Navy News
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.
Royal Navy medics rescue casualties during Arctic avalanche training
12 February 2025
Royal Navy medics worked with Norwegian emergency services to rescue casualties buried under avalanches in critical training in the Arctic Circle.
Medics from Plymouth-based 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group are required to tend to injuries wherever the UK Commando Force is operating, including in the extreme cold of Northern Norway – where they are currently undertaking winter training.
That means they must be prepared to deal with a whole range of injuries and ailments caused by the cold and the hostile Arctic environment, including avalanches – which can occur after snow slides rapidly from a steep incline after heavy snowfall.
The Norwegian armed forces, police and search and rescues team and air ambulance are deeply knowledgeable and must be well-prepared for the dangers of avalanches – making them ideal tutors for the British medics.
Together, they responded to a mock avalanche – from initial callout to rescue and recovery of casualties – in Norway’s mountainous Helligskogen, near the border with Sweden.
“I have taken part in multiple medical scenarios in the past few years, but nothing has compared to this exercise,” said Medical Assistant Madelaine Wilson, of 30 Commando’s Medical Section. “It was very beneficial for all parties involved.
“It put everything into perspective of how fast you need to work in a cold weather environment and how vital it is to get casualties out of the elements, as shock can soon deteriorate and turn into hypothermia or even worse hypothermic cardiac arrest, as seen within the training exercise.
“The use of Norwegian services especially the air ambulance, really made the exercise feel realistic and highlighted the importance of cohesion and good communication within the team, throughout the exercise.”
The medics worked with 30 Commando’s Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron Group (SRS) – the eyes and ears of the UK Commando Force that are specially selected from across tri-service then trained to work ahead of the main thrust of allied forces to forge the way ahead, often deep behind enemy lines.
Crucially, SRS are highly-trained in Arctic and mountain warfare – being made up of specialist Royal Marines Mountain Leaders – and are masters of the cold and all that it can throw at them.
In this realistic training scenario, SRS and Norwegian search and rescue teams were called in to clear the area and locate casualties, making it safe for medical teams to come in.
In total, four casualties were triaged and treated at the remote mountainous site of the avalanche – with limited visibility and worsening conditions – before being evacuated to the nearest hospital.
Nearly 2,000 personnel from across the UK Commando Force are operating in Northern Norway's harsh mountainous terrain during Winter Deployment 25, as they underscore the UK's commitment to the defence of the High North.