CRAVEN’S mountain rescue teams have received £5,000 in donations as a thank-you for helping out in a coronavirus vaccination programme.

The Clapham based Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO) and the Grassington based Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (UWFRA) both helped out in the vaccination programme run in Skipton by the Wharfedale, Airedale and Craven Alliance, federation of GP practices in the Dales.

With call-outs greatly reduced at the start of the lock-downs last year, team members were able to give time to the vaccination programme, and even though they are back to normal duties, the teams are continuing to help out.

Team members helped out initially at the vaccination centre at Skipton Hospital, and then when it moved to larger premises at Gateway House, Gargrave Road in Skipton.

Their expertise meant they were qualified to help out from clearing the car park of snow, monitoring patients for adverse reactions, and dealing with any injuries caused by slipping on icy surfaces.

The £5,000 represented cash donations made by patients attending the Skipton vaccination centre during the past year.

Volunteer coordinator Simon Oxley, who is also a CRO team member said: “When we put together the initial vaccination centre volunteer group in December 2020 the mountain rescue teams seemed ideally suited for marshal duties in the windswept and snowy car park.

“We have now grown to around 200 volunteers but the two local mountain rescue teams have continued to form a core part of that, even though they have now also returned to operational rescue activities.”

Dr Hilary Moakes, WACA clinical director, said it was fantastic having the rescue teams involved at the centre and helped them for all their help.

She said: “Their training in casualty care is a great asset when we have to monitor patients after their vaccination in case of adverse reactions, as well as the teams’ ability to deal with slips and trips in the car park.”

Rescue team members with specific qualifications have also been involved in setting up the vaccination centre standards and procedures and also as vaccinators.

The donation will be used by CRO to equip some team members who are newly trained and qualified in water rescue techniques with personal protective equipment, including dry suits, specialist boots and flotation devices.

Meanwhile, UWFRA is planning to use its funds to update its IT equipment in its communications van and also the mapping used on searches for both people and animals.

Both organisations rely on donations.