Keswick (35)

Callout Date: 22/04/2023
Callout Time: 3:05 pm
Agencies Involved: Police, Fire & Rescue, NWAS, GNAAS, HART, COMRU

A small group went on an indoor caving experience at a local climbing wall. Once in a narrow tunnel a male participant attempted to turn around but became stuck. The climbing wall staff tried their normal rescue procedure but this was unsuccessful so called 999 for help. A multi-agency response was initiated and Fire & Rescue, Police, ambulance and Keswick MRT were quickly on scene. As this was a cave rescue/confined space type of operation the Keswick MRT leader called in Cumbria Ore Mines Rescue Unit (COMRU), and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) also attended. While the emergency services were deciding on evacuation plans the climbing wall staff, assisted by visiting climbers, started dismantling sections of the wall to aid access to tunnels hidden behind the climbing wall panels.

With time passing there was growing concern for the trapped man’s health as he was in a static position in a confined space. With this in mind the Keswick MR team doctor called in the GNAAS Helimed resources.

After significant effort by the climbing wall staff, climbers, COMRU, and Fire & Rescue (with their specialist cutting equipment), the man was released. He was then transferred by land ambulance to Carlisle hospital for further treatment.

12 Keswick team members – 4 hours 7 minutes