It’s not all fast jets and submarine hunting...
RAF Lossiemouth is also home to dedicated individuals who spend their spare time volunteering for emergency response teams throughout Moray and the Highlands.
So, who are the teams trading in their blue uniform for hi-vis jackets, thermal wear, or life-jackets?
Lossiemouth Co-Responders
The RAF Lossiemouth Co-Responders provide support to the Scottish Ambulance Service and medical aid to the public. Formerly the Lossiemouth Responders, they were recently rebranded to reflect their RAF affiliation.
It’s not just a name change; the new branding comes with increased financing and equipment from the Royal Air Force to aid their voluntary duties across Moray, as well as a new look for their emergency response vehicle.
The new decal will allow the team to be easily recognisable in the community when out on patrol, and the vehicle ensures the team have professional equipment on-hand to support the medical emergencies they attend.
The Co-Responders respond to callouts across the Moray area, as well as regularly patrolling the streets during the busy Saturday evenings in the town centres. Their quick response times and decisive action have already helped many people where ambulances were not able to be as hasty.
Personnel interested in engaging with and/or supporting the Co-Responders can contact them via their Facebook page.
Mountain Rescue Team
Locals in the Highlands are no stranger to the need for Mountain Rescue services, especially during the winter months when inexperienced climbers and hikers aim to conquer the Munro's and hills surrounding the North of Scotland.
The RAF Lossiemouth Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) consists of thirty volunteers, both full and part-time. At least ten of their team will attend every callout, with the ability to respond within 1-hour 24/7.
Recent incidents have seen them assist other rescue teams such as the Cairngorm’s MRT in the rescue and recovery of people lost in the hills. During the winter of 2024 the MRT attended 16 calls, assisting with the rescue of 19 individuals.
When asked how aspiring hikers can keep themselves safe in the Scottish wilderness, a member of the team answered:
“This is quite a big reason for a lot of our call-outs. We would advise having the right kit and good knowledge or experience for the outdoor activity you are conducting. Always consult the Scottish Mountain Rescue website before your endeavour to ensure you have the right gear and stay prepared”
There are currently 3 operational RAF MRTs within the United Kingdom, parented by RAF’s Lossiemouth, Leeming and Valley. The teams are formed entirely of volunteers from all ranks and professions, the majority of which are employed on a Part Time basis.
Personnel volunteering for Mountain Rescue Service (MRS) duties need not have previous mountaineering experience as instruction in all aspects of mountain rescue are provided by experienced personnel.
To apply or register interest personnel can visit the MRT on Station.
RNLI
Over the last 12 months, volunteer All-Weather Lifeboat Crew Member Chief Technician (Chf Tech) Wales of RAF Lossiemouth has participated in approximately 10 taskings with the RNLI. These callouts range from search-and-rescue to towing stricken vessels.
The skills gained with the RNLI have also benefited him on land. Last week a member of the public sustained a severe head injury at a local library and Chf Tech Wales was able to assist in a calm and timely manner using the training he has benefitted from with the RNLI.
Speaking about how to keep safe in the waters of the Moray Firth, Chf Tech Wales said:
"Understanding the correct equipment to bring, knowing the difference between life-jackets and floatation devices, informing people where you are going and expecting to return, and keeping yourself informed is essential to keeping safe in the Moray Firth.”
He also emphasised the importance of alerting the RNLI as soon as possible:
“ If you are in trouble don’t delay, don’t think you are ‘bothering us’ and don’t think you can sort it out, call for help (111 or 999 and ask for the coastguard). If you have never been out on the water before familiarise yourself by joining a local group or go with experienced friends until you are content and competent."
RAF Lossiemouth currently has three volunteers working within the RNLI as lifeboat crew and fundraisers.
For those wishing to join the team and volunteer, the RNLI have information on the RNLI Volunteers page (https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer). You can also visit local stations to hear of opportunities or roles coming up.
One of Team Lossie’s priorities is our commitment to our local community.
These voluntary teams are open to all personnel who wish to give up their spare time to assist the local community and further afield.
The willingness of personnel to spend their spare time helping others on top of their day-to-day of serving their country is a testament to their character, and we as a station are proud to have them as part of #TeamLossie.
