Rescuers and the Great North Air Ambulance at the scene. Photo: Keswick MRT

A rescue team desperately tried to get a helicopter to help with an injured woman who had suffered a suspected cardiac arrest on a Lake District fellside.

The Great North Air Ambulance, which had been experiencing technical problems, was eventually able to make its way to the site in Borrowdale and airlift the woman to hospital.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was alerted about 12.25pm on Sunday after a passer-by came across the 70-year old at Hogs Earth, on the path between Watendlath and Lodore. The woman had fallen and suffered serious injuries.

A team spokesperson said: “There was some initial confusion as two different locations were given, leading the team to believe that there were two separate incidents. However the team was directed by ambulance control, and located the ambulance attending on the Watendlath Road.

“The [North West Ambulance Service] crew were now treating the patient for a cardiac arrest, possibly brought on by the fall.”

One of the team’s paramedics helped the ambulance crew and the mountain rescue team used its AutoPulse device, which delivers automated chest compressions as part of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.

Keswick MRT control contacted the ambulance control centre to alert them to the urgent need for an air ambulance.

The spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, of the two air ambulances, one had technical issues, and the other was unable to complete the job in daylight hours.

“As the team desperately sought to get a Coastguard helicopter mobilised, the Great North Air Ambulance managed to solve its technical issue, and was able to come to their aid.”

The helicopter was able to land close to the woman and, after she had been assessed, she was airlifted to the Royal Preston Hospital for treatment.

Keswick MRT members stood by until the aircraft was airborne, and then stood down.

The rescue lasted more than 2¼ hours and involved 22 volunteers from the Keswick team.