Callout 2026_016 · 21 February 2026

Knee injury on Gowbarrow Fell

On Saturday, 21st February, the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) was alerted by Cumbria Police to an incident on the Gowbarrow traverse involving a male walker who had sustained a debilitating knee injury. The team was deployed immediately, with 12 volunteer members responding to the call. Upon reaching the scene, a Team Remote Rescue Medical Technician (RRMT) conducted an assessment of the casualty. To stabilize the injury and manage the patient’s pain, medical relief was administered and the leg was professionally splinted on the hillside. Due to the nature of the terrain and the injury, the casualty was placed into a mountain rescue stretcher. Team members then conducted a manual carry-down of the hillside, navigating the technical sections of the traverse to reach a waiting team 4×4 vehicle. Patterdale MRT would like to extend a particular note of thanks to the fell runners who stopped their own exercise to stay with the casualty and his wife until the rescue team arrived. This act of kindness and support provided vital reassurance during the initial stages of the incident. The Team wishes the casualty a swift and full recovery.