He wears a t-shirt in winter (sometimes just a string vest!) and hangs off frozen waterfalls and rock faces, but recently we caught up with him to ask the question “Who is Jamie? and how does he tick?)
Jamie Pattison, BSc (Hons), FRGS, MRIN is a runner, surfer and climber of rock, snow and ice, as an adventure athlete, Jamie can usually be found somewhere remote and reasonably short of breath.
At 23, Jamie became the Medical Officer for Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team and in his 10thyear with the team has become a deputy team leader providing austere pre-hospital care in some of the harshest environments in the U.K.
As a Geordie and self-professed Chionophile; Jamie’s natural specialities lie in the cold. Combining this and his passion for adventure saw him win the World’s toughest Arctic ski race, the Iceman Polar race in 2016.
Jamie has travel experience from Greenland to Australia spending time working as a field guide and technical leader on scientific expeditions. In his spare time Jamie works for North East Ambulance Service as a Student Paramedic due to qualify early 2021.
Reiver Guiding: So Jamie, I am sure you have been told you are ‘mad, crazy or off your head’ many times, defend yourself…
Jamie:
It’s an interesting question; I find this a matter of perspective. I like to question the people who say these things, what metric are you using? For me, I can’t imagine a life without climbing mountains and having adventures. The idea of never wanting to get out into the world and challenge yourself seems to me a little mad in itself!
But in all honesty, I am super passionate about getting out there and when I’m out I want to make the most of it. I’m famously last one back after a day out in winter!
Reiver Guiding : I like to think we all have moments of ‘ do you know what , this is pretty awesome, where and when was your last one and why was it awesome?
Jamie:
I agree, I try very hard to enjoy these moments fully. I try and engage all my senses and take as much of it in as I can.
Reiver Guiding: During the 2016 Arctic ski race, ‘The Iceman’, mentally what was your lowest point and at the other end of the scale what was your highest point?
Jamie:
The lowest point was probably on our last day. It was stunningly beautiful and the weather god had blessed us. But I had messed my feet and one of my ankles up pretty badly and they were painful. There’s not a lot to think about or do to distract you; I certainly felt like the weakest member of the team at that point. After a few hours that was quite a hard.
The highest part of the iceman for me was either waking up after a storm had hit and had us tent bound for 24 hours to clear blue skies and setting off over the sea ice towards the mountains. Or getting it finished and getting back to base camp knowing it was done and looking back on the whole thing. Knowing I had come through it and not quit as I had wanted to quite a few times.
Reiver Guiding : Put these environments in order of your most favourite to least favourite
Jamie:
Polar
Mountain
Sea
River
Desert
Jungle
Reiver Guiding: Name one thing for each that would go in your rucksack first for all environments?
Jamie:
The first and most important thing anyone can take into any situation is your attitude. I always try to communicate with those around me about ideas and expectations too. I never go out with the intention of achieving a specific thing, if conditions don’t allow or things go wrong, its important to have that flexibility already built into your mind-set.
Physical kit though:
- Polar- Gloves and lots of them!
- Mountain- Bothy bag
- Sea- A life jacket or PFD
- River- PFD and helmet, knife
- Desert- Water carrying kit
- Jungle- Insect repellent!
Reiver Guiding: Where will we find you when you need time out to think?
Jamie:
In the forest or out on the hill, probably running. I find once the body is in motion, the mind follows. I often do my best thinking when I’m moving.
Reiver Guiding: Describe your perfect weekend?
Jamie:
A physically challenging adventure, with good people and with a bit of luck, some astounding scenery and experiences to boot. Even if we achieve nothing, just to be out there is enough.
Reiver Guiding: Which skill above all others is essential for anyone wanting to get into the great outdoors?
Jamie:
As I mentioned before, a good attitude. Go with the idea that you do not know everything; you can learn something, from anyone. Don’t go out committed to just getting to the summit, sometimes things don’t go your way and plans need to be adapted, often these are the days that are memorable- the journey is the enjoyable part. Plan, plan and plan. I think it was Roald Amundsen that good preparation is seen as good luck when all is said and done.
Reiver Guiding: Why did you join Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team?
Jamie:
I love the outdoors and I have always had what I would call an innate interest in helping people. I wanted to combine the two and nearly 10 years later here I am!
Reiver Guiding: What is the next adventure you have brewing in your mind?
Jamie:
I like to have layers of planned. Both in terms of time and the amount of effort they take to happen. So small effort and easy planning, getting out for a walk by the river near my house, enjoying the wildlife and the fresh air.
Medium time and medium effort at the moment is a decent winter season with a bit of climbing and ski touring.
Large amount of time and large effort is a big expedition where hopefully we get to change the map, but that’s all I can say about that one.
Well Jamie , thankyou very much for taking the time to answer our questions. Some great answers! So whether its small effort plans, medium effort plans or large amount of plans…. enjoy yourself!