The woman became exhausted on Dove Crag
Mountain rescuers have warned walkers that wintry conditions still have a hold on the Lake District tops, after two incidents involving people getting into difficulties on the high fells.
Three mountain rescue teams and an RAF Sea King helicopter were called out when a woman became exhausted and cold on Dove Crag on the Fairfield Horseshoe.
Two people called for help shortly after 4pm yesterday, Saturday, and reported they were struggling in cold, wet conditions.
Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team and colleagues from Patterdale and RAF Leeming MRTs responded, with the Kendal team put on standby.
A Sea King search and rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer in Northumberland also flew to the scene.
The pair eventually made their own way down off the mountain and were met by Langdale Ambleside members near Low Pike who helped them the rest of the way.
A Langdale Ambleside team spokesperson said: “The effects of hypothermia are insidious and can creep up on people.
“Have spare, warm clothes, and carry plenty of high energy food to keep glucose levels topped up.
“Beware of wet clothes exposed to the wind. The cooling effect is much greater through wet clothes.”
The rescue involved 15 Langdale Ambleside MRT volunteers and lasted about 3½ hours.
The Patterdale team, which sent 11 members to the Dove Crag rescue accompanied by nine RAF Leeming MRT members, had just been alerted by a couple stuck on Striding Edge on Helvellyn.
A team spokesperson said: “These two people managed to make their own way to safety after instructions were provided by the team.
“The team would like to remind all those venturing onto the fells to check the weather and the felltop forecasts before venturing onto the high fells.
“There is still a considerable amount of snow up high and in the corries including Red Tarn, Brown Cove and Nethermost Cove. Likewise, cornices remain a hazard and people should be careful near to any exposed edges where snow is present.
“An ice axe and crampons remain essential for anyone attempting Swirral or Striding Edges.”
Patterdale MRT has been called out 19 times this year.
Roger Hiley
04 March 2015Having read your report on the couple suffering exposure on Fairfield, could I please add that they received help on the summit by a passing walker who provided shelter, extra warm clothing and gloves, who placed the emergency call after the lady collapsed (fainted) and who was instrumental in helping them make "their own way off" the fell. They were not alone but had help.
Without his timely intervention, things would have been a lot worse and a lot harder for our brilliant Lakes rescue teams who volunteer to venture out in these conditions.
Further details can be provided if you wish to update the article. I have no allegiance to any team or the couple but I do know the guy who was in the right place at the right time.