Mickledore and Broad Stand, scene of the incident
A man is critically ill after falling more than 100ft from a Lake District crag.
The 30-year-old suffered serious head, chest and leg injuries after falling more than 30m from Broad Stand on Scafell, England’s second-highest mountain.
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team was joined in the rescue operation about 10.30am today by the Great North Air Ambulance and a Sea King search and rescue helicopter from HMS Gannet in Ayrshire.
He was treated at the scene by a GNAA doctor and Wasdale MRT doctors, who had been airlifted up to the site by the air ambulance.
A GNAA spokesperson said: “Rescue 177 from the Royal Navy also attended but due to the casualty’s location was not able to winch from the scene.”
He was released from the site and stretchered to the waiting air ambulance where he was anaesthetised before being flown to the major trauma centre of Royal Preston Hospital.
Broad Stand lies on the shortest route between Scafell and Scafell Pike but is a grade-three scramble.
Samuel Coleridge used the route in 1802 to make the first recorded scramble in the Lake District.
The crux corner has polished holds and is notoriously slippery in bad weather and stands above an exposed sloping slab.
Broad Stand can be avoided by using the longer routes via Lord’s Rake or Foxes Tarn.
Anon
19 August 2013Given that this is a public forum - and given the facts of the case - out of respect for the casualty, friends and family, it would be wise for commentators to avoid the typical kind of 'keyboard heroics' that can occur in places such as this.
Mike
19 August 2013Very well said, Anon! Hope the guy is ok and makes a full recovery and can get back out onto the hills before too long. As ever, praise to mountain rescue for their efforts in getting the casualty off the hill safely.
anon
19 August 2013We were on the mountain and witnessed a little of this rescue. The rescue teams were so professional in their work, so very sensitive and extremely careful with the casualty. They are absolutely amazing and those of us who enjoy the mountains should be giving generously to ensure they can continue in their total commitment to the benefit of others and safety on the fells.
Our very best wishes go out to this person and we hope he will make a full recovery.
J
19 August 2013We see the helicopters for this rescue yesterday whilst climbing Haystacks, wondering as you do as to why the helicoptor was out... Then we see the tragic sad news on the local news. As a first time climber and now knowing how exhilerating but dangerous this can be and the conditions of what he fell i can't imagine what through this poor mans head when this accident occured. It also reminds you of why the moutnain rescue and all the crews are paramount and what a worthwhile asset they are, I hope and prey that the guy makes a full recovery and regains his strength and determination back to full recovery. My thoughts are with him and his family