Incident Reports 1994

A sad end to a very busy year. This gentleman suffered a heart attack 2600 feet up, on Wetside Edge, unfortunately he had died before the team could get to him. He was carried from the fell by team members.

This lady fell on very wet grass and fractured her left leg, The team managed to drive to the site over rough tracks and moorland, where she was evacuated using the vehicle and no! the stretcher, it makes for variety!!

A lady reported this man missing on a walk from Keswick to Langdale. The team searched the Langdale side of his route, until he telephoned the police from Boot in Eskdale. He was lost and many miles from Langdale, but safe.

At the risk of being flippant, this lady did a very good impression of the lady in call-out 106, but higher up the fell, and higher up her leg. The teams response was the same also.

Guess what!! This woman slipped on wet grass, and yes, she fractured her ankle. Of course, we stretchered her off.

Team members were diverted from call-out 104 to rescue an elderly man, who had fallen and broken his ankle. He was carried off the fell aboard the stretcher.

A 12 year old girl slipped and fractured her lower leg. She was assisted from the fell by team members and driven to Kp'idal hospital in our ambulance.

This elderly lady slipped and broke her ankle on wet grass. She was treated and stretchered off the fell. We approached this call-out from 3 directions in 3 vehicles, local knowledge is always useful.

Coniston MRT requested the team's advanced medical equipment be flown up, to treat 3 casualties with exposure. They were then flown by RAF Boulmer to Furness hospital.

Police reported that a man was struggling down with assistance from friends. The team searched the area to no avail. A possible hoax, the informant could not be traced.

This man slipped on very wet fellside and broke his ankle. He was stretchered to safely by the team. A rare occasion ensued: The team leader paid for drinks all round, to "celebrate" the 100th rescue.

Lady, slipped, fractured leg, stretchered off!!

The team eventually found this lady in the woods, where she had fallen, breaking her lower leg. An accurate location would have been useful!

A diabetic man collapsed due to a very low blood sugar level. He was given dextrose and carried off the fell.

Whilst descending from call-out 95, the team tripped over a man who had fallen and broken his collar bone. He was treated and stretchered off the hill.

This 66 year old lady was leading a group of Ramblers up a steep and rocky gully, when she slipped 40 feet and injured her back. The team lowered her 50 feet, to a position where she could be airlifted by RAF Boulrner.

A fast party of team members were sent to search the area after a report of flashing lights. Nothing was found. It was a very starry night though. Better to have been in bed really.

A fast party of team members were sent to search the area after a report of flashing lights. Nothing was found. It was a very starry night though. Better to have been in bed really.

This lady sustained a ''rotated" fracture of the lower leg, after slipping on wet grass. Again the team carried her off the fell on the stretcher.

An 18 year old woman slipped on footpath injuring her ankle. The team dealt with her in the usual manner.

This lady fell and suffered head injuries, she then developed dizzy spells. She was airlifted to hospital by those wonderful chaps from RAF Boulmer.

This chap slipped on steep fellside and broke his lower leg. The team conveyed him down using the stretcher.

The lead climber fell onto his second, both fell a further 60 feet when the belay failed. One escaped with minor injuries, the other suffered serious head and back injuries, and was airlifted to Hexham by RAF Boulmer.

This woman fell 20 feet while climbing a waterfall, she sustained head injuries, A helicopter from RAF Boulmer took the young woman to Hexham hospital.

This lady slipped on wet grass and broke her ankle, the team stretchered her off the fell in the normal cool, calm and collected manner.

The team were called to a group of boy scouts as one of them had bruised his knee. The message received was "If they cannot come tonight, can they come in the morning". Two members went to the scene, no help was required, but to top off the situation they asked if we could run them back to Keswick. One had to bite one's lip and check the diary for appointments!!

A 42 year old woman fell on narrow footpath breaking her ankle and tearing knee ligaments. The team carried her down the fell using the trusty stretcher.

This lady tripped on rocks and sustained minor head injuries. The team escorted her from the fell.

A lady reported flashing lights on the Loughrigg ridge, the team searched the area, finding nothing.

This man fell 30 feet onto a ledge 60 feet above the ground. The team climbed up to him and treated his fractured collar bone and arm. He was then air lifted by RAF Boulmer to Barrow hospital.

This lady slipped on wet grass and broke her ankle. You can guess the rest!!!

This couple rang 999 on their mobile phone to say they were lost in the mist. Three team members located them descending the footpath and escorted them from the fells. We now have added toilet paper to the medical kit!!

This man pulled a very large rock on to himself, causing very serious leg injuries. He was stretchered off the fellside. When Mohamed talked about taking the man to the mountain, it's because when you bring the mountain to the man, you've got to watch where you put it!

