A man who developed chest pains while climbing Scafell Pike was rescued by helicopter and rescue teams – and supported by a retired doctor.
The Wasdale Mountain Rescue team was called at around 2.11pm to Brown Tongue on October 15 to help the walker who was with family.
The man suffered from sudden onset chest pain and was unable to continue walking due to the severity of the pain. But a passing retired doctor was able to provide initial support and reassurance to the walker and his family.
Due to the urgency of the situation, a Wasdale team member who lives in the valley was called out direct and a full team callout was then made. Helicopter support was requested by the team leader and a Great North Air Ambulance helicopter was able to respond.
On arrival, the first team member to respond was able to make a medical assessment, give some initial treatment and provide warmth with a team shelter and strong medication for pain relief was given to make the walker comfortable.
The pain relief allowed the rescue team to move the walker into a casualty bag and onto a stretcher to carry him down the hill.
The helicopter arrived in the valley bottom to provide medical advice via radio, as they were unable to get close to the scene due to the location and difficult weather conditions.
The Great North Air Ambulance team them walked up the hill to meet the descending stretcher party where the walker was then taken to hospital by the helicopter.
A spokesman said: “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.”
The incident lasted three hours and 41 minutes in cool weather with heavy rain showers.
