The team were alerted by Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) to a lone 3 Peaks walker (M, 36) who was reported to be exhausted and unable to continue, close to the Swine Tail path near the summit of Ingleborough. Our controller was able to contact the walker and having ascertained he had water and food, provided him with reassurance and directions to the downwards path towards Horton. The walker felt able to progress and was able to update his location as he went along via our PhoneFind system, and contact from the controller. In the interim, we deployed two vehicles to intercept him along the path. Our members eventually met him at Nick Pot and, following assessment by our casualty carers, he was transported back to our depot. He was then transferred to the care of YAS paramedics. Following assessment he was able to go home, none the worse for his ordeal. As a bonus our members on the hill got to see the eclipse, and the walker mentioned that he was grateful it got cooler for a short time as the sun dimmed!
The walker in this case was sensible in seeking help early. In the current weather conditions hard exercise can be very debilitating and carries risks of dehydration and heat exhaustion, which can be very dangerous. Always carry lots more fluid than normal, and both sweet and salty snacks. If worried, stop, rest (in shade if possible) and turn back or cut your walk short – it will always be there for another day.
Volunteer hours: 18