Catbells (38)

Callout Date: 05/08/2020
Callout Time: 12:39 pm
Agencies Involved: Keswick MRT

A 22 year old female had walked up Skelgill Bank, the first ‘summit’ of Catbells, from Hawes End. In windy and wet conditions on the descent she slipped and injured her ankle and was unable to continue so called for Mountain Rescue help. Two vehicles attended with team members initially climbing towards the main summit from Skelgill due to the casualty’s reported position as near the summit. A phone-find search revealed her true location below Skelgill Bank. The casualty was assessed, her ankle splinted and then she was loaded onto a stretcher for the carry down. To avoid the steep and rocky part of the path the team opted to descend the slightly less steep and grassy/bracken slopes on the east side. Ground anchors were placed and a rope was used to safeguard the descent to avoid what would have been a much quicker and less controlled sledge down in the event of team members slipping. On arrival at the bottom the casualty was transported to Keswick Cottage hospital to await an ambulance for onward travel to Carlisle Infirmary.

15 team members – 3 hours