The Great North Air Ambulance at the scene. Photo: GNAAS
A walker was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries after falling on a Lake District mountain.
Two walkers on Blencathra came across the man while they were descending the fell on Thursday.
It is believed the walker, in his 60s, fell 40m (130ft) into Mousthwaite Comb, suffering serious chest and head injuries.
Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 2.35pm.
A team spokesperson said: “Two walkers on their way down Blencathra spotted something blue on the lower path further down the fell.
“As they watched, they saw an arm move, and realised to their horror that it was a man in distress. One of them got down to him, and realised that he had fallen some considerable distance from the path above, and had suffered serious head injuries.
“The team was alerted, and immediately requested the attendance of an air ambulance. Once they were on scene, it was clear that it might be quicker to request a winching helicopter because of the distance to helimed, and the awkward carry.
“The medical crew from the air ambulance, and two of the team’s paramedics worked together to stabilise the casualty, and he was given anaesthesia to enable him to be flown safely in the helicopter.
“A decision was taken to cancel the [Coastguard S-92 helicopter] and carry the patient down to helimed. This was achieved successfully and the casualty was then airlifted to Newcastle Victoria Infirmary.”
A Great North Air Ambulance spokesperson said: “The helicopter took the GNAAS doctor and paramedic as close to the scene as was safe, before landing at the base of the fell. The Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was already on scene.
“The patient was found to have sustained serious injuries to the head and chest. Our trauma team assessed and treated the patient before he was carried around three miles down to the helicopter. The patient was given advanced, doctor-led care until he arrived at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
“He was in a critical condition on arrival.
“GNAAS would like to thank members of the Keswick MRT for their help and expertise throughout the operation.”
The two-hour rescue involved 18 volunteers from the Keswick team.
