Broad Crag Col, Scafell Pike – Tue 18th Apr 2023

The team was called by Cumbria Police about a walker who had fallen, hit their head and were now unable to walk any further. The location was established via Phonefind to be close to Broad Crag Col. Helimed 58 responded quickly due to the nature of the injuries reported, and landed close to the Scafell Pike summit, leaving a walk down to the casualty for the helicopter medical crew. The Wasdale team also mobilised with all three team vehicles to support a long carry off should that have been required. Once on scene the Helimed 58 crew assessed and treated the casualty, but then requested a Coastguard helicopter with winching capability as the safest and quickest evacuation for the casualty. Rescue 936 from Caernarfon was duly dispatched and, once on scene, winched the casualty for onward transfer to hospital. This allowed the Wasdale team to stand-down having mainly observed the skilful flying on the way up, but also helped with stabilising the winch. It’s important for us all to keep going in these circumstances just in case the aircraft are diverted for technical or prioritisation reasons.

Our thanks once again to the crews of both aircraft, some excellent multi-agency teamwork to get the best outcome for the walker. We hope she has a swift recovery from her injuries and is back on the fells soon.