Is mountain rescue free in the UK?

Yes. Mountain rescue is free to the casualty across the UK. In an emergency, call 999 or 112, ask for Police and then Mountain Rescue.

Are mountain rescue teams volunteers or professionals?

The civilian teams are highly trained volunteers. Mountain Rescue England and Wales currently represents 48 volunteer teams, while Scottish Mountain Rescue represents 26 member teams and also supports Police Scotland and RAF units.

Does the RAF still do mountain rescue?

Yes. The RAF Mountain Rescue Service has teams at RAF Leeming, RAF Valley and RAF Lossiemouth. Each team is managed by permanent staff and includes part-time volunteers from the armed services, and it can support civilian rescues when tasked.

UK Mountain Rescue: When Help is a Volunteer

Why Mountain Rescue Exists

Before there were red jackets and helicopters, there were only barn doors and desperate prayers; this is the story of the tragedies and the clinical rebellion that forced British Mountain Rescue into existence.

9 August 20269 min read