Facebook messenger not a point of contact in emergencies - DMRT

The Donegal Mountain Rescue team (DMRT) had a busy time last week, with a number of call outs, including a number where they were asked to assist local Gardai, because of the treacherous conditions that were experienced across the county and north west.

But they also advised the public that their Facebook messenger should not be used as a point of contact in emergencies and that 999 or 122 should be called, as their Facebook page is not continually monitored.

"This weekend, we were lucky that our PRO was monitoring the Facebook page at that time and was able to instantly receive and act on any messages coming in. However, this platform is not monitored all the time, they said.

On Friday evening at around 2.30 in the afternoon, DMRT were tasked by gardai to assist two members of the public who had become stuck in their vehicle at Lough Salt.

DMRT said that "a hasty team was deployed and began to make its way to their location".

They said that the phone signal for those in question was limited and their exact location was unknown.

They explained: As we continued to try to contact them, the team received a message via Facebook messenger to say they had received help from a local person who helped them out using a tractor and did not need assistance.
The team returned to base and stood down at 5.39pm (17:39).
"While this callout was in operation, AGS received another call to assist others who's vehicle had become stranded in Churchill due to hazardous road conditions. Those in question were also assisted by a local member of the public.
"At approx 10.38pm (22:38) on Friday night, the team were once again tasked to assist in the rescue of people stranded near the Grotto at Muckish mountain.

"While the team were on route, those in question were met by an AGS patrol car and were driven to safety. The team were stood down at 11.08pm (23:08).

They issued a heartfelt appeal regarding driving when there were low temperatures and hazardous road conditions.

"Thankfully the temperatures have risen and the roads are becoming clearer. Can we please stress that, in times of low temperatures and hazardous road conditions, to be mindful of the roads you are travelling on and, where possible, seek an alternate route.

"As we mentioned before, we understand this is not always possible but where it is possible, please do so to avoid any potential incident.

The also pointed out that their Facebook messenger was not a point of contact in emergencies:

Man arrested after Garda patrol car goes on fire outside Castlefin Garda station

Marked Garda patrol vehicle went on fire shortly before 4.15am this morning

"Can we please also give a gentle reminder that our Facebook messenger is not a point of contact for the team. This weekend, we were lucky that our PRO was monitoring the Facebook page at that time and was able to instantly receive and act on any messages coming in. However, this platform is not monitored all the time.

"If you ever get in to difficulty and need assistance from DMRT, call 999 or 112 and ask for Donegal Mountain Rescue.
Enjoy the milder weather and the remainder of your weekend."