cliff face, which proved to be very successful.

We were then shown other ways of utilising the petzl IDs and also a Rescucender and Arjan taught myself and Ronald a few knots to practice.

All in all a very interesting and enjoyable days training in what has to be an amazing location. Many thanks to Jim, Arjan, Alasdair and John for their informative and detailed instruction and to the rest of the team for a great day out.

Graeme Wilson