This 12 year old boy fell backwards down a waterfall, sustaining spinal and pelvic injuries. He was flown to Hexham Spinal Unit by RAF Boulmer.

This man collapsed due to a trapped nerve in his neck, which had caused problems in the past. He was escorted to the County ambulance.

This climber fell 30 feet onto a large ledge, breaking his ankle. The team lowered him off on a stretcher about 50 feet to the base of the crag. He was then dispatched down the fellside with the usual efficiency, helped by RAF Stafford.

This lady collapsed with an unknown condition, possibly heat/sun stroke. A helicopter was on training in the area and assisted in taking her to hospital.

A 75 year old lady slipped in her smooth soled shoes on the rough footpath, fracturing her ankle. The team was helped by RAF Leconfield and the lady was flown to hospital.

A concerned husband, having earlier parted company, reported his wife missing saying "I'm sure something has happened to her". After searching the fells she turned up at a bus shelter in Coniston safe and well. Yet another classic!!

Guests and staff at a local hotel convinced the police that flashing lights on the fellside was someone in trouble. The team eventually found 4 walkers bivvying out, not in any trouble at all. The manager of the hotel (who had gone to bed) was called to keep him informed of events.

This man was climbing in the gill and slipped on wet rocks. RAF Boulmer were on training in the area and offered to help. The man was located and his fractured knee-cap, tibia and fibia were treated by team members. He was winched on board and flown to hospital.

A search was initiated when a man staying in Patterdale reported that two young scouts were in trouble on the high fells with "heat stroke". The team searched a wide area and they were eventually found descending into the Rydal Valley accompanied by two fell walkers who had found them at 2700 feet. The leading adult scouts were not with the group, but we found them as well and took them back to Low Fold for a 'major debrief'!!!

A 13 year old young man, in a school party under adult supervision, was ascending 'Jacks Rake' when he slipped and fell 150 feet onto the rocks below. He sustained multiple injuries including a fractured skull and a pneumo/haemothorax. After being stabilised by the team on the fellside, he was airlifted to Preston hospital by RAF Boulmer,

This man fell 20 feet to be stopped only by the ground, due to his companions lack of belaying technique. The man sustained serious h€&d, spinal, arm and leg injuries. The team conveyed him off the fell using a vacuum mattress.

A 57 year old lady slipped on wet grass, (tennis shoes are no match for this), and broke, well I think you know, her ankle. Brought down the fell in time honoured fashion, by stretcher, to the ambulance

This man fell 20 feet to be stopped only by the ground, due to his companions lack of belaying technique. The man sustained serious h€&d, spinal, arm and leg injuries. The team conveyed him off the fell using a vacuum mattress.

This poorly shod lady slipped on the fellside and broke her ankle. Yes, we stretchered her off!!

A 13 year old girl slipped and rolled 60 feet down steep fell side. She sustained injuries to her leg, shoulder and head. The team stretchered her off.

Three young women decided to walk up Crinkle Gill, when the going became tough they tried to climb out of the steep sided gill becoming crag fast, The team were called to lower them to safety, an RAF helicopter was in the area and came to help. However the women refused to be air lifted and the team patiently continued in the inevitable manner,

This couple were last together above Easedale Tarn, the lady was tired and returned to the car in Grasmere via the valley bottom. The man chose to complete the intended route at ridge level. He was an acute diabetic and his wife became concerned at 8.00 pm when he had not returned. The team found him on Helm Crag tired and in need of assistance. The couple were 'happily' reunited in Grasmere.

The team were asked to attend the scene of a murder, the area was craggy and steep. The teams climbing equipment was used to aid police officers in their search for evidence.

An elderly American man on a walking holiday, slipped on steep fellside and fractured his lower leg. Not much of a walking holiday left after this.

14 teenagers and 4 adult instructors walked up Stock Beck Having completed the activity they jumped in a deep and cold pool. All the students suffered various degrees of exposure, one girl collapsed, The team were called and revived the girl using 'hot air therapy'. She was then taken to the health centre for observation. The instructors were spoken to about the wisdom of jumping into the pool.

Lady reported overdue on walk from Patterdale to Grasmere, where she was due to meet her friend at 5.00 pm. She was found by the team in Tongue Gill, she had apparently fallen asleep', on the fell for five hours. After being treated by the doctor she was released.

This American lady slipped on very steep ground and fractured her ankle. Lucky for her, we've dealt with this injury once or twice before. We conveyed her to the valley bottom in the usual manner.

This lady was carried 4 miles after slipping and breaking her leg. Assistance was given by Kendal MRT. It's supposed to be character building, you know !!

This man collapsed with chest pains and the County ambulance crew asked the team for assistance in evacuating the casualty.

The team was called to locate a woman and two children having become very distressed because of the thunder and lightning. They were escorted safely to a local farm house where they were checked by the team doctor.

