Adventure Training in Action: Mendip Hosts Fourth Annual Rope Rescue Event

When it comes to adventure training in the South West, Mendip Activity Centre is proud to lead the way. On Saturday 5th July 2025, we welcomed rope rescue professionals from across the region to our private Rock Climbing venue, Sandford Quarry, for the fourth annual Rope Rescue Training Event.

Rope Rescue Trainng at Sandford Quarry

Bringing Rescue Teams Together

This event, delivered by Prusik Rescue, is all about collaboration, skill development, and real-world rescue scenarios. Each year, it brings together voluntary and professional teams for a day of specialist adventure training focused on:

• Advanced rope techniques

• Medical response

• Innovative rescue systems
  

Director of Prusik Rescue, Clive Bush, who is also a long-standing member of Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue (ASSAR), summed it up perfectly:

“Prusik Rescue is passionate about bringing these teams together to strengthen working relationships between rope rescue teams in the South West. Sandford Quarry is the perfect environment for sharpening skills – this wouldn’t be possible without Mendip Activity Centre’s support.”

Hands-On Adventure Training

Teams took part in medical workshops led by expert Andrew Gibson, before heading into practical sessions on the quarry cliffs. These included:

• Building anchor systems using vehicles

• Deploying Twin Tension Rope Systems (TTRS)

• Managing complex medical phases during technical rope rescues

A highlight was the Artificial High Directionals (AHD) session delivered by Vernon Smith from ISAR3, a training provider based in Plymouth. This cutting-edge technique gives rescue teams innovative solutions for high-risk environments.

Who Was Involved?

This annual event has become a major date in the South West rescue calendar, previously attracting up to 80 technical rescue specialists from:

• Avon Fire & Rescue, Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue , South Wales Fire and Rescue Service

• Her Majesty’s Coastguard (HMCG), Devon & Cornwall Police, Avon & Somerset Police

• Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue Team, Exmoor Search & Rescue Team, Severn Area Rescue Association, East Cornwall Search & Rescue Team, Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team

• Breaking Boundaries, an initiative to support and train a cohort of women to become Rescue 3 Rope Rescue Operator Instructors

  

  Women from the initiative Breaking Boundaries

Thanks also to SOLVOS, Haken, Lyon Rescue, Ferno UK, and the Rapid Relief Team for providing technical support, kit, and refreshments on the day.

Mendip Activity Centre is part of the Mendip Adventure group and home to Sandford Quarry, an amazing south west venue for Rock Climbing and Abseiling. Our mission is simple: inspire everyone, everywhere, to make time for adventure. Supporting events like this is part of our commitment to the emergency services and the wider outdoor community.

Try Rock Climbing or Abseiling: www.mendip.me/book/rocksports

Learn more about Prusik Rescue: www.prusikrescue.com