The man fell from Swirral Edge, right, on Helvellyn. Photo: Mike Blakey
A severely injured man was airlifted from England’s third-highest mountain after falling 650ft.
The 32-year-old, from the South of England, fell from Swirral Edge on Helvellyn into Brown Cove, suffering multiple injuries.
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out and the Great North Air Ambulance Service’s helicopter was scrambled at 1.50pm on Saturday from its base near Penrith.
The Prestwick Coastguard Sikorsky S-92 helicopter also flew to the scene.
A Patterdale MRT spokesperson said the walker was attempting to descend Swirral Edge from Helvellyn’s summit when he slipped and fell 200m.
The spokesperson said: “Several team members were flown into Brown Cove while the remainder of the team used the fully equipped off-road Land Rovers to get as close as possible before making their way on foot.”
The man was treated on the mountain for serious head, spinal, neck and chest injuries, with the Patterdale team doctor, GNAAS paramedics and the winchman-paramedic from the Coastguard aircraft all joining the operation, along with members of the rescue team.
The injured man was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne by the Coastguard helicopter. His condition on arrival was described as critical.
The Patterdale team spokesperson added it was the third person to have fallen from Helvellyn this year. “The rescue team would like to stress that while many of the Lakeland fells are without snow, Helvellyn remains covered in hard icy snow on many of its ascents and descents,” the spokesperson said. “Walkers and climbers should be adequately equipped for full winter conditions on Helvellyn.”
Brian Williams (Newcastle)
20 March 2016They need to put a Big Sign up in the car park warning of the dangers. I was up on Striding Edge in the snow last week and a number of people made it as far as the Chimney without axes or crampons before deciding to turn back. Maybe they don't know about the potential dangers - where an easy summer hill walk can be treacherous under snow and ice. If these conditions persist so will the number of casualties over the Easter Period!
Vanessa
20 March 2016We saw the rescue and I have to say I didn't realise how much it takes to rescue someone. We saw 2 helicopters and 3 land-rovers over several hours. Praise to all involved in Co_ordinating it n helping him. Must also be v traumatic when causality is badly injured. Hope he pulls through OK.
Bob
20 March 2016Patterdale MRT posted the following message on social media:
"Lots of people have been asking how the casualty is doing from yesterday's rescue.
"We obviously will not release any details but we are all very pleased that he is recovering at the RVI and the medics expect he should make a full recovery."
- Bob Smith, editor
Bill and Janet
21 March 2016He is very lucky to have survived as well as he has. We look forward to seeing our great nephew home.
Wilf from Keswick
21 March 2016It’s very sad that this has happened but even if they put up the big sign as Brian suggests, most of the people that ‘need informed’ would take no notice of it. These days, people do not like to be given advice that goes against their original plans because everyone thinks they are an expert.
Margaret
22 March 2016Wilf this is my second post with the following comment from another recent 'grough' article, regarding Winter Skills Training.
An Edinburgh University Mountaineering Club member said after the training;
“I took winter more seriously and saw it in a different perspective, realising my previous over-confidence.”
gerry
23 March 2016I have done the horseshoe a few times (Helvellyn) in good conditions bottled Swirral a couple of years ago in a blizzard the same day a couple of guys came off i don't think one of them made it home.
To get to the point last month i came up Patterdale Common onto Striding Edge onto the top and had a brew . When it came to getting down Swirral i couldn't believe how steep it was solid ice .I was all geared up the only way down was on my front points with an axe .This was a first for me and i found the confidence watching a Mountain Rescue guy doing the same thing making a film.
The moral of the tale is if you haven't got the gear keep off the mountain !!!
Nigel
23 March 2016Walking poles & yak trax are good in the snow , but I think the conditions on the high mountains at the minute should only be undertaken by the most experienced of people
heidi
04 April 2016Nigel- how will you self arrest with walking poles?
Nigel
07 April 2016You can't , but I wouldn't go over Helveyllen edges in full winter conditions regardless of weather I had all the relative equipment , it's well above my abilities so wouldn't put myself in such a posistion