Ref. 28389-69Vulnerable people in Swindon may not know it, but their lives could depend on the volunteers of the Wiltshire Search and Rescue team.

At this time of year more people are likely to go missing than at any other time.

And the county's team of trained searchers is on high alert.

"Sadly some of the stress of family life might be more prevalent at Christmas time," said team manager Steve Upton.

"We would not be surprised to be called out over the Christmas period more than usual.

"Obviously we hope this is not the case but we have to be prepared for it."

When someone goes missing, whether from a hospital or from home, the faster and better organised the response the higher the chances of that person being found alive and well.

It is a race against the clock, and because time is of the essence the latest technology is used to speed up the process and make every minute count.

Once police have verified that someone has gone missing they may choose to contact Wilsar search managers who will in turn fire off text messages across a network of about 30 volunteers.

When there is time the team will be put on standby. When there is not they will be asked to report immediately to a given location so the search can begin. The searches themselves often bear little resemblance to the conventional images of lines of police officers walking across fields with sticks and poking things.

Instead, footpaths are searched outwards from the missing person's last known position.

Assessments are made on behavioural profile information and statistics.

"You can't just search everywhere, it would be a pointless exercise," said Mr Upton.

"Most searches are concluded in nine hours, when we have either found them or run out of places worth searching."

Wilsar is always looking for volunteers and there is currently a shortage from the Swindon area.

"We could certainly do with a few more people from Swindon," said Mr Upton. "The location of volunteers affects availability and people's response times.

"So we are looking for volunteers in Swindon to save lives."

Many of Wilsar's volunteers are given first aid training and all are trained in search techniques, crime scene preservation, navigation, call-out procedures and use of equipment, which includes back-to-back radio and control vehicles.

A degree of fitness is required for searchers but Wilsar is also looking for people to assist with fundraising, control point and administrative functions.

For more information call Steve Upton on 07932 698272 or go to www.wilsar.org.uk.

Andy Tate