A mountain rescue team was called out to 12 incidents in nine days – and five within four hours of each other.
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out to two traumas, one medical emergency and nine searches for lost and missing walkers. All of the rescues were on Scafell and Scafell Pike, two of the highest mountains in England.
Two of these rescues were fatalities and the team’s hearts go out to the families and friends of the two walkers involved.
Wasdale thanked Duddon and Furness MRT and Keswick MRT who responded throughout this period with additional team members and to the Cockermouth MRT who also offered their support.
The Great North Air Ambulance crew, the North West Ambulance Service and the two Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopters from Caernarfon and Prestwick were also thanked for their efforts.
A statement from Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team said: “It is also a timely reminder that we are now approaching winter when the weather conditions change dramatically and those wishing to venture on the fells need to be well prepared, especially as the hours of daylight are reducing and temperatures falling.
“The weather during the nine-hour rescue on October 6 changed dramatically as evening approached. It was appalling weather preventing flying and causing massive disruption to evacuation and communications. It is also worth noting that the rescues involving the nine searches were all truly avoidable if properly planned.”
Ask yourself three questions before venturing out:
- Do I have the right gear?
- Do I know what the weather will be like?
- Am I confident that I have the knowledge and skills for the day?
The key to safety is a map and compass, a torch and the ability to navigate. Reliance on smart technology can and will let you down. Take a power bank to ensure mobile phones are kept fully charged. Stay together as a group and walk at the pace of your slowest member. All the advice and guidance you need to keep yourself and your group safe can be found here.
