The Galway Mountain Rescue Team was founded in 1980 and is responsible for providing a search and rescue service in upland and remote areas of Counties Galway and Clare. In addition the team also responds to requests for assistance in lowland missing person's searches. This service is provided 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The service is entirely voluntary and free of charge. Although some state funding is provided there is an annual shortfall which must be made up by fundraising. The team undertake an annual street collection and rely heavily on donations from the public. Beyond this team members are required to cover their expenses incurred while on a callout and some of the cost of their own equipment.
The team is a full member of the Irish Mountain Rescue Association and takes an active role in the Western Voluntary and Statutory Pre Hospital Emergency Care Group.
The team trains regularly to ensure its members maintain a high skill level in Casualty Care, Rope Rescue, Search Management and SAR operations. The Team has 25 active members and 6 new members in training. Recruiting suitable volunteers remains a challenge but is vitally important as a rescue operation requiring a stretcher evacuation will involve a minimum of 20 people.
