Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike – Sat 15th Oct 2022

The team were called last Saturday about a male walker who was suffering from a sudden onset of chest pain. He was unable to continue due to the severity of the pain. A passing retired doctor was able to provide initial support and reassurance to the walker and his family. Due to the urgency, a team member who lives in the valley was dispatched direct, and a full team callout made. Helicopter support was requested by the Team Leader with Helimed 58 able to respond but Coastguard R199 delayed due to another tasking.

On arrival, the advance team member was able to make a medical assessment, give some initial treatment and provide warmth with a team shelter. As the rest of the team arrived, additional medication and strong pain relief interventions were swiftly provided to make the casualty more comfortable. This enabled him to be moved into a casualty bag and onto the team stretcher for transfer off the hill. Helimed 58 support had arrived in the valley, but were unable to get close to the scene due to the location and the difficult weather conditions. They landed in the valley bottom and provided medical advice via radio as they walked up the hill to meet the descending stretcher party. After the stretcher carry the walker was transferred into the helicopter for the onward journey to hospital. The team then de-briefed and stood down. Coastguard helicopter R199 was also stood down en-route 5 minutes from the scene.

Many thanks to both helicopter crews, and especially to the retired doctor who provided support to the walker and ourselves on this callout.

We wish the walker all the best and hope he makes a speedy recovery.