The Patterdale MRT rescue boat

A Lake District mountain rescue team took to the water to help an unconscious walker today.

Members of the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team used their own boat to reach an 85-year-old man who had fallen and hit his head on the shore of Ullswater. The team was assisted by national park rangers who also went to the walker’s aid in their boat.

The incident happened this morning when the man, who has not been named, was walking on the lakeside path with his son. The son, a doctor, tended to his father after calling for help, keeping his airway open until rescuers arrived.

A spokesperson for Patterdale MRT said: “Fortunately for the casualty, the location was one of the few spots along the path where there was road access and also a suitable field for landing the air ambulance. The casulaty was placed on a stretcher and carried to the aircraft for transfer to Cumberland Infirmary [in Carlisle].”

Twelve members of the rescue team were involved in the incident.

The rescue boat, the John Scott, is named in memory of a former chairman, and is similar to an inshore lifeboat.