success stories
sophie hensley
(Marketing/RAPID search and rescue team)
As a member of RAPID-UK, a disaster search and rescue team, I needed to prepare myself for the final physical assessment to become operational. RAPID are a light rescue team arriving quickly to an earthquake area to search for survivors and assist local emergency teams. Their work involves a variety of physical challenges including digging, climbing, locating and extracting casualties all with a minimum of sleep in a stressful environment.
I knew regular sessions at the gym would not be enough to get me through. Graeme and Elinor took on my challenge with enthusiasm, determined I would be ready in both body and mind for the final test. Training outdoors in various locations was an excellent way to prepare for a five day mock mission. They were flexible but focused in the programme they developed, building my strength for the specific tasks that lay ahead. Their coaching also helped me mentally. As athletes themselves they were able to share some of their experience in the mental toughness it takes to succeed.
Despite
only forty minutes sleep in five days I enjoyed my final test and am
now proud to be an operational member of RAPID-UK. My fitness and confidence
in my own strength allowed me to focus on the job at hand. I will keep
training with Elinor and Graeme to maintain my fitness and so be ready
when RAPID are next called out.