A mountain rescuer and paramedic has flown out to Morocco to provide assistance after a devastating earthquake hit the country earlier this week.
Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team member Jamie Pattison has deployed with 62 other search and rescue specialists to provide key aid and search assistance at an awful time for the country.
The government of Morocco accepted the UK's offer for assistance following the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that has left thousands dead and several other thousand missing.
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Jamie is a paramedic, a member of UKISAR and USAR and the deputy team leader for the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue team, and is currently in the High Atlas mountains, providing medical assistance and taking part in the search for survivors.
Conditions on the ground have been described as ‘devastating’ and 'uncomfortable' but Jamie and the 62 other rescuers are continuing to search the area for survivors.
The UK International Search and Rescue team (UKISAR) responds to disasters on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
They have specialist search equipment including seismic listening devices, concrete cutting and breaking equipment, and propping and shoring tools.
The specialist kit gives the team the capacity to lift, cut and remove concrete and rubble to reach people under collapsed buildings.
The team leader for Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team, Iain Nixon, told us about Jamie’s involvement.
He said: “As the team medical officer and deputy team leader, Jamie is extremely well placed and experienced to assist in the UK rescue effort. I know that he’ll do all he can to help those in need.”
Just after the devastating earthquake hit Morroco, UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, said: “This is a devastating time for the people of Morocco, particularly those with loved ones they have lost or are missing.
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"The UK has taken a leading role in the international effort to enhance search and rescue operations - moving quickly to deploy our unique strategic airlift capabilities, expert personnel and aid.
"We stand firmly by Morocco as they get through this terrible event.”
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