Incident Reports 2000

The team was requested to provide transport for local Paramedics, as once again roads became impassable due to snow. 

While we were clearing up the last job, we were made aware of the possibility of a group of eight in difficulty descending from the Tarn. We went up to the dam, via several possible routes and encountered only two descending climbers, who were in no difficulty.

A man descended to Langstrath and reported his three friends as stranded on the summit of Harrison Stickle. We sent a party through appalling road conditions to look for them, and found them in the Stickle Barn pub, wondering where their friend was. It would seem that he became separated from the others and went the wrong way!

Two people became lost in blizzard conditions. They phoned for help. They were eventually located at around 7.15pm, and escorted to the valley, cold but unhurt. The conditions they encountered were just as forecast, so should not have been a surprise to anyone.<td>

We were requested to go to Walney Island, Barrow, with our specialist ice rescue equipment, when a young boy failed to return from walking his dog at a reservoir. The dog came back without him and all his parents could find was a hole in the ice. They feared the worse and called the Police. We were en route when he was located safe and well, so returned to Ambleside.

We were requested to provided a vehicle for the local Ambulance service, as snow was making getting around difficult. In the 24hour period a number of minor incidents were dealt with. Another vehicle was also used to deliver 'Meals on Wheels' to local residents.

A woman in her 40's fell from her mountain bike and suffered facial injuries. She was attended by the local ambulance service, but needed our help to evacuate her from an inaccessible spot.

A family of three with 7-year-old boy phoned for help after the boy refused to descend Bright Beck. Since this was the quickest way down, and darkness was encroaching, this presented them with a problem. They weren't confident with navigating the various options we suggested to them, so three team members went up to meet them and led them down!

Two men were reported overdue, after separating from their friends at the bottom of Jack's Rake. They failed to make their agreed rendezvous in the Stickle Barn pub. A large scale search was organised, involving ourselves, Keswick MRT, SARDA dogs, and Kendal MRT. The two were located around 11.30pm, cold , wet, but well, in Langstrath. They were escorted down to Borrowdale, and then returned to their overnight accommodation, via Ambleside.

While dealing with the earlier incident, we were made aware of a group of people who had used a mobile phone to report themselves lost on Crinkle Crags. They were eventually located around 9pm near Three Tarns, and escorted to the valley.

Cries for help were heard in the area. We investigated and found a local farmer bringing in his sheep. Our assistance was not required!

A 40-year-old mountain biker fell from his mountain bike and sustained arm, shoulder and chest injuries and a suspected fractured skull. He had been knocked unconscious. He was attended by team members and a team doctor, and then transported to hospital.

 A couple in their 40's were reported overdue at their holiday accommodation in Ambleside. They had set off from Langdale to go to Scafell at around 9.30am and not returned. A search was being organised when they turned up. They had gone off Scafell on the Wasdale side in error, and had to take a taxi back to Ambleside.

A 61 year old woman was unable to descend from the top and needed some help because of arthritis and a previous spinal injury. She was carried to the roadside by stretcher and referred to a Doctor for a once over.

A man slipped and sustained an ankle injury in wet conditions. We treated him in our usual way, and took him to hospital. One or two of us were still a little weary from the night before !

Two male mountain bikers, one aged 44, one aged 50, were reported overdue from a ride. One was reported to suffer from a medical condition. Clues in their car suggested they had either gone over into Langdale, Tilberthwaite and Claife Heights, or onto the Helvellyn range. With the aid of Keswick and Patterdale MRTs, we searched a large area for them. They were located at 9.30am, next morning, having spent the night in the Armboth Fell area.

A concerned citizen called in to Grasmere Information Centre and reported seeing a group of six, in difficulty, descending Cockley Crag. Before we were able to speak to this informant, they disappeared. We investigated, located a group who had been experiencing difficulty in a different area, and went home. Let's be honest! Reporting half the story is neither use, nor ornament. If somebody is going to report an incident, they've got to stick around so we can talk to them!

A 68-year-old woman slipped and banged her head. She then fell 20 feet. She was treated at the scene and evacuated by helicopter to Furness General Hospital.

A 48-year-old woman sustained an ankle fracture when she slipped on the fellside. She was treated at the scene and evacuated to the roadside.

A 71-year-old Swiss woman slipped while descending and sustained a suspected ankle fracture. We administered the usual TLC and carried her down with assistance from Kendal MRT

Two women in their 60's were hit by a large branch when it fell from a tree. One received head injuries and the second an ankle injury. An ambulance attended and we helped to evacuate them both. They seemed to think they were lucky not to be more seriously injured. Another way of looking at it is that they were unlucky to be under one of the few trees around when it self destructed!

Shouts for help were heard in the area. This was reported to us and we went to investigate. Several people were spoken to and nobody appeared to be in difficulty. It's just possible that someone was having a 'laugh' and it went to far!

A man in his 50's was reported overdue at his accommodation in Wasdale. He was due to walk over from Langdale but never arrived. We were asked to assist Wasdale MRT by searching escape routes back to Langdale. He was located making his way off the hill, having endured a very wet and uncomfortable night.

A party of walkers were reported overdue. They had set of on a 30 mile route and not returned. They had left no route, but cunning detective work on our part allowed us to work it out. They had been last sighted at Nan Bield Pass at 12.30, lunchtime when one of their number abandoned and returned home. A large scale search using 4 search dogs, and Patterdale, Kendal and Penrith Mountain Rescue Teams was organised. They turned up back in Ambleside at 4.15a.m. having got lost and come back the long way round. They seemed a little surprised that anyone was concerned about them.

A 50-year-old woman slipped and damaged her lower leg. She continued to walk, but we were called to assist. We did.

A 40-year-old woman slipped and sustained a suspected fracture to her elbow.

A man in his 50's suffered a twisted knee. He was evacuated to the valley with the help of members of Patterdale MRT

A 56-year-old man fell while walking on Loughrigg and suffered a suspected fracture to his leg. He was given first aid and evacuated to hospital.

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 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

 A 65-year-old man was reported missing by his wife. She was waiting for him at Grasmere after the split on their walk. He was located at their home having made his own arrangements

We were asked by Keswick MRT to assist in a search for a missing man. He turned up before we'd gone to far!

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.

This 57-year-old man slipped and sustained a suspected ankle fracture. He was taking photographs of low flying planes when the accident occurred. We don't have a category of accident called 'photography' and it's unlikely we'll start one either!

A woman slipped and suffered an ankle injury. She was attended by the Ambulance service and we carried her down the hillside.

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.

This 69-year-old lady collapsed near to the cave. She was able to walk to our vehicles and was taken to the Health Centre where one of the GP's looked at her.

An Australian woman, who was taking a short walk away from her tour party, slipped and fractured her ankle. The team were called and did the usual stuff. Once again the international nature of our care showed through 

A local fell runner slipped and sustained a suspected fracture of the ankle. He was stretchered off the fell with the help of RAF Leeming, who were in the area.

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.

The previous incident had only just got going when we had to reorganise our resources and attend this 32-year-old man. He had crashed his paraglider and suffered spinal injuries and an open fracture to his left leg. Again we were assisted by RAF Boulmer who took him, along with the first casualty, to hospital.

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 62-year-old local woman slipped while descending and suffered a suspected ankle fracture. There's a cracking view from up there!

We were called by the Ambulance service to assist with the rescue of a Swiss Paraglider who had crashed on a crag on Wrynose Pass. Sadly, as we arrived on scene, we were notified by the Paramedics attending that he had died as a result of his injuries. We recovered his body and equipment to the road side and then back to Ambleside.

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!

This middle-aged male from Poulton-le-Fylde could not continue his walk after complaining of pains in his knee. An old injury had flared up. This incident was reported as Nab Scar, but he was eventually found on Heron Pike and stretchered off. He was taken to Westmorland General Hospital via county ambulance.

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.

This 50-year-old male from the Birmingham area slipped and sustained a nasty dislocation of the left shoulder. This was a busy day for us and the local Ambulance service.

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.

We were requested to search this area by Keswick MRT. A man had phoned to say that he had become separated from his companions while crossing Greenup Edge, and despite trying, couldn't find his way down. He was able to tell us he was sitting in snow on a North West facing slope. He was eventually located descending with another party. Oddly, his friends(!) had got into a taxi in Grasmere and continued to Patterdale without him. At what time they would have reported him missing is anybodies guess!

A 10-year-old boy became separated from his father in the Jenkins Crag area. He made his way to the Low Wood Hotel, where his father found him.

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 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 65-year-old man collapsed with chest pains. He was treated for his symptoms and taken to Furness Hospital by helicopter.

A 63-year-old woman slipped and sustained a suspected ankle fracture. She was stretchered off the fell and taken to hospital.

This man tripped and fell, sustaining head, arm and leg injuries. We were assisted by a helicopter from RN Prestwick, which conveyed him to hospital, after initial treatment.

A 42-year-old woman slipped into a snow filled gully and had to be assisted out by the team. She was than escorted off the fell, unhurt.

A man from a family party slipped and sustained an ankle fracture on a steep path. The incident was reported in a different location, but we sussed it out and sorted it!

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 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 30-year-old man slipped and sustained a possible ankle fracture. We treated him and he was taken to hospital.

A man slipped and sustained a suspected lower leg fracture. We splinted his leg and carried him off the fellside.

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.

This couple phoned their father to say they were lost. He phoned the Police. They phoned us. We found them. (Search dog Yana, again) We took them to their hotel. We went home.

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.