Five D of E bronze students from a group of seven needed assistance off the fell by the team. Their downfall was due to very heavy loads, poor navigation and poor weather. Once down and seen by the team doctor, all recovered quickly. The supervisors/teachers of this party had little idea of expedition protocol.

Local police were concerned that this man was in need of urgent attention and that he was found ASAP. He had allegedly taken an overdose and was last seen in the off-licence. He was found near his house by the police and was taken to Kendal Hospital for observation,

Four people left Langdale to walk to Scafell and back; at Esk Hause one lady said she was tired: the other three said they would carry on and return for her later. They did so, however, she could not be found. A helicopter from RAF Boulmer with team members on board located her at Esk Hause at 10.00 pm in the exact spot they left her. This woman should never have been left on her own due to her medical history. The team leader gave the rest of the group a severe talking too. Keswick, Furness and SARDA rescue teams were ail alerted.

This Dutch lady slipped and fractured her ankle; and just to add complications she had high blood pressure, diabetes and shock. Don't you like the simple things in life? She was taken to Keswick Cottage Hospital.

This lady suffered spinal injuries when she slipped on rough footpath. The ambulance crew who were called first required the teams assistance to evacuate her to the county ambulance.

An elderly man had not been seen for 28 hours. His intended route was searched by the team. RAF Boulmer and Patterdale MRT. He was found in Patterdale village where he had stayed in a B&B. However he had telephoned the police the previous night stating his intentions. Seems that communications had a minor hiccup.

A 12 year old local girl sustained an ankle injury. The team located her after a search and then carried her from the fell on a stretcher.

The police received a 999 call to say a man had an ankle injury and was struggling with his wife and child. The information was very vague and no informant could be found. The team searched many possible sites without trace. This call out was a MALICIOUS HOAX!!!

An elderly gentleman slipped and fell on wet fellside breaking his ankle. The team carried him down the fell with help from RAF Leeming MRT.

Man reported missing walking from Keswick YHA to GrasmereYHA. A search was made by the team, SARDA and Keswick MRT. The weather was horrendous and so was the mood of the team members when at 10.00am the next morning, it was discovered that he had stayed at a B&B without informing anyone.

A 64 year old lady, wearing smooth soled shoes, slipped on the wet grass and sustained a broken ankle. The team conveyed her down the fellside to the ambulance.

A man with learning difficulties with a history of 'wandering off, was reported missing and the police asked for our help with SARDA dogs to search woodland and quarries near his home. The search was called off when he was reported to have caught a train,

Five young people were "playing around" on very rough and steep ground, their shouts and cries were heard by several other walkers around Blea Tarn on the other side of the valley. These people raised the alarm as they thought this group were in trouble. The team located the culprits and escorted them back to the car park, having a "quiet word" with them on the way. Enough said.

This 22 year old man fell whilst bouldering, sustaining an open fracture of the lower leg. He was in considerable pain and required lowering down steep ground using ropes and stretcher. Having got him to the roadside, he was taken to Lancaster Hospital by ambulance.

An elderly gentleman collapsed whilst walking with his daughter, when the team arrived the man was already dead. He was taken back to Ambleside and his daughter was driven to Forton to meet relatives.

This lady slipped on icy grass and injured her ankle. RAF Boulmer were in the area and airlifted her back to Ambleside, after the team had located her and treated her injuries.

A 12 year old girl slipped on very steep and wet fellside. She received serious head, arm and shoulder injuries, the team escorted safely off the fell on the stretcher.

A female fell runner was reported missing and overdue in this fell race. Kendal MRT asked for assistance in the search. She was located on the "Knott", but sadly she had died. A very sad and unfortunate incident.

This lady slipped on wet grass (surprised?), and sustained a serious break of lower leg and ankle. She was conveyed off the fell by the trusty team stretcher

A party of 5 men were crossing a snow field when one slipped and fell 70 ft into rocks, sustaining head and back injuries. The team attended the scene and he was airlifted to Furness General Hospital by R.N. Gannett helicopter. None of this group had ice axes or crampons- Be warned! Don't be an April fool.

A young woman slipped on rough track, sustaining an ankle injury. The team reached the site in the landrover (British or is it German technology). She was taken to Ambleside health centre for treatment.

A German lady slipped on wet grass, probably due to inadequate footwear. She broke her ankle and had to be stretchered off the fell by the team.

Three men set off towards Bowfell, in very wintry conditions, hard packed snow and ice underfoot. The group split up and chose different routes to the summit and said they would meet there. One member of the party was later discovered dead some 300 ft below where he was last seen, he had slipped and fallen, probably due to lack of equipment and experience.

A woman reported her husband overdue on a walk from the ODG Hotel to Scafell and back. The team began a search along with Wasdale and Keswick teams. Sadly, the man had sustained fatal injuries on Great End.

