Northumberland mountain rescue volunteer in Mozambique

Jamie Pattison, team leader of the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team (NNPMRT), has been deployed to the country as part of the UK International Search and Rescue team (UK ISAR) to support flood relief efforts following a national emergency declaration by the Mozambican government.

Mr Pattison said: "We’re working hard with local officials and agencies to assess needs and rescue those who are stranded by the flood waters.

Jamie Pattison, team leader of the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team, has joined UK ISAR’s response to severe flooding in Mozambique. (Image: Supplied)

"Our volunteers have been involved in providing medical evaluation for those who need to be taken to hospital and to deliver much needed aid to local villages and communities who have been cut off."

As a trained paramedic, mountain rescuer and swift water rescue technician, Mr Pattison is drawing on his full range of skills to assist those affected.

He is part of a multi-agency UK ISAR team which includes fire and rescue professionals and medical staff.

To the rescue (Image: Supplied)

They are delivering life-saving aid in areas worst affected by the flooding.

The Mozambican authorities declared a national emergency after widespread flooding caused severe damage across multiple provinces, including to roads and healthcare facilities.

An initial team of UK ISAR flood rescue experts was deployed earlier this week to begin work on the ground.

A larger group, including Mr Pattison, has since arrived along with specialist rescue boats to expand operations.

Getting help to where it is needed (Image: Supplied)

The UK team is working primarily in Maputo Province and Xai-Xai, where they are rescuing people trapped by rising floodwaters and supporting the Mozambican-led emergency response.

NNPMRT, and its neighbouring North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team (NOTMRT), operate across a 2,159 square mile area that spans Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.

Mr Pattison and his team are more commonly called out to assist injured walkers, fell runners and mountain bikers in the Northumberland uplands, or to help locate missing children and vulnerable adults in both rural and urban areas.

All team members are volunteers who give their time freely to provide essential, often life-saving services.

They train continually in vital disciplines including navigation, first aid, search techniques, communications and technical rescue to ensure they remain ready for any emergency.

The mountain rescue teams are funded solely through public donations and charitable grants, which cover training costs, equipment, vehicles, fuel, insurance and other running expenses.

Fundraising is an ongoing necessity for the teams, who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.