A man who fell twice on a Lake District fell said mountain rescue teams saved his life in an almost nine-hour operation to get him to hospital.
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out at around 4.40pm on Thursday after several 999 calls had been made by people who had heard nearby shouts and whistles on the tourist path of Scafell Pike.
The walker, Gary Bailey, said: “I came close to death after falling twice on the descent from Lord’s Rake, I mistakenly ended up attempting to descend Red Gill rather than traverse Lord’s Rake.
“I injured my chest and face on the first fall and after a further fall and slide down the gill onto the edge, only a foot away from going over another 30ft-plus drop that I believe would have been terminal.
“I only just managed to attract the attention of walkers (Thanks to Graham) who climbed up to near me and his small relay party who managed to get a phone signal and pass on my situation and location) around the junction of Hollow Stones, from my precarious position with the aid of my whistle blasts – unbeknown to me reported by many – and by waving my orange survival bag.
“If I’d have gone over the next drop I doubt I would have been conscious or physically able to summon help, probably out of sight, or worse injuries preventing self-aid.”
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team requested support from the air ambulance, but it could not get close enough to make visual contact with the casualty due to high winds.
The Coastguard helicopter was also deployed and managed to make visual contact and confirm the exact location, thanks to different aircraft capability and technology on board
But the crew was also unable to directly help and provide a winch rescue due to the proximity of the crag face. However, the helicopter did manage to take three sets of mountain rescue volunteers to the nearest possible location, allowing them to reach Mr Bailey quickly.
A spokesman said: “On arrival the walker was unfortunately located in the gully itself, very close to a 10m drop. As such, a technical rope rescue was required. The casualty was unable to move by himself, but was able to talk and had managed to wrap a survival blanket around him. As a technical and labour intensive rescue was now likely, additional team members from our friends at Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team was again requested.
“The Coastguard’s Rescue 199 helicopter again obliged and lifted four of their team members and additional rope and medical supplies from Devoke Water en route to Wasdale. Other members followed in team vehicles.
The team had to descend to Mr Bailey by rope.
The spokesman added: “Despite taking two significant tumble falls there fortunately was no evidence of any significant life threatening injuries. It was agreed that the walker would attempt to move himself slowly from the gully with support from the rope system and team members. This was able to be done and once off the more technical ground, a more straightforward descent with support was made to get to a location that was suitable for a helicopter winch.
“Rescue 199 again returned to the scene, winched the walker and transported to hospital for full assessment and treatment. This left the teams to de-rig and walk back down to the valley and then to respective bases.
“We would like to offer our huge thanks to all the teams involved, and especially the Rescue 199 crew who did everything they possibly could to speed up the effort to locate, enable access and then transport the walker to a hospital setting. Also to the many members of the public who helped and provided information at the start of the callout. We wish the walker a speedy recovery.”
Mr Bailey said: “Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team and Duddon & Furness Mountain Rescue Team saved my life – I have no doubt.
“Amazingly I broke no bones, but I am bloodied, bruised, battered and humbled by the experience, please pass on my thanks to the whole team involved and hope to meet some of you at a more social meeting!
“Thanks also to Gillian at Wasdale Head Inn who did an outstanding job of looking after my wife overnight!”
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team returned to their base at around 1.40am on Friday.