Incidents
Male fallen into Gorge
Incident Type: Rescue
24/09/2022
Aira Force
Grid reference: NY 39900 20600
On Saturday 24th September around 15.00hrs whilst the team were already on a rescue near Red Tarn they were alerted to another request for assistance from North West Ambulance to a male who had fallen around 20 metres into the gorge and water at Aira Force sustaining injuries. Part of the team left the first incident and travelled to Aira Force where they found the male being assisted by members of the public who had managed to climb down to him. Also on scene were Cumbria Fire and rescue, North West Ambulance and the Air ambulance. The teams health care professionals were lowered into the Gorge and proceeded to assess the casualty providing immediate care and pain relief as he had sustained injuries to his Head, shoulder and back. Due to the nature of the incident and the precarious location members of the fire service who were already kitted out in Swift Water Rescue suits and buoyancy aids also went down to provide safety cover. A technical rope system was then set up to haul the casualty up out of the Gorge once he had been given treatment, stabilised and placed on the stretcher. The casualty was then carried out of the falls and handed over to the Ambulance to be taken to hospital for further treatment. The team wish the male a speedy recovery from his injuries and ordeal. We would also like to thank the other services for their assistance in this difficult and time consuming rescue, The incident took just under 3 hours involving 24 team members.
Aira Force is a popular place for members of the public and we have been to numerous incidents there this year we would like to remind everyone to take care when near the edges of the waterfalls as they can be slippy.



