The man fell from Striding Edge towards Red Tarn
Rescuers warned the Lake District’s mountains are still in the grip of winter after being called out to England’s third-highest mountain for the second time in 24 hours.
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team said a man was ‘extremely lucky’ to have survived a fall from Striding Edge on Helvellyn.
The team’s volunteers were called out about 4.35pm on Thursday.
A team spokesperson said: “A 999 call to Cumbria police stated that the man had fallen from the top of Striding Edge, landing almost at Red Tarn. He had sustained some injuries including a suspected broken ankle.
“He was extremely lucky to have survived a fall from this height.
“Given the nature of the reported incident the team immediately called both an air ambulance and the Coastguard helicopter from Prestwick, Scotland, in an attempt to get help to the injured man as quickly as possible and planning for rapid evacuation.
“The Blackpool-based air ambulance had to abort its mission as it was unable to access the patient and the Coastguard helicopter then arrived to winch the man from scene about 6.10pm while team members were climbing to the incident.”
The man was flown to Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle for treatment.
Team leader Mike Blakey said: “I cannot stress enough that Helvellyn is in full winter conditions.
“Just take a look at the video on our Facebook page. If anyone is considering venturing onto Helvellyn they must be properly equipped with an ice axe and crampons and the knowledge as to how to use them.
“We want everyone to enjoy the stunning mountains safely.”
The rescue involved 19 Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team members along with colleagues from the Penrith team.
Nick from Scotland
11 March 2016Lucky lucky guy I wonder if he was wearing crampons? Well done to the mountain rescue guys & the helicopter getting him safely to hospital.
heidi
11 March 2016Hi Nick. I was on Helvellyn yesterday and saw people without crampons. So I'm guessing he wasn't wearing them
Margaret
12 March 2016Though it is appropriate to carry crampons in winter it isn't always appropriate to use them on the hill.
I recently saw people putting crampons on in the carpark and on the same day watched a person wallow in soft snow with crampons on.
heidi
13 March 2016You need them on striding edge at the moment though!
Nigel
13 March 2016Yak trax are good
Margaret
14 March 2016An ice axe, along with the ability to quickly and efficiently cut steps, is also good.
Colin
14 March 2016Did Striding and Swirral edge today. Both have different ice/snow consistencies. Swirral great holds and can jab axe in reliably. Striding. Limited show but patches of snow. Beware concrete ice patch red tarn side as you cross to last pinnacle. Stay on ridge. Crampons no use and ice axe barely made a dent. Slushy snow on rise up to summit. Axe goes in but doesn't always hold. Take care.
Nigel
15 March 2016Maybe better off with walking poles ?
Margaret
16 March 2016We're talking about Winter Mountaineering not Hillwalking.
Nigel
16 March 2016I got a decent pair from sports direct & they seem ok
Margaret
17 March 2016In another recent 'grough' article, regarding Winter Skills Training, an Edinburgh University Mountaineering Club member said afterwards;
“I took winter more seriously and saw it in a different perspective, realising my previous over-confidence.”