Striding Edge
A man was airlifted from a Lake District fell after falling and injuring himself.
The walker, from Birkenhead, Merseyside, slipped in icy conditions and fell 50m (164ft) from Striding Edge. Members of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team and four colleagues from the Buxton team, both of which were training in the area, went to the stricken walker’s aid.
The man was walking with a friend when he fell off the edge towards Red Tarn. He and his companion were helped at the scene by a passing walker who helped lower them to safer ground.
The mountain rescue teams, alerted by the police, treated the man for a dislocated shoulder. A spokesman for Patterdale MRT said: “He was airlifted from the fell by a Sea King helicopter from RAF Leconfield which was on a routine training flight. The casualty was then flown to Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, for further treatment.”
David Sullivan
12 February 2009I'm afraid I'm Spartacus! I was crossing the Edge with a friend when a strong gust caused me to lose my balance & slip. A very salutory experience that shows that despite having the right equipment, training and experience on Helvellyn and many other mountains across Britain accidents can & will still occur. I'm very grateful to all those involved in my rescue, particularly in the light of so many recent tragedies in the hills. My shoulder is taking it's time to heal so this winter season is over for me but I hope to be back in the hills come spring.