Serious incident for Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team

In the early hours of Saturday 6th February, Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out to assist an individual with chest pains, who was camping on Red Screes above Kirkstone Pass. Whilst the Team were making their way to the casualty, an experienced team member fell roughly 150m down steep ground, sustaining significant injuries.

The team member was airlifted to hospital by the HM Coastguard Helicopter, and remains in a serious condition. Penrith and Langdale Ambleside Teams were called in to support and the original patient was stretchered from the hill by the teams involved and taken to hospital by the North West Ambulance Service. Thanks go to the support provided by the HM Coastguard.

No one sets out on the fells with the intention of having an accident, and our thoughts are also with the original caller who became ill whilst camping on the fells. However, the simple truth is that the more people who are out walking in the Lakeland fells, the higher the chances that our mountain rescue teams will be called out.

Rescues are much more challenging during the coronavirus pandemic; our team members need to operate in PPE, and many of our volunteers also have full time jobs as key workers in the NHS and other essential services. We are very grateful to the very many people who have chosen to stay local for exercise during this time, and would encourage everyone to follow the government guidance currently in place.” This is clearly a very difficult time for the family of the injured team member, and for members of Patterdale Mountain Rescue team, and we are asking that their privacy is respected.

Mike Blakey, operational lead for the twelve rescue teams of the Lake District and a Patterdale Team member said: ‘I cannot stress enough the message to stay at home during lockdown. This rescue, and the subsequent life changing injuries incurred by our team member, were avoidable. Rescue team members are volunteers who train extensively to rescue others in the most atrocious weathers and in inhospitable places.

However, the risks are always there and the impact of an incident like this is far reaching across the rescue and emergency services family. ‘On behalf of the casualty’s family I would like to formally thank everyone involved in the rescue of our team member, including the medics and helicopter crew, and the amazing support he has received so far since being admitted to hospital.

Of course our priority is now to support him and his family.’