Coastguard helicopter flies in gale force winds to deliver Mountain Rescue Team to injured walker
The UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Inverness flew in gale force winds of up to 50 miles an hour and experienced heavy turbulence to airlift the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team to rescue a fallen walker at Loch Avon, Scotland.
The Coastguard helicopter was called in to assist just after 5.30pm and attempted to fly as close possible to the stricken casualty and his walking partner. The walker, who was in a party of two, had fallen about 40ft and suffered a serious leg fracture which needed urgent medical attention on Saturday (28 October).
Gale force winds, heavy turbulence, poor visibility and low cloud cover meant that the helicopter was restricted to flying the Mountain Rescue Team about 1/2km from the location of the casualty. The helicopter then made its way back to Glenmore Lodge to refuel and proceeded to wait for a break in the weather and a better opportunity to assist in the rescue.
Despite the weather conditions, the casualty was in safe hands after the Coastguard airlifted the 9 strong Mountain Rescue Team – three of whom were doctors. They worked in difficult weather conditions to stabilise the casualty and prepared to take him to safety. The Mountain Rescue team then made a remarkable 2km journey on foot as they stretchered the casualty to Cairngorms Ski Centre where he was met by a waiting ambulance.
The Coastguard helicopter was called in to assist just after 5.30pm and attempted to fly as close possible to the stricken casualty and his walking partner. The walker, who was in a party of two, had fallen about 40ft and suffered a serious leg fracture which needed urgent medical attention on Saturday (28 October).
Gale force winds, heavy turbulence, poor visibility and low cloud cover meant that the helicopter was restricted to flying the Mountain Rescue Team about 1/2km from the location of the casualty. The helicopter then made its way back to Glenmore Lodge to refuel and proceeded to wait for a break in the weather and a better opportunity to assist in the rescue.
Despite the weather conditions, the casualty was in safe hands after the Coastguard airlifted the 9 strong Mountain Rescue Team – three of whom were doctors. They worked in difficult weather conditions to stabilise the casualty and prepared to take him to safety. The Mountain Rescue team then made a remarkable 2km journey on foot as they stretchered the casualty to Cairngorms Ski Centre where he was met by a waiting ambulance.
