New Mountain rescue group needs $10,000

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 382, 16 April 1991, Page 3

New Mountain rescue group needs $10,000

The interim committee of the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation was established this month bringing its formal inception and the safety of those people adventuring into alpine areas a step closer. Until now, alpine ^search and rescue in Tongariro National Park has been carried out by several independent organisations and cOmpanies who generally work together only in emergency situations. Prior to the formation of the committee rescue training has been arranged and funded by the individual associations. In the past there has also been an unspoken reliance on their commitment and willing tance.The tragic deaths on Mt Ruapehu last August acted as the catalyst for the formation of the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation (RARO). The RARO committee is made up of representatives of the various organisation and companies who, through their

involvemeilt within Tongariro National Park, provided the alpine rescue personnel and equipment involved in the rescue to army personnel and in the search for Mr Joji Iwama, a lone climber who was caught in the same storm that claimed the lives of the army cadets. These organisations are: Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Turoa Ski Resort Ltd, Department of Conservation, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Ltd, Army Adventurous Training Group, Waiouru and New Zealand Police Wanganui and Taumarunui. Following his experience on Mt Ruapehu, Mr Iwama was responsible for raising $5,000 for much needed search and rescue equipment. It was intended that this equipment would be held ori the mountain for use in any future emergencies. The 'Ruapehu Rescue Fund', as it is now known, has swelled to $8,500 with additional donations having been made from the New Zealand Army, the fam-

ily of Bruno Arlov who recently died on the mountain, families of the army cadets who lost their lives on the mountain and local Lions Clubs. In preparation for the winter season R.A.R.O. who will administer the 'Ruapehu Rescue Fund" have already scheduled equipment for immediate purchase. Included in their shopping list is patient protection, portable medical equipment, avalanche marker poles, ground to air radios and head sets, helicopter rescue strops and avalanche probes. These purchases alone have a price tag of $6,000, and it is estimated that at least a further $10,000 worth of equipment is urgently needed. R.A.R.O are seeking further contributions to the fund. The new equipment will not only assist in

speeding up alpine rescues, it Avill increase the safety of both rescuers and victims. The purchase of advanced medical equipment for onsite treatment of avalanche and hypothermic victims is seen as urgent and it is hoped that R.A.R.O will be able to purchase this as soon as possible. R.A.R.O hope that the formation of the committee will provide an opportunity for more

formalized joint search and rescue training. "We believe the already excellent existing level of commitment won't change but the level of professionalism and safety of rescue operations will improve." said Interim Committee Chairperson, Russell Montgomery. "Accidents in the mountains will always occur and we can never be too prepared when lives are at stake," he said.