The incident happened on Swirral Edge on Helvellyn. Photo: Bob Smith/grough
Two helicopter crews flew to the aid of a man who was suffering chest pains on England’s third-highest mountain.
Police alerted Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team to the incident on Swirral Edge on Helvellyn at 3pm on Friday.
The 24-year-old from London developed chest pains while ascending the fell.
A team spokesperson said: “Given the nature of the report and the location on Swirral Edge, assistance was requested from the Great North Air Ambulance and a Coastguard helicopter from Caernarfon.
“As Helvellyn is only five minutes’ flying time from their base in Langwathby, the GNAA helicopter was first on scene, but was unable to land at the casualty site and had to put down in Red Tarn basin.”
While Patterdale team members made their ascent from Brown Cove, the air ambulance crew members climbed up the other side of the ridge to reach the man.
The Coastguard aircraft then arrived at the scene and winched the casualty into the helicopter before flying him down to the air ambulance, which then airlifted him to Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.
The spokesperson said: “The team would like to thank both the Great North Air Ambulance and HM Coastguard for their assistance.”
Thirteen volunteers from Patterdale MRT were involved in the rescue.
Don
19 March 2022Poor 24 year old with pains! 2 helicopters to the rescue!
Mel
19 March 2022Probably found it harder than he expected it to be and thought of the easiest way out.
Typical of young folk these days.
Don
19 March 2022I agree Mel! I was in the area at the time. These young folks made a mammoth effort to survive the day!
michael
20 March 2022What a rotten pair you are Don and Mel ....
OldManOfTheHills
20 March 2022Seems rather unfair to criticise without knowing more. Young men can and do die of unrevealed heart conditions.
Just as old men such as myself can find that despite over 60 years of tramping, our ailments and long ago injures can catch us out.
MRT as always came up trumps on Swirral
Chris Goode
21 March 2022—Well said OldManOfTheHills; I’m also an old ‘un who loves walking the hills & climbing the high ones. Anything can happen to anyone with astonishing speed regardless of age or experience.
Best Wishes for a good outcome for this young ‘un I say from: OldWomanOfTheHills.
Chris Goode, Cockermouth.
SH
21 March 2022I’d add that a friend of mine died from a sudden heart problem. He was late 20s. A family friend’s son died of an undiagnosed heart issue early 30s so anything can happen at any age. Like the outstanding MRT teams let’s help others without judging!