Winter climbing

Incident Report #19 2013

A group of three were climbing on a frozen crag high above Kirkstone Pass when one of them fell and sustained a suspected lower back injury. He was treated by team members, immobilised for his potential injuries, given pain relief, moved to a point from where a helicopter from RAF Boulmer was able winch him on board, and then flown RVI, Newcastle. A team member accompanied him to assist the winchman with further treatment.
Man Hours
14 team members for 5 hours, plus a journey to Newcastle for 3!
Incident Type
OS Grid Reference
NY395085

Incident Report #1 1993

A young man, climbing a steep rock pitch n the ghyll, fell some 50ft as he tried to place a runner. His friend and belayer very kindly broke his fall. Both sustained nasty head, back and leg injuries and multiple cuts. Both were wearing helmets, one of which was badly damaged. They were stretchered out of the ghyll and then were flown to hospital by RAF Bolumer. Their lives were probably saved by their helmets.
Incident Type

Incident Report #154 2010

A light was reported high on the hillside above Kirkstone Pass. A team member went to check, and after seeing that it was making progress downhill and subsequently making voice contact, was able to establish that the person was not in need of help. It was very cold!

Man Hours
3 team members for 1 hour
Incident Type
OS Grid Reference
NY398085

Incident Report #4 1984

The Patterdale Team requested a medical unit, with the rest of the team on "stand by" at Ambleside base, when 6 males from Cleveland fell a considerable distance whilst attempting a route in very poor snow conditions. Teams from Kendal, Penrith, Kirkby Stephen and R.A.F. Linton M.R.T. struggled in blizzards, deep snow and gale force winds to carry the 3 dead, and 3 with multiple injuries. An R.A.F. helicopter was forced back due to the appalling weather.

Incident Type

Incident Report #6 1979

A 31 year old man from Westcliffe-on-Sea had fallen about 300ft. from a main gulley onto snow sustaining head injuries and a possible fractured cheekbone. The Team escorted him down.
Footnote: His injuries may have been caused by his Ice Axe. Another climber stopped him falling any further — very well equipped.
Weather Conditions: Cold, Deep Snow, Ice, Clear.

Incident Type
Location

Incident Report #2 1979

A report was received of 3 men caught in an Avalanche. Search by Keswick Team all. night. They were found the next afternoon at Eskdale.
Footnote: Team was taken by Helicopter (R.A.F. Boulmer) to the Central Gulley area (with Avalanche Probes) to assist Keswick, Wasdale and S.A.R.D.A. This was the first time we used the new "Sea King" Helicopter.
Weather Conditions: Cold, Waist Deep Snow, Low Cloud.

Incident Type

Incident Report #16 2009

A male climber sustained a suspected lower leg fracture. In a determined attempt to get down, his climbing partner assisted him a significant distance, before the pain became too much. The team found him at the base of Rossett Ghyll and stretchered him from there. His perseverance is to be applauded. They were experienced and well equipped.

Man Hours
15
Incident Type
Location