Team members with the casualty on the flanks of Broad Haystack. Photo: Keswick MRT
A man suffered serious injuries when he fell while going to the aid of his dog, which had also fallen on a Lake District hillside.
A passer-by heard shouts for help on Wednesday, coming from the slopes of Broad Haystack above Stonethwaite, in Borrowdale.
The member of the public raised the alarm but could provide no details of the incident.
Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 2.45pm.
A team spokesperson said: “The team arrived and from the bottom located the casualty high up between Little Stanger Gill and Broad Haystack, thanks to another passer-by who had climbed up to investigate and then made themselves visible to the team.
“The approach from below was very steep and mostly composed of loose boulders hidden below waist-high bracken.”
A 51-year-old man had seen his dog fall from a cliff and in his haste to reach the animal had himself fallen a considerable height, suffering serious injuries.
The dog was taken to be checked by a vet. Photo: Keswick MRT
The spokesperson said: “As the team arrived the man was more concerned for his dog than himself.
“One of the team’s dog handlers assessed the dog while the man himself was being examined. While the man was being given analgesia and treatment his 12-year-old dog was placed in one of the equipment bags to be carried down for a visit to the local vet.
“Due to the very steep, loose and potentially hazardous terrain for a stretcher lower and carry, a Coastguard helicopter was requested. Even when the helicopter arrived it was not a straightforward winch operation due to the tight and steep location and the fact there was very little wind – helicopters like wind.”
The casualty is winched into the helicopter. Photo: Keswick MRT
The crew finally managed to winch the injured man into the aircraft and flew him to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne for treatment.
The spokesperson added: “Many thanks to the highly skilled Coastguard helicopter crew for their help in a tricky location and to the local female who had climbed up to investigate the calls for help and stayed with the casualty until rescue arrived.
“We wish both the man and his dog a speedy recovery.”
The rescue lasted just over 4¼ hours and involved 17 Keswick MRT volunteers.
