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So,what do you actually do?
Vectis 4x4 Response is a voulntary group that provides assistance to the local community during times of an "Emergency" Vectis 4x4 is a member of the National 4x4 Response Network. All Vectis 4x4 Members are insured and once the basic training requirements and vehicle checks have been carried out, new members will become 'Operational'
The group, whilst providing assistance to the island community, can not be "Called Out" by members of the public. The sort of thing that the group may be asked to do includes:
Taking Emergency Services Control Centre staff to and from work
Delivering Meals on Wheels during severe weather
Taking Home Carers to their clients during severe weather
Taking District Nurses to their patients during severe weather
Transferring non 999 patients to hospital during severe weather
Transporting out of hours GPs to their patients in floods and snow
The group can also provide:
Mobile Marshalling at an International Cycle Road Race
Supporting Charity Fun Run with marshals/transport
Supporting Charity Cycle Ride
Supporting Sponsored Walks
Marshalling at Motorcycle Enduro
Are you a 'Blue Light' Service?
NO! members are not permitted to use any form of Blue Light or give the impression that they are members of an "Emergency Service". Vectis 4x4 Response is a Voluntary Organisation that may work with the emergency services, but is not an emergency service in it's own right.
So, How do I get involved?
Easy! Send us an e-mail, using the 'Contact Us' link and we will be in touch!
You need to know that there are some Basic Requirements that have to be met before you can become 'Operational'. These are:
Vehicle Preparedness
- Road legal. Road Legal (MoT, Tax, Vehicle condition, etc.)
- Appropriately insured. Have appropriate vehicle insurance for volunteer response activities
- Equipped with a fixed rear recovery point (A correctly fitted Towing ball is a minimum with Ball & Pin preferable)
- Equipped with a fixed front recovery point. Where practicable fixed front recovery point (may not be possible with all vehicles)
- Suitable for the likely passengers or load. Sufficient passenger seats (with suitable belts) and/or cargo carrying capacity to be of use to a User Service
- Fitted with Secure stowage of internal equipment
- Maintained while on call. All vehicles should be maintained by the drivers to meet the above requirements at all times when engaged in 4x4 Response activities.
- Identifiable with Vehicle ID. Vehicle identification stickers front and rear
Driver Competence
- Uneven Terrain. Ability to drive their vehicle over uneven terrain relevant to the local conditions in a safe manner demonstrating consideration of maintaining forward movement (i.e. not getting stuck!). Local conditions include consideration of terrain (e.g. mountainous, woodland, low-lying i.e. liable to flood, etc.) and the most likely scenarios for which the group may be mobilised.
- Self Safety & recovery. Awareness of their own vehicles’ safety and ability to be recovered if necessary
- Snow. Awareness of the additional requirements of driving in snow
- Deep water. Knowledge of wading limits of their vehicle and how to wade
- Own vehicle emergencies. Knowledge of dealing with own vehicle emergencies (e.g. engine fire, changing a wheel on soft ground)
- Navigation. Ability to navigate within the needs of operational requirements (i.e. standard road navigation against use of OS maps and compass)
So, how much does it cost to join?
Nothing! We don't charge you to join the team and give your time, but we do ask that you help us with fundraising
Personal Insurance
Group ID Badge
2 x Group Signs for your vehicle
We ask that all members attend at least 4 meetings and 1 training day per year to remain 'Operational'
Monthly meetings will include an element of training - A navigation exercise, for example.
If you require any more information, please get in touch |
