Rescuers and the Great North Air Ambulance at the scene. Photo: Keswick MRT
A climber was seriously injured when he fell 500ft after going to the aid of a walker who fell on Helvellyn.
The 39-year-old was winter climbing on the Helvellyn headwall with a companion when he slipped and fell 150m while trying to help a walker who was in difficulties after making his way onto the snow-filled bowl next to Swirral Edge.
Rescuers said the walker was ill-equipped. The walker’s companion approached the two climbers for help.
Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 3.50pm on Friday.
A team spokesperson said: “Another climber then effected the rescue of the walker.
“The climber had suffered serious chest injuries, but with his companion made his way back over the ridge to descend to Swirls. As they made their way down, he began to feel seriously ill.
“His companion raised the alarm, and Keswick team were mobile in 12 minutes.
“The assistance of an air ambulance was sought, and also a winching helicopter from the Coastguard in case the casualty could not be reached by the first aircraft.
The Great North Air Ambulance in flight at the rescue scene. Photo: Keswick MRT
“Helimed 58 [the Great North Air Ambulance] dropped off their paramedic and doctor close to the scene, and then flew down to Swirls car park where they airlifted four team members to assist.
“To everyone’s surprise, the casualty was able to walk to the aircraft with some support – a very lucky man.”
The injured climber was airlifted to Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle by the air ambulance and the Coastguard helicopter was stood down. Other Keswick MRT members who had been called out returned to base.
The three-hour rescue involved 20 volunteers from the Keswick team.
- This story was amended following information supplied by the injured climber Scott Baxter, with accurate location details of the incident.
Craig outhwaite
26 January 2018I had a fall on swirrel edge a few years ago in full winter conditions, I have a lot of experience being out on the fells, I have full equipment, helmet ice axe and crampons, but lost my footing the top 6 ice of the snow was pure ice and the moment I was was on my side I was sliding in an instance, I tried frantically to self arrest but I moving that quickly unfortunately to no avail.
I fell 250 Mts sustained a broken ankle, elbow right s and a finger.
Unfortunately you can Do all the right things but accidents happen.
jenny croft
27 January 2018ohh bless him for trying to help a fellow walker they should
have correct tools with them but maybe it would still have happened but what a Hero the guy was hope they are ok x
Nick S
27 January 2018Isn't that Keppel cove?
Scott Baxter
27 January 2018I am the climbing that was involved - Thanks for all the comments and support from the whole climbing community - never thought I would need to call for mrt - I have been incredibly lucky! I hope that me flying past the walker hasn’t put him off the mountains.
Bryan Burgin
27 January 2018Scott, hope you have a speedy recovery. Top marks for doing the right thing and trying to help someone in distress, well done
Ian Jones
27 January 2018Nice one Scott, well done you, no shame in calling out MRT in your circumstances!
heidi
27 January 2018You're a star Scott- hope you will be better soon. Good on you.
Garsdale Girl
27 January 2018I hope all recover well.
Paul Ross
27 January 2018The "other" climber who actually rescued the guy who was stuck was Alan Hinkes
Jeff Carroll
28 January 2018Paul Ross-wouldn't expect anything else of Mr Hinkes what better way to show you're an good ambassador for Mountain Rescue England and Wales than to get involved?!
Speedy recovery to all!
Lancashire Lad
29 January 2018Well done Scott, good on yer!
and as usual a big well done to the lads and lasses of Keswick MRT!
Tom
19 February 2018I had a panic on striding edge on Saturday afternoon the weather was fierce and I wasent equipped for the task at hand thanks for the guys who helped us out at the final elevation onto the summit.. moral of the story, go prepared!!! I feel bad for potentialy puting other at risk.