A climber (m, 39) fell a reported 8 metres from a climb at the southern end of Giggleswick Scar (South). He landed awkwardly on a ledge, was unable to move and was complaining of mid-back and severe ankle pain.
The first team members to arrive found that YAS paramedics and the YAA doctor were already with the casualty, on the ledge. Having assessed the injuries and administered pain relief, they splinted his injured ankle before team members lifted him gently into a full-body vacuum mattress to provide spinal immobilisation. Meanwhile, other members rigged a two-rope rescue system to be able to lower him from the ledge on a stretcher. He was carried through the woodland, below and to the waiting air ambulance for the flight to hospital.
Volunteer hours: tbc
As this incident began, the team seemed to be a little short-handed, with many members either back at work after New Year’s Day or out enjoying the area for themselves. Then, while all were still fully engaged, a further call was received . . . . .