Mountain Rescue and two helicopters involved in moors drama

Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date published: 15 November 2020


Twenty-two heroes of the hills were involved in a dramatic multi-force rescue on Saturday when a woman was injured in a fall.

Oldham Mountain Rescue Team (OMRT) received a request from Greater Manchester Police for assistance with the location and evacuation of a 23-year-old female.

The distressed woman had fallen and injured her ankle somewhere in the Dovestones area, although initially her exact whereabouts was unknown.

Battling foreboding squalls and using sophisticated phone-find equipment, the valiant rescuers were able to accurately pinpoint the casualty and direct team members to Dean Rocks on the Edges Path above Dovestones, one of Saddleworth’s favourite visitor haunts.

Said an OMRT spokesperson: “We soon had a medic and kit at the casualty  site and were able to assess and treat the casualty.

“But due to the potentially long and difficult carry off, North West Air Ambulance was requested to airlift the casualty.

“Unfortunately, they could not land due to the deteriorating weather conditions and had to abort, so the larger Maritime and Coastguard Agency helicopter was