In the frozen expanse of Norway’s Helligskogen mountains, near the Swedish border, Royal Navy medics joined forces with Norwegian emergency services for a high-intensity avalanche rescue exercise. Battling extreme cold and harsh terrain, the team practised lifesaving techniques to locate and treat casualties buried under the snow, preparing for real-world emergencies in one of the toughest environments on Earth.
Training for the Worst in the Arctic Circle
The exercise, part of Winter Deployment 25, involved 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group from Plymouth, working alongside Norwegian armed forces, police, search and rescue teams, and air ambulance crews.
Operating in sub-zero temperatures, the teams had to move quickly, hypothermia and cardiac arrest are immediate threats in an avalanche scenario. Medical Assistant Madelaine Wilson, of 30 Commando’s Medical Section, described it as one of the most challenging medical exercises she has ever experienced.
“I have taken part in multiple medical scenarios in the past few years, but nothing has compared to this exercise,” she said.
“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.”
Royal Marines Leading the Search
Before medics arrived, the Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS) , a highly skilled Royal Marines Mountain Leader unit, scouted the avalanche site. Specialists in Arctic and mountain warfare, the SRS are trained to operate in some of the world’s most unforgiving environments, gathering intelligence and leading search-and-rescue operations ahead of the main force.
With conditions deteriorating and visibility low, the team successfully located four ‘casualties’. Each was triaged, treated, and evacuated to the nearest hospital, simulating a real emergency response.
Why Arctic Training Matters
This training is more than just an exercise, it’s part of the UK’s strategy to ensure its forces can operate effectively in the High North, a region of increasing geopolitical importance. As climate change opens new Arctic trade routes and tensions grow over resource competition, the ability to function in extreme cold is becoming a critical military skill.
With nearly 2,000 UK Commando Force personnel involved in Winter Deployment 25, this training ensures Britain’s forces remain ready for whatever challenges the Arctic may bring.
