Mickledore, Scafell Pike – Sat 10th Feb 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police yesterday morning. A walker had slipped and taken a significant tumble fall in Foxes Tarn gully on the descent from Scafell. He had sustained a head injury which was bleeding heavily, and felt like he could lose consciousness.

A full callout was made quickly. Helimed 58 also lifted but was unable to land due to the weather conditions with cloud unhelpfully hanging over the Scafell summits. Coastguard helicopter support was requested and Rescue 199 responded from Prestwick. Again weather thwarted attempts to directly access the casualty, and so an offer to move team members up the hill as far as possible was gratefully received.

Two passing walkers, including a former team member, had also stopped to help the walker, providing food, drink and extra clothing.

Once on scene, a full medical assessment was made, before packaging the walker in a full body splint, casualty bag, heat blanket and stretcher. Rope systems were set up to manage the stretcher safely down the snow-filled Mickeldore gully towards the agreed location for the helicopter transfer. Rescue 199 then returned to the scene, landed on and then flew the walker to hospital for further medical assessment and treatment.

Thanks to both helicopter crews for their help once again, and to the walkers who stopped for a long time to help. We wish the experienced and very well-equipped walker a swift recovery from his injuries and hope to see him back on the fells soon.