Two men on a sponsored walk were reported overdue. They were amongst 20 or so unaccounted for, but for some reason were causing the organisers concern, when the others weren't. We found them after a brief search. We went home quickly before the status of any of the others changed. The organisers had a great plan in place with respect to emergencies, but like all plans they work really well until you introduce people into them! Mountain Rescue Teams in the Lake District share a common dislike for sponsored events on the hills.
This 24-year-old man slipped and sustained an ankle injury. We were assisted in his evacuation by helicopters from RAF Valley and Boulmer. Investigation revealed that he was not as badly injured as we had been led to believe.
If ever we wanted to get revenge for the wild goose chase we had been sent on by Kendal MRT on the previous incident, then tonight was sweet. (We didn't really want revenge; it wasn't their fault). In the blue corner was an 18 stone, 6'8" man with a suspected fractured ankle, teamed up with icy conditions and darkness, and a long way from civilisation. In the red corner were LAMRT and Kendal MRT trying to rescue him. We did it, but it was a close fought battle and nearly a draw. Those involved took three or four days to recover and walk normally again.
A 32-year-old local woman slipped and suffered a dislocated right knee. It's a long way to the back of Bowfell. We were assisted by some members of Cockermouth MRT who were training in the area, and a helicopter from RAF Boulmer.
A group of two adults and two children phoned the police saying they were lost in the region of Ore Gap, but had no map, so weren't certain. They were located at the top of Rossett Ghyll and escorted to safety. They were suffering from cold. A map would have eased their difficulties. We were assisted by Keswick MRT, because it was possible that they had gone down towards Borrowdale.
A search was mounted when a 64 year old man from Kendal was reported missing by his wife. Search dogs checked the usual paths and tracks. Eventually found at Brotherilkeld, Eskdale safe and well. 2 other 'lost' walkers also found at same location.
A 21 year old man from Crosby fell 500' from rocks near top of snow/ice climb. He sustained back, leg and very serious head in|uries. A helicopter from RAF Boulmer flew team doctor and unconscious casualty to Lancaster Hospital. Later transferred to Preston Royal Hospital. His condition was critical for some time.
Very greasy rocks may have caused a 16 year old female from Surrey to fall 100ft onto screes and sustain a fractured skull and other serious injuries. A helicopter from R. A. F. Boulmer airlifted Team Doctor to the scene and assisted with the evacuation. Kendal M.R.T also in attendance. Weather conditions: Low cloud, raining at times.
A search was mounted for 2, 20 year old females from Liverpool University rambling group reported missing. Assisted by R.A.F. Leeming M.R.T. and search dogs from Langdale,
Keswick, North Yorks and Lancashire. Found O D.G. campsite, Group Leader had overlooked note left in tent.
A man aged 74 from Edinburgh fell at the Bad Step and sustained fatal injuries. The team and R.A.F. Linton M.R.T. was alerted. A helicopter from R.A.F. Boulmer, on exercise in the area, diverted to assist and flew the body down to Ambleside.
While we were en route to the previous incident, we had to split resources to deal with this second incident. A man slipped and sustained a lower leg injury on the summit ridge. He was treated by team members and evacuated in the same helicopter as the previous casualty.
A man slipped and fell around 30 metres, sustaining rib, arm and shoulder injuries. He was treated by team members and evacuated by helicopter from RAF Boulmer to Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle.
A woman was found on the summit of Bowfell, collapsed and unconscious. With her was found a significant number of opiate based painkillers and part consumed bottle of alcohol.
Two people lost the path on the descent from Bowfell and were unable to relocate it.
The Team assisted by Lakeside Centre Staff went to the aid of a 15 year old youth from Sussex who slipped on rocks and fractured his ankle. Stretchered to Stool End Farm.
