Women Breaking Boundaries in Technical Rescue as Deputy Team Leader Completes Instructor Training

West Cornwall Search and Rescue Team has announced that its Deputy Team Leader, Saffa, has completed instructor level rope rescue training after taking part in the Breaking Boundaries course, a programme designed to increase female representation in technical rescue roles.

Six Months of Advanced Training

The course brought together women from several rescue organisations including HART, Mountain Rescue, Lowland Rescue, Fire Service and Coastguard. Over six months, participants received high level technical training, mentoring and peer support. The programme ended with the Rope Rescue Operator Instructor qualification, awarded by accredited trainers at ISAR3 and supported by Rescue 3 Europe.

Saffa said:
“This has been an incredible journey. I’ve learnt so much, laughed a lot, and made friends for life. If you’ve even considered doing something like this even for a second go for it.”

Chair of the team, Andy Brelsford, said:
“We’re incredibly proud of Saffa. Her achievement exemplifies the dedication, courage, and community spirit that defines our team. This is a milestone not just for her, but for the whole of WCSAR and for women in Cornwall considering volunteering in technical rescue.”

Why Saffa’s Qualification Matters

Women remain underrepresented in technical rescue work, especially rope rescue, water rescue and cave or underground rescue. Completing instructor level training strengthens the team’s capability and helps show that these roles are open to everyone. The Breaking Boundaries course aims to build visible role models and encourage more women to step forward as volunteers or professional rescuers.

About West Cornwall Search and Rescue Team

West Cornwall Search and Rescue Team is a volunteer run charity with unpaid members on call around the clock to assist emergency services in the search for lost, missing or injured people across inland West Cornwall.

The team, formed in 2019 when Cornwall’s former county wide rescue group was divided into East and West, now has around 40 trained volunteers. They operate with a fully equipped incident control vehicle and an off road ambulance.

Their specialist skills include:

• Foot and moorland search and rescue for missing or vulnerable people
• Rope rescue for steep slopes or technical recoveries
• Water team rescue for inland flooding, coastal incidents and swift water situations
• Underground and mine rescue support, reflecting Cornwall’s mining heritage

The charity receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations and fundraising. Running costs are around £15,000 a year.

Last month, West Cornwall Search and Rescue Team received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a volunteer group can receive in the UK and equivalent to an MBE.

Supporting the Team

Volunteers respond in all weather and at any hour, covering everything from moorland searches to mine emergencies. Anyone interested in supporting or volunteering with the team can visit the West Cornwall Search and Rescue Team website.