Grant helps equip youth rescue unit

Tauranga Youth Search and Rescue chairman Steve Campbell is grateful for a nearly $3000 grant that has helped boost the group's training ability. Photo / John Borren

Tauranga's up and coming heroes of the search and rescue industry have been given a much-needed cash injection.

Tauranga Youth Search and Rescue received $2898 in a grant from the Mazda Foundation to purchase an emergency and rescue stretcher.

Omanu School were also given $1500 to purchase costumes for students taking part in the national Jump Jam final.

The volunteer search and rescue group trains young people in all aspects of search and rescue, plus offers training with coastguard and rural fire services.

Chairman and co-founder Steve Campbell said the money was invaluable to help train young people in the skills that could help in emergency situations.

"The more realistic you can make the training, the better decisions are made in actual events - partly mitigating risk and operating safely," Mr Campbell said.

The group had just returned from a six-day training exercise at Mount Tongariro and Mr Campbell said the grant meant they were able to buy a stretcher and use it last week to carry a missing person to safety.

"Some equipment we rely heavily on is live-tracking equipment. That doesn't come cheaply but it's needed in an environment like this."

The group has 54 students in three age groups over a three-year training period.

Leaders from 20 different organisations, including police, psychologists and paramedics, help by talking with the students about their jobs and skills they need.

"Our objective is hopefully further down the track they will align themselves with one of these organisations."

Mr Campbell said many community volunteer organisers suffered from an ageing demographic and many were not able to manage youth engagement "but we can be a conduit to manage the youth".

"We've got students who have graduated and are now studying to be paramedics. We've had quite a few students who have gone on [into community organisations] another one has gone to the Navy as a medic, other students are in the Army."

Helping guide young people into professions that helped the community was rewarding, Mr Campbell said.

Omanu School teacher Barbara Lang said being part of the Jump Jam nationals was an amazing experience for children and fostered a spirit of teamanship.

Mazda Foundation chairman Andrew Clearwater said he felt fortunate to be able to help deserving candidates.