We are here, when you need us....

On an evening during the recent snowfall, Derbyshire Police contacted Derbyshire 4x4 Response after a man had driven off the road high in the Peak District. With visibility rapidly worsening and snow covering the exposed moorland route, his vehicle slid into a ditch, leaving him stranded in increasingly difficult conditions.

Cold, alone, and unsure of his exact location, the driver was unable to say precisely where he was. Our 24-hour control team immediately stepped in, using SARStuff Locate-Me to pinpoint his mobile phone location. This allowed us to identify his exact position using What3Words and guide responders safely to him.

Once on scene, our team checked the driver’s welfare and ensured he was safe and warm. Due to the severity of the weather and the risks involved, it was decided that recovering the vehicle that night would be unsafe. Instead, a member of the team transported the driver home, ensuring he was out of danger and able to rest.

The following day, once conditions had improved, Derbyshire 4x4 Response returned to the location and safely recovered the vehicle.

For the driver, it meant reassurance, safety, and practical help at a moment when he needed it most. For us, it was another reminder of why our volunteers are on call 24 hours a day—providing calm, capable support when people find themselves vulnerable and alone in challenging environments.

On an evening during the recent snowfall, Derbyshire Police contacted Derbyshire 4x4 Response after a man had driven off the road high in the Peak District. With visibility rapidly worsening and snow covering the exposed moorland route, his vehicle slid into a ditch, leaving him stranded in increasingly difficult conditions.

Cold, alone, and unsure of his exact location, the driver was unable to say precisely where he was. Our 24-hour control team immediately stepped in, using SARStuff Locate-Me to pinpoint his mobile phone location. This allowed us to identify his exact position using What3Words and guide responders safely to him.

Once on scene, our team checked the driver’s welfare and ensured he was safe and warm. Due to the severity of the weather and the risks involved, it was decided that recovering the vehicle that night would be unsafe. Instead, a member of the team transported the driver home, ensuring he was out of danger and able to rest.

The following day, once conditions had improved, Derbyshire 4x4 Response returned to the location and safely recovered the vehicle.

For the driver, it meant reassurance, safety, and practical help at a moment when he needed it most. For us, it was another reminder of why our volunteers are on call 24 hours a day—providing calm, capable support when people find themselves vulnerable and alone in challenging environments.