A Lake District climber was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries following a fall.
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team was called by Cumbria police on Monday, March 24, at around 2.55pm to Scafell Pike.
Two people were climbing a crag on the mountain, when the lead climber took a large fall.
He was seriously injured and unable to communicate.
He was suspended on a rope below the second climber.
The second climber was uninjured and still secure on the crag, but urgently needed assistance.
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team said: “The team was very quickly called out and help was requested from a Coastguard helicopter.
“he Great North air Ambluance also responded quickly.
“As the team assembled at Brackenclose and prepared the large inventory of rope rescue, medical and other equipment required for a hugely challenging technical rescue, the Coastguard helicopter arrived.
“With the back-up plan to uplift team members high on Scafell, saving significant time and effort for team members to get close to the scene, the crew of Rescue 199 took a close look at whether a winch rescue was possible.
“After some time carefully assessing the risks to all involved, an attempt to winch was made.
“We don’t normally use superlatives, but with some truly amazing and heroic flying skills and teamwork, they managed to both access and then safely winch the climber directly into the helicopter from his suspended position on the end of the rope.
“A transfer to the Great North Air Ambulance was then completed to allow advanced medical care to be given, before then flying to a suitable hospital.
“With the most urgent rescue completed by the helicopter crews, the rescue of the second climber still remained on what is one of the most inaccessible points of the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team area.
“With the offer of further uplift assistance from the Coastguard helicopter still a possibility (but not a guarantee), some members of the team set off on foot with heavy loads to the top of Scafell.
“However, after a refuel of the helicopter, the remaining ten team members were very grateful to get the lift up, comfortably overtaking the hill party.
“At this point, the technical rope rescue began, with several hundred metres of rope and countless other pieces of equipment assuring the safety of both team members and the climber.
“After some time, in very cold and windy conditions at height, the first rescuer was able to be lowered to the climber.
“She was able to very bravely and ably assist the rescue, doing most of the work herself to climb and scramble back to safe ground.
“After de-rigging, the long walk down to Brackenclose was completed safely and the climber reunited with awaiting family members.
“Our thanks to both helicopter crews, and especially the crew of Rescue 199, whose actions brought the time down for the injured climber getting to definitive medical care by many hours.
“We wish both climbers well and offer our very best wishes that the injured climber recovers fully from his injuries.”
