WHEN a 15-year-old schoolgirl failed to arrive at her Highworth school on Thursday last week, Wiltshire Police launched a major search.

Officers arrived in the town from Swindon and beyond while the police helicopter was sent up to help scan from the air.

But the police simply do not have the resources to effectively cover a potentially huge area alone.

Alongside them in Highworth, as at so many incidents in previous years, were the men and women of Wiltshire Search and Rescue (WILSAR).

Made up of highly trained volunteers, WILSAR are an invaluable resource for the police in an age where the demands on the emergency services continue to grow, but where resources are often stretched to the limit.

Mike Veale, Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, has paid tribute to the role that the volunteers play in supporting his officers.

“The volunteers who make up the teams have my absolute admiration," he said.

"Not just because of their obvious dedication and commitment but also because of the level of sophistication and skill that they bring to help us find vulnerable people, missing people, and people in crisis.

"Very often it is the police service that provides the initial response to missing people and very often the circumstances require us to search large areas, complex areas, challenging urban and rural areas. Wiltshire Search and Rescue are able to provide the resources and the sophistication and equipment to help us coordinate our searches so that we can bring someone home safely."

Last year, WILSAR volunteers were called out 43 times by Wiltshire Police to help locate vulnerable and missing people, including saving the lives of two people they found.

On a further eight occasions, the teams provided assistance to neighbouring search and rescue organisations. All together that brings the number of call outs in a year to 51, almost one each week.

While 51 may initially sound like a low number, it equates to 10,071 hours of volunteer time.

If this was converted into an average police officer’s wage, it would cost the taxpayer over £180,000 to replicate.

But it isn't just about turning out to lend a hand.

From their protective clothing, to their equipment, to their specialist expertise, WILSAR have gained a reputation for being at the top of their game when it comes to searching for missing people. That only comes from hard work and extensive training.

For every hour that a volunteer team member spends searching on a real-life operation, they spent another eight hours taking part in vital training or attending update sessions to ensure the smooth running of the organisation. Nearly

Adrian Sawyer, WILSAR Chairman, said: “The statistics for 2016 show what a vital role we play in supporting the emergency services.

"Most importantly, vulnerable missing people that we help who need medical attention are given it by our volunteers, specifically trained to do this in an emergency situation.

"We directly helped to save the lives of two people last year who would have died if they had not been found and given lifesaving treatment WILSAR volunteers.”

New trainee volunteers are recruited twice a year - after going through the application phase they have to complete a rigorous training programme including weekends in the field, only then can they qualify as 'search technicians'.

Trainees learn basic but essential medical skills, working alongside experienced volunteers and expert paramedics. They also learn how to search effectively in different terrains, how to navigate, use radio communications and must all complete a 'proof of fitness' walk before they’re made fully operational.

While some volunteers may bring skills from their day jobs, including medical knowledge, an armed forces background or similar, the vast majority are ordinary men and women from across the county.

Charli Cumberpatch is a recruitment consultant from Swindon. She joined WILSAR in November 2016 because she wanted to make a contribution to her community.

“The training has been fantastic and everything we’ve learned so far has exceeded my expectations," said Charli.

"Everyone in the team has been friendly and welcoming and there is a true feeling of everyone working towards a common goal, to help the missing person.”

Adrian Sawyer, a trainee himself not too many years ago, added: “The commitment is important and it’s not for everyone, but the amazing sense of being able to give something back to the community is what usually drives people through the rain, the cold and the evening exercises.

"When we’re out searching and we’re thanked by the family and friends of the person we have been called to help, all the hard work is immediately worthwhile.

"It’s an honour to be able to work alongside Wiltshire Police and to give the support that is needed at a time when it’s so critical.”

Inspector Paul Saunders, who had led searches for missing people across Swindon, added: "When you speak to a WILSAR volunteer, their pride in what they do and their dedication to their craft is tangible.

"Their willingness to be on call, at all hours of the day, for no reward other than knowing they have been directly involved in saving lives does them credit.

"Wiltshire Police is very pleased to be associated with them and look forward to continuing the close working relationship that exists between us.”