Lady slipped on the footpath, and fell breaking her arm. The county ambulance was called, but could not evacuate the casualty. The team administered pain killing drugs and stretchered her off the fell.

A young woman was overdue on a solo 24 hour expedition. The team, in conjunction with Wasdale, Eskdale. Keswick and SARDA teams searched her intended route. She was found unhurt in Eskdale, the team provided transport back to Ambleside.

Two men had begun to walk back from Eskdale to Langdale to collect their cars left the previous evening, leaving 6 friends behind. The police informed us that they had not collected their cars at 1.30 am. A search of the roads located the two men in the morning, having left the comfort of their bed and breakfast. They did not consider telling anybody. However, we told them something.

What a surprise, more snow! Our wonderful Landrovers used twice more.

6 emergencies in 24 hours due to snow and ice on roads.

In a 12 hour period transport was required 4 times.

Teams 4x4 Ambulance was placed at disposal of Cumbria Ambulance Service, due to the heavy snowfall In a 26 hour period the ambulance made 8 emergency journeys to local hospitals.

A light reported flashing on the rock face, turned out to be an intruder alarm indicator. A false alarm with good intent.

A 37 year old man, with a history of epilepsy, was unconscious for two and a half hours having multiple fits. The team stabilised his condition with appropriate drugs and RAF Leconfield flew him to Furness General Hospital.

These three people were totally lost and out of their depth in these winter conditions. Brought to safety in the security of a large group, with the people from rescues 18 and 16.

Another mobile phone call from a couple saying they were lost. The team detached themselves from call-out 16 and went in search of these two. Whilst searching they came across, by pure chance one adult and two children (rescue number 19). All five were brought to safety unhurt. Hurray for modern communications, and it does beg the question, why did people ever learn to use a map and compass?

Lady slipped on icy footpath and fractured her ankle. Good job, we were getting a bit rusty on lower legs.

Two young ladies raised alarm on mobile phone, informing the team that they were lost on the high fells. Shrewd detective work ensued, both girls very ill equipped were located at Stickle Tarn and escorted off the fell. The run out probably did us good!

A 57 year old man collapsed whilst walking with his wife. Despite the teams efforts to resuscitate him. he died (heart attack).

CallEd out to reported flashing lights on Raven Crag. The team contacted 2 people who did not require assistance. They were simply making their way back to their car using torches.

A man with inadequate equipment tried to climb Gt. Gully. Becoming cragfast 50ft. up the route, he shouted for help. After 4 hours, passers-by raised the alarm. Team members climbed to the man. just in time to see RAF Boulmer winch him into the helicopter. He was flown to Arnbleside to be treated for severe exposure.

A 60 year old lady, part of a large rambling club, slipped on a footpath and broke her ankle. The team with assistance from RAF Leeming stretchered her to the team ambulance.

Three fell walkers reported missing/overdue . Their vehicles were at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. All three were found unhurt at 11.15 pm in Brotherilkeld, Eskdale and were taken back to their cars by LAMRT.

Lady slipped on wet grass and fractured her lower leg. The ambulance crew could not evacuate her from the fell, the team conveyed her to the ambulance on their stretcher.

Assistance was given to SARDA, Keswick, Cockermouth. RAF Leeming and RAF Boulmerto search Wythburn and Harrop Tarn area of Thirlmere. After six and a half hours the wreckage was found at High Seat by RAF Leeming. The pilot died in the crash.

Lady fell 500ft past two LAMRT team members climbing below. LAMRT members radioed for assistance then lowered the casualty another 500ft to safer ground and awaited Penrith and Patterdale team, who evacuated the casualty. She sustained multiple injuries.

51 year old man slipped on frozen grass, sustaining lower leg injury. They were trying to evacuate the casualty themselves but this was taking too long. LAMRT stretchered the casualty off the fell and he was taken off to hospital.

Lady reported to be in some difficulty, RAF and LAMRT searched the area finding nothing. It was later reported she was assisted off the fell by friends and taken to hospital in their own transport.

Whilst ascending the gully they belayed around an unstable boulder, which fell and hit the couple. The man sustained a fractured lower leg and ankle, the woman received leg injuries. Both were taken to hospital for treatment.

While attending call out number 3. RAF Leeming heard shouts for help, they located one man and his dog, ill at ease with his environment. Escorted down by RAF Leeming to be met by LAMRT with extra lights. He recovered after food and drink at Lowfold Base.

25 year old man reported missing by his friend. Found safe and in good spirit by LAMRT. The informant was assisted off the fell by RAF Leeming.

Concerned father raised alarm after becoming separated from his family in mist. All were found safe and well, but cold at White Moss Common.

37 year old man slipped on snow and ice fracturing his ankle. Stretchered down by team.