WILTSHIRE search and rescue volunteers (WILSAR) are deployed in all weathers across the county to search for vulnerable missing people.
The Journal spoke with volunteer Damon Saddler from Salisbury, who joined the charity in 2016, about his experience.
WILSAR is called upon by Wiltshire Police and provide support to search for vulnerable missing people as Damon explains: "That can be in all kinds of terrain. If you think across the county we have got plenty of woodlands, hills, canals, rivers so WILSAR equips itself to deal with all those sort of terrains."
He said "It is a pretty unique feeling when you have a positive outcome. You feel like you are giving back to your community."
Damon Saddler who is a volunteer with Wiltshire Search and Rescue
Busy year for charity
There were nine callouts to Salisbury areas and 21 throughout the south Wiltshire area.
During the pandemic, the charity has seen more call-outs related to mental health.
"We've seen a massive shift in the type of missing person since coronavirus. It used to be that our so called bread and butter call-out would be to dementia patients that had gone for a walk and got lost on the way. Certainly in the last 12 months with it being lockdown unfortunately the increase in missing people is around mental health," said Damon.
He added: "Even when it's not the best of outcomes you can take some comfort that you have returned that person to their family rather than them thinking they are out there missing for no end of time. Obviously, that nowhere compares to a positive outcome.
"Returning someone when they have been in their worst hour and helping them is definitely something that stays with you a long time."
When asked about how volunteers deal with difficult call-outs, he said: "That's when you rely on your team mates. Everybody has got a shared goal in the team and we support each other very well. People are trained to help if you do feel on the sad side of things. It is a good network to be in."
What it takes to be a WILSAR volunteer
"You've got to have a sense of humour because you are quite often stood in the run in the middle of the night waiting to be deployed. A sense of humour goes along way. We've got a good sense of camaraderie and team working is important and also the willingness to want to help other people. The rest of the skillsets can be taught. Lots of people come with transferable skills. We've got people in the team from all walks of life from artists to business owners, paramedics, military personnel, all sorts really."
Damon Saddler who is a volunteer with Wiltshire Search and Rescue
Training
Volunteers train as a search technician which takes around six months and then can choose to specialise in different areas which can include medical training.
"It is very varied, you meet lots of different people. It's been an eye opener and I certainly enjoy it," adds Damon, who runs Alert Training UK in Salisbury.
Being part of WILSAR has enabled Damon to develop his skills "massively" and during this time he has become a water lead for the team, improved his medical capabilities and also people skills.
Wiltshire Search and Rescue
Memorable call-outs
One of Damon's memorable call-outs was the search for man who had been missing for four days.
"There have been lots in the area I certainly remember," he continues. "A couple of years ago going back to Nomansland when we were searching for four days before we found the gentleman. Fortunately he was still alive and it was positive outcome. It goes to show never give up.
"Your chances of survival diminish over time so to have a positive outcome after that time was certainly something that sticks in my mind. Of course some of the sad ones stick in your mind as well."
Impact of Covid-19
WILSAR, which last month marked its 20th anniversary, relies on donations to continue its work. However, the pandemic has hit its fundraising activities with many events cancelled.
For more information about WILSAR or or how to support the charity go to wilsar.org.uk.
Get more Salisbury news and nominate your local heroes for the South Wiltshire Hero Awards.
You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date.
Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here