Austrians sponsor training of rescue team

Kenya: Austria sponsored the training of the Mt Kenya Rescue team after the rescue of Gurd Judmaier from the 80-feet deep chasm.

One of those picked to undergo training in Austria, was Sergeant Duncan Newton Karinga now 65, who had joined the Aberdares National Park as a ranger.

He was picked from casual labourers who were constructing The Ark, a tourist hotel in Aberdares.

The Kenya National Park management employed Karinga and sent him to Kiganjo Police College for a three months training in the art of tracking game and weapon training, to be able to handle the gun. He was eventually transferred to Mt Kenya where he got the opportunity to join the rescue team.

Bill Woodley the then Aberdares/Mt Kenya National Parks Warden was behind the training initiative by Austrians

The first group of six that was selected included Karinga, police constable Kang’ara, ranger Kipruno, ranger Kiplagat, Kisau Munyau and an Austrian Nato, a civilian, to accompany the Kenyans.

“It was intensive training, going up hills. We were taught how to handle victims with broken limbs, those injured or with mountain diseases like the pulmonary oedema,” said Karinga.

They attended “Glocknergruppe” Alpine School of the Tourist Association “Die Naturfreunde” in Hoehenburg/Mooseerboden and a Mountaineering School “Wilder Kaiser” of the Tourist Association in July 1971, in Austria. At the end of the month long course, they were awarded diploma certificates and supplied with mountain climbing gear.

“We were supplied with karabiners climbing harness, shock-nuts, drive-pitons and lengths of ropes of different caliber,” Karinga said.