Overview
On New Year’s Day, a walker slipped just below the summit of the Old Man of Coniston and injured her ankle. The Coniston Mountain Rescue (CMRT) team was called out around 11.50 am to assist the injured woman. The rescue operation involved two Land Rovers and assistance from the Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team. The ankle was splinted, and the woman was carried on a stretcher down below the cloudbase. The HM Coastguard’s Rescue 199 helicopter was able to attend the rescue and land nearby on the fellside. The volunteer rescuers loaded the stretcher in and the woman was flown to Carlisle hospital for treatment.
The rescue operation took around three hours and 42 minutes and involved 13 team members from Coniston and five from Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team. The conditions were dry on the fell with plenty of walkers around, but the tops were covered by clouds. The rescue team also used search dogs and drones to assist in the search for Edward Catmur, a runner who went missing in Cumbria. The search resumed at first light, and a police helicopter was also involved in the search operation. The Coniston Mountain Rescue Team updates the public on their operations through their Twitter account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the circumstances leading to the helicopter rescue on Coniston Fellside?
On New Year’s Day, a walker fell just below the summit on the Old Man of Coniston. The walker was airlifted to hospital by a helicopter after the North West Ambulance Service contacted Coniston Mountain Rescue Team. The rescue team, made up of volunteers, demonstrated their kit to the helicopter crew, who then airlifted the walker to the hospital.
How is the person who was rescued on New Year’s Day doing now?
The current condition of the person who was rescued on New Year’s Day is unknown.
What type of helicopter was used in the Coniston Fellside rescue operation?
There is no information available about the type of helicopter used in the Coniston Fellside rescue operation.
Who coordinated the rescue effort on Coniston Fellside?
The North West Ambulance Service contacted Coniston Mountain Rescue Team, who coordinated the rescue effort on Coniston Fellside.
What challenges do rescue teams face when conducting operations in such terrain?
Rescue teams face various challenges when conducting operations in such terrain, including unpredictable weather conditions, difficult terrain, and limited visibility.
How can hikers prepare to avoid needing emergency rescue on fells like Coniston?
Hikers can prepare to avoid needing emergency rescue on fells like Coniston by planning their route in advance, checking the weather forecast, carrying appropriate equipment, and informing someone of their planned route and expected return time. It is also important to have the necessary skills and experience for the chosen route and to be aware of any potential hazards.
Jon is a regular contributor to several outdoor living and lifestyle news publications, concentrating on The Lake District. Now living in Glenridding, Jon studied journalism at Edinburgh University.
