'Reek' Sunday 2009
Mayo Civil Defence volunteers assisted pilgrims on Croagh Patrick, Co Mayo on Sunday 26th July 09.
Approximately 18,000 pilgrims climbed the ‘Reek’ in very bad weather conditions – heavy showers and high winds
20 members where involved assisting The Irish Mountain Rescue Association (IMRA) and Order of Malta (OMAC) Teams on the mountain.
The operation had 3 strands:
Welfare - a team of 5 provided welfare services – meals for IMRA teams throughout the day from 02.30 hrs to 20.00hrs in 2 shifts, the welfare team where highly complimented by the hungry mountain rescue teams from all corners of Ireland.
Rescue – we deployed a stretcher team of 12 with full medical capabilities onto the mountain this team where involved in 3 main rescues and treated numerous minor injuries, being directly responsible for the treatment and management of 2 casualties on the mountain side who where airlifted by the Air Corp to the village of Murrisk for further assessment by Medical personnel and transport to Hospital in Castlebar.
Ambulance / Order of Malta Mayo MRA Liason – the team also had an ambulance on duty at the event which transported 2 casualties to Mayo General Hospital Castlebar. The Lead organisations for the event where Order of Malta / Mayo MRA who we liaised with throughout the day and where involved in decision making with CDO Rose Doherty and a 2nd Officer involved at Command and Control level for the duration of the day. We operated through the OMAC communications system with no difficulties.
CD members involved gained valuable experience in many areas:
casualty treatment in very difficult / trying terrain
Helicopter evacuation in conjunction with the Air Corp
Inter organisation co operation at all levels both medical (working with CFR’ s right through to Doctors on the mountain side) and at an event command and control level
Also Mayo Civil Defence provided an interview to RTE Radio 1 on Friday 24th July on the event and provided advice for prospective climbers at the request of Civil Defence HQ., Roscrea
Link to photographs
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