Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (Ashburton)

Dartmoor Search and Rescue Ashburton is a team of highly skilled and professional volunteers, on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The team assists the emergency services in the search and rescue of people who are lost, missing, injured or vulnerable, including children and adults living with dementia or mental health conditions.

Founded in 1968 as part of the Dartmoor Rescue Group, the team operates across South and East Devon, from open moorland to coastal areas and into urban areas such as Torbay and Exeter. It holds internationally recognised swift water rescue standards for flooding and water emergencies, and assists the ambulance service with casualty evacuation in rural terrain.

As part of the national Mountain Rescue network, the team can be deployed to major incidents across England and Wales. Its equipment includes mobile incident control vehicles, Land Rover ambulances, swift water and rope rescue gear, and medical equipment. The team trains regularly with partner agencies including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the RNLI, the Fire Service and the Air Ambulance. Around 92 per cent of income comes from fundraising and donations.

In an emergency, dial 112 or 999, ask for the Police, then ask for Dartmoor Rescue.