Description
Strathclyde 4×4 Response assists numerous organisations during times of difficult driving conditions from delivering meals on wheels to vulnerable people, and helping community nurses visit their patients.
We are the West of Scotland Team of the 4x4 Response Network. We provide experienced volunteer off road drivers to assist the emergency and public services in times of need. The severe winter conditions seen in 2009/2010 and again in 2010/2011 have seen many teams active.
Can YOU become a 4×4 Responder?
- Do you own or have regular access to a 4×4 Vehicle?
- Do you want to help your community in times of bad weather or other emergency?
- Are you prepared to undergo background checks for PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) and NPPV (Non Police Personel Vetting)?
If the answer to all of the above is Yes, then we would love to hear from you.
As Responders, we are typically working alongside the Police and other Emergency Services, so the basic training and assessment has to be in place.
To become a Responder, we require you to achieve four key competencies.
Communications – hold a current Amateur Radio licence (minimum Foundation level)
Navigation – Able to pass a practical Navigation Assessment
Off Road Driving Assessment – Able to pass an assessment to demonstrate you understand how to control your vehicle in poor conditions
Exercise Participation – Take part in a practical exercise to demonstrate the competencies above.
Organisation aims and objectives
Strathclyde 4×4 Response was established in early 2011 following the severe winter weather making it difficult for many vital services to function. We aim to be able to assist numerous organisations during times of difficult driving conditions from delivering meals on wheels to vulnerable people, and helping community nurses visit their patients. Our first year of operation was one of establishing ourselves and training our members. We run courses on First Aid, Off Road Driving, Amateur Radio, and Map Reading skills, and we run practical exercises to put these skills to the test. We have the backing of the National 4×4 Response network and support from Tunnocks and we now have an working agreement in place with Police Scotland and the West of Scotland Regional Resilience Partnership. This means that we are recognised as an available resource for the Emergency Services and all other partners (Category 1, Category 2 and voluntary) of the RRP. We also have agreements in place with other organisations, e.g. Red Cross, Ardgowan Hospice in Greenock.
Support
Training details: The Group meets on the second Wednesday of every month at a venue based along the M8 corridor in the Glasgow.
Training Evenings allow the Group to meet up and chat, and for us to go over any training topics as required. Sometimes the Training Evening will be used as one of the practical assessments eg Navigation Exercise or Call Out Exercise.
Training Events such Amateur Radio or First Aid training usually take place at the weekends, and plenty of notice is given to allow Responders to sign up to these courses.