Keswick Mountain Rescue Responds to Broken Ankle Emergency

Overview

On New Year’s Day, a man was rescued by the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team after he broke his ankle while out walking on the fells. The team received a callout about the injured walker while they were en route back to base after a Pennines search. The man had been walking with a well-equipped couple from Thirlmere when he slipped and went over on his ankle with an audible snap. Two passers-by were able to make a 999 call, and the couple also sent a GPS location with a Garmin InReach satellite tracker/communicator.

The Keswick team approached from both the Thirlmere side and from Watendlath, but fortunately, the Coast Guard Rescue 199 from Prestwick was still in Carlisle and offered to help. The man was airlifted to the Cumberland Infirmary, while the woman with him was taken back to their car at Thirlmere. The team thanked R199 for airlifting the man to Carlisle hospital and dropping off the partner en route in Crow Park in Keswick.

The rescue operation was carried out by the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team, which is made up of volunteers who provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the Lake District. The team is made up of experienced mountain rescuers, team doctors, and other specialists who are trained to deal with a range of injuries and emergencies. In this case, the team splinted the casualty’s ankle and provided pain relief before he was stretchered down to the Land Rover. The casualty was then transferred to the ambulance and taken to the hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Do After Sustaining an Ankle Injury in the Lake District?

If you or someone you’re with sustains an ankle injury in the Lake District, it’s important to take the following steps immediately:

• Stop and assess the injury.
• If necessary, call for help from Keswick Mountain Rescue or another mountain rescue team.
• Keep the injured ankle elevated and avoid putting weight on it.
• Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the ankle to reduce swelling.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Number of Mountain Rescue Teams in the Lake District

There are several mountain rescue teams operating within the Lake District, including Keswick Mountain Rescue, Wasdale Mountain Rescue, and Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue.

Procedure for Contacting Keswick Mountain Rescue in Case of an Emergency

In case of an emergency, the procedure for contacting Keswick Mountain Rescue is as follows:

• Dial 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue.
• Provide your location and a brief description of the emergency.
• Follow the instructions provided by the emergency operator.

Incidents Involving Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team has recently been involved in several incidents, including:

• Rescuing a group of walkers who were stranded on Scafell Pike due to bad weather.
• Assisting a man who had fallen and injured his ankle while walking in the Wasdale area.
• Rescuing a woman who had become stuck on a ledge while climbing in the area.

Effect of Lake District’s Terrain on Frequency of Mountain Rescue Callouts

The Lake District’s rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions can make it more likely for walkers and climbers to get into difficulty and require assistance from mountain rescue teams.

Common Causes of Callouts for Mountain Rescue Teams in Cumbria

Some of the most common reasons for callouts for mountain rescue teams in Cumbria include:

• Falls and injuries sustained while walking or climbing.
• Getting lost or disorientated in poor weather conditions.
• Becoming stranded or stuck in difficult terrain.