Episode 267: Mike Park Former Chief Executive Officer Mountain Rescue England and Wales

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn sits down with Mike Park, the former CEO of Mountain Rescue England and Wales.As a volunteer rescuer with more than 42 years of mountain rescue experience. From his first callout as a teenager accompanying his father to a fatal aircraft crash site, to representing over 3,000 volunteer rescuers across England and Wales, Park shares an incredible perspective on the past, present, and future of mountain rescue. Park takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the largest volunteer rescue organizations in the world, explaining how mountain rescue teams respond to more than 3,500 incidents each year while balancing relationships with government agencies, police forces, ambulance services, and other emergency response organizations. He also discusses the challenges of leading a nationwide volunteer organization while preserving the grassroots culture that makes mountain rescue so effective. We explore how technology has transformed rescue operations over the decades—from mobile phones and modern mapping systems to drone technology and artificial intelligence. Park explains how teams are now using AI-assisted drone searches to locate missing persons faster and more effectively, including cases that helped bring closure to families after months and even years of searching. Park shares a few unforgettable rescue stories, including a dramatic flash-flood incident involving four young hikers stranded deep in the Lake District, humorous tales of sheep rescues on steep cliff faces, and the unforgettable search for comedian Bill Bailey’s runaway rescue dog, Tiger. We also dive into the evolution of search and rescue in the UK, the growing influence of social media on outdoor recreation, and the importance of preparation before heading into the mountains. Park offers practical advice for outdoor enthusiasts and explains why mountain rescuers don't want people to stop adventuring—they simply want them to do it safely so they can enjoy the outdoors for years to come.Finally, Park shares how mountain rescue teams have expanded beyond traditional mountain incidents and are now routinely called upon to assist during major flooding events, severe weather emergencies, large-scale searches, and national disasters. It's a fascinating look at how volunteer rescuers continue to adapt to an ever-changing world while remaining committed to one simple mission: helping people when they need it most. Enjoy.References:https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: READYBAR https://getreadybar.com/IPSQA https://ipsqa.com/We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com.Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook, Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com