Helicopter fogged in on Scafell Pike

Due to the nature of the injury, the poor impending weather (the conditions were cold, wet, and windy), and the length of time it would take for the mountain rescue team to reach the walker (approximately two hours), our critical care team were tasked to attend the incident.

Our team, which included pilot Mik, paramedic Andy, and doctor Jon, flew from their base in Langwathby, Penrith at 2.15pm.

The flight time was 17 minutes, and they were able to land relatively close to the casualty, which meant treatment could commence quite quickly.

Our team always closely monitor the weather before being tasked to an incident, during the flight, and whilst on scene. They have to make dynamic, informed decisions, where many elements are balanced to ensure the safety of everyone.

When landing on scene at this particular incident, our doctor and paramedic assessed the walker’s injuries and administered advanced pain relief, however whilst they were there, the weather conditions worsened, and our helicopter was fogged in.

Our team always adhere to the strict guidelines from the Civil Aviation Authority, to ensure the safety of our patients, team, and equipment. Visibility was an issue which brings an element of risk, but the biggest risk was the altitude and fog which increases the likelihood of icing which we cannot fly in.

Due to not being able to airlift the patient, instead, the walker was moved by stretcher by the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team and Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team, who were asked to support this incident.

Further pain relief was given, and the walker was carried back down to the valley floor at approximately 6.30pm.

They were handed over to an awaiting land ambulance from the North West Ambulance Service and taken to hospital for further treatment.

During this time, it was predicted that our helicopter would not be able to lift from the summit due to the cloud and may be fogged in all night.

Some of the locations our teams respond to are hostile environments where things can change quickly, so our team are always prepared for any scenario they may face.

While this was a rare event (a similar situation happened 16 years ago in the Lake District), they were still well equipped to handle it effectively.

Our doctor and paramedic got a taxi back to the base, while our pilot Mik stayed in the aircraft overnight in the hopes that the fog would lift the following day, so he could fly back to our base.

On board our aircraft are emergency provisions for these exact circumstances, including food, water, and heat blankets to keep warm.

There was regular contact with Mik to check on his wellbeing and make sure he was safe, and we received ongoing support from Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team during this time.

Unfortunately, there was no break in the weather the following morning and as the safety of our team is first and foremost, our pilot Mik hiked down to the valley floor.

Given the circumstances, the risk of damage to our aircraft was relatively low, and we continued to monitor the situation closely to ensure at the earliest opportunity our helicopter would be able to lift off from Scafell Pike and return back to our base.

Please be assured there was no interruption to our operations, and our other helicopter based near Eaglescliffe and our rapid response vehicles at both of our bases were still activated to 12 incidents across Cumbria and the North East whilst the helicopter was not online.

On Monday afternoon, thankfully there was a break in the weather and our pilot Stu hiked up Scafell Pike and flew our aircraft back to our base in Langwathby, Penrith.

Thank you to Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, Cumbria Police, and Multiflight for their assistance in ensuring our helicopter was able to lift-off safely.

We also want to pass on our well wishes to the walker our team attended and hope they have a swift recovery and return back to the fells soon.