Multi-agency rescue on Gowbarrow Fell

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team
Date: Thursday 16th October 2025

At approximately 1:45 PM on Thursday 16th October, Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out by North West Ambulance Service to assist a 79-year-old walker who had sustained a serious lower leg injury near the summit of Gowbarrow Fell .
A member of the public was already on scene providing support. Following a brief assessment over the phone, it was clear the injury posed a potential significant risk to the limb . The Great North Air Ambulance Service was initially dispatched but had to return to base due to low fuel and unsuitable landing conditions .
A Coastguard helicopter from HM Coastguard Prestwick was then requested and successfully landed close to the scene. Once on site, two Remote Rescue Medical Technicians from Patterdale MRT and the Coastguard Paramedic worked together to:

Administer pain relief
Splint the injured limb
Secure the casualty in a stretcher

The casualty was then airlifted to King George V playing field, Patterdale , where they were transferred into a Patterdale MRT Land Rover and taken to the rescue base to meet a waiting ambulance for onward hospital care.
This complex rescue involved 10 volunteer team members and took approximately 3 hours to complete.
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all those involved in the successful rescue:

Great North Air Ambulance Service
HM Coastguard team from Prestwick
North West Ambulance Service
And the kind members of the public who stayed with the casualty until our arrival

Your support and collaboration were invaluable.