The BSARU Land Rover with Hen Hole and Auchope Rig behind. Photo: BSARU
A father and son were rescued from a remote hill in the Cheviots after getting into difficulties caused by the hot weather.
The pair suffered from heat exhaustion during a two-day outing at the weekend.
Border Search and Rescue Unit was called out shortly after 2pm on Sunday to the site near The Schil, on the route of the Pennine Way.
A spokesperson for the rescue team said the hot weather, with almost unbroken sunshine, brought out large numbers of walkers from both sides of the Scotland-England border.
“The 54-year-old father and 17-year-old son set off from Morebattle on Saturday and enjoyed a great day and a fine night’s camping out on the hill. Sunday dawned warm and sunny, and as the temperature climbed, their water ran low and energy started to dip.
“By mid-afternoon, going over the 605m summit of The Schil, the father became unwell, and after vomiting and dipping in and out of consciousness, his son did exactly the right thing and called 999.
“Heatstroke is a serious and often underrated condition, and can, without prompt intervention, lead to organ-failure and even death.”
After being alerted, a hasty team in one of the BASRU Land Rovers left the new base in Kelso. “Two team members were whisked up onto the border ridge on quad bikes very kindly piloted by the farming family from Cocklawfoot and Sourhope.
“This help has been given to the team on several occasions over the past few years, and the family’s intimate knowledge of the area, and their willingness to drop everything and assist is very much appreciated.”
Two passing walkers had come across the stricken party and tried to help by sharing their own
dwindling water, and filtering some more from a rather murky nearby source. By the time BSARU
arrived at The Schil, the son had also started to suffer from the effects of the sun and was
deteriorating.
The spokesperson said: “The hasty party from BSARU, followed shortly by members of the neighbouring Northumberland mountain rescue and a BSARU Land Rover assessed and monitored the two casualties, erected a shelter to provide shade and started rehydration.
“The dry ground and some impressive driving had allowed the Land Rovers to get to within 50m of the party, and when the condition of the casualties started to stabilise and improve, the decision was made to evacuate them in the vehicles rather than summon a helicopter.
“Britain’s mountains claim victims every year, many through wild winter conditions in the dark months. It’s very easy to underestimate the effects of heat, however, and it can be just as dangerous as the bitter cold, and even faster to strike.”
BSARU team leader Duncan Buchanan added: “We’re all mountain enthusiasts in the team, and we encourage the public to enjoy the hills and find adventure in our wonderful local environment.
“In the summer, be sure to take a sun hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, enough food to keep you fuelled for the duration of your expedition, and a little more besides. Importantly, have a realistic idea of the fitness and capabilities of every member of the party.
“Another underestimated hazard in the summer is ticks. They seem to be having a bit of a carnival this year, and one BSARU member picked up eight in a single outing on Sunday morning. If you’ve been out in bracken, heather and long grass, check yourself over.”
