Three climbers were benighted part way up Middlefell Buttress when they set off to late to complete their climb in daylight. They could not find a way off the crag. They flashed their only light to attract attention and phoned for help on a mobile phone. We went up the descent gulley, and brought them back down the same way.
We were alerted by a mobile phone call from a 15-year-old boy, that he had become separated from his 72-year-old Grandfather when he had been allowed to carry on to Scafell summit, while his grandfather waited for him in the Great End area. After having spoken to the boy, they were reunited and we were assured that they were making their way back to Langdale. A further phone call at around 11.30pm informed us that they had not made such good progress and were having to stop on what they assured us was The Band.
A 13-year-old boy slipped and suffered a suspected sprained ankle. He was treated at the scene and evacuated to the valley on a stretcher. We were assisted by 8 members of Kendal MRT.
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 47-year-old man was descending from a climb when he was hit by a very large boulder falling down the gulley. He sustained a very serious fracture to his lower leg. He was treated at the scene and airlifted to Carlisle Hospital by RAF Boulmer. Considering the number of people enjoying the fine weather in the area, we were lucky to not have to deal with other injured people. Sadly, we later learned that due to the severity of his injuries, his foot had to be amputated.
A 25-year-old man slipped whilst out late. He sustained an ankle injury and was unable to walk. It's just possible alcohol was involved
This couple in their 70's got a little out of their depth when they went for a wander from their hotel. They became 'cragfast' on a steep path and had to been assisted to more reasonable ground by team members.
A couple from the Essex area were reported long over due. They turned up unhurt while we were making a preliminary search. It's unusual for people to get lost this close to the longest day.
After a night on the fells this woman could not continue her walk any more because of ligament trouble in her knee. The usual stuff followed and a quick rescue was had by all.
We were alerted to a suspected heart attack in Rossett Ghyll. It turned out to be a suspected epileptic fit in Stake Ghyll. We were able to work out the difference and sort the problem. We were assisted by a helicopter from RAF Boulmer.
A 33-year-old woman slipped and sustained a suspected ankle fracture. She was conveyed down the hill on our stretcher and taken to hospital in Kendal. What a fine day for a walk! Summer has arrived!
A 27-year-old male from the Bristol area slipped whilst descending the ghyll path and aggravated a previous knee injury. He was unable to continue. We stretchered him down and he was taken to hospital in his own car.
A 19 year-old-woman slipped and pitched forward sustaining head and neck injuries. Because of the potential seriousness of her injuries, she was airlifted to West Cumberland hospital. X-rays later showed only bruising. Some of our casualties are trussed like oven-ready-chickens, and end up having little wrong with them. This may seem like overkill, but is much safer than if we leave a serious injury unsupported. Spinal and neck injuries are often difficult to diagnose on the hill, but if not treated carefully, could lead to paralysis or even death.
A 38-year-old lady slipped whilst descending the path and sustained a suspected fractured ankle. She was stretchered off and her family where escorted to the valley.
A 57-year-old man became frozen by cramp in his thighs at the exit from Jacks Rake. His friends tried to help him, but to no avail. We arrived, pulled a few rabbits out of hats and walked him down. There's no point in using our stretcher if it can be avoided. Beers were supplied all round by the victim and his friends in the spirit of mountain rescue that we are keen to foster. (No pun intended, Scottish and Newcastle), cheques payable to LAMRT please).
We were just sorting gear from the previous rescue when we received a call saying that two men were cragfast on Pavey Ark. We set off to sort them out and the helicopter offered to return to assist. Before we knew it, they had sorted themselves out and disappeared. We never saw them again!
A 16-year-old boy on a training expedition collapsed with abdominal pains. He was unable to move. He was airlifted to hospital. It wasn't appendicitis and he was discharged next day.
A 21-year-old local student took a tumble while descending from a rock climb. He was reported as having fallen 100 metres. He had been unconscious, but his friend was helping him down. We treated his very obvious head injuries and shipped him off to hospital at Lancaster. He was later transferred to Preston for surgery on his depressed fractured skull.
A 43-year-old man suffered an epileptic fit. When we arrived he had recovered. He was taken to Ambleside Health Centre and seen by a Doctor, then went on his way.
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 10-year-old local boy saw someone waving their arms and shouting on the fell. We investigated and found nothing. Quad bike tracks and a complete lack of sheep suggested it was a farmer rounding up sheep.
We were asked to assist the Ambulance service to evacuate a man who had suffered a suspected heart attack.
Same scenario, but three people, a different place. Same outcome.
Two people were reported overdue from their walk. A search was organised and they were located by team search dogs Anna and Yana, at 3am taking shelter in the tents of campers near Three Tarns. They were escorted to safety.
Girl (15), from Reading, suffered a severe asthma attack in Upper Dungeon Ghyll, Langdale. She was treated at the scene by the team doctor and then carried toy the team down the fell, where she was allowed to go back to Y.M.C.A. Lakeside.
Footnote: This school party seemed to be well organised, and it was just unfortunate that this girl had an attack of asthma on the fell. Weather conditions: Intermittent rain, low mist and darkness.
Male (25), of Ashington, fell twenty feet while leading a rock climb on Upper Scout Crag, Langdale. He received a broken ankle, bruises and shock. The team carried him down the fell on a stretcher and he was taken to the County Hospital, Kendal.
Footnote: The cause of this accident is unknown and there is nothing to report.
Weather conditions: Dull with drizzle, with wet rocks.
Male (25), of Middlesex, fell twenty feet while leading last pitch on Middle Fell Buttress, Langdale. He received a broken ankle, shock and slight exposure. The team lowered him on a stretcher 120 feet and then a further 200 feet down a steep gulley and then he was taken to the County Hospital, Kendal.
Footnote: Footwear and clothing were only fair. This rescue was carried out in the dark.
Weather conditions: Raining, with low mist.
Male (58), of Blackpool, collapsed at Stickle Tarn, Langdale while walking with friends. The team carried him down the fell on a stretcher and he was taken to the County Hospital, Kendal.
Footnote: This man was very well equipped and experienced.
Weather conditions: Dry and very warm.
Male (21), of Langdale, sustained exposure and shock while "air bed racing" on the flooded Langdale Beck at Chapel Stile. He clung to a rock island in the middle of the beck after being swept over a raging weir. The team rescued him from the river and he was treated by the team doctor for exposure.
Female (41), of Chadwell Heath sustained head and neck injuries whilst walking at the foot of Raven Crag, Langdale, She was struck on the head by a rock dislodged by her son. The team carried her down the fell on a stretcher and she was taken to the County Hospital. Kendal. Footnote: This woman had proper equipment and footwear, but failed to realise that you cannot be too careful when people are walking above you. Weather conditions: Dull, intermittent rain, the rocks and ground were very wet.
