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4x4 response

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Saffy:
I'd still like to know how the organisation weeds out the walts that do it just for the flashing orange light, hi viz jacket, walkie talkie and emergency response stickers on vehicle? Cave rescue, cliff/sea rescue associations, RAYNET etc all get their share of them.

Disco Matt:
Unrelated (and I understand what you mean), but I've seen the term before - what's a "walt"? Guessing it's short for Walter Mitty?

I think the main way of avoiding them is through the training events. A well-run group will spot them rapidly and then quietly ensure that they're never in a position where they can cause mayhem (easiest way to do this is to send double crews to all shouts and pair them up with one of your most sensible members).

I think the fact that the 4x4R concept is still an up and coming one (as opposed to established groups like Mountain Rescue) probably helps, as there's no instant social cachet from being a member which people like that crave.

V8MoneyPit:
You inevitably get people joining up that do it for the 'buzz'. But they rarely last the distance.

To address another point raised earlier, the people on call outs are rarely directly involved in life or death situations. The important stuff is dealt with by the emergency services. The 4x4R personnel are there purely in a support role and are directed by the emergency coordinator.

Lucy1978:
I'm in the Peak team.  It's fairly small at teh moment so not too many people who are doing it just for hte flashing lights etc (incidently non of which are fitted to my vehicles, nor will they be)  You do hear stories of the goings on, on the national forum, I've not bothered registering as there seem to be too many people overestimating tehir own importance and talking of stealth orange strobes behind frond grills and that kind of thing.

Find you local group, go along to a meeting or two and judge them for your self.

J.D.:
I founded Hants and Berks 4x4 Respomnse nearly three years ago now, and we get our fair share of idiots comign to assessment and training days. They are normally fairly easy to spot. if you get stuck on a training day and can't direct someone in to find you, then enough said.

Havign said that, we do get a lot of genuine people who leave because of the idiots hoorahing everywhere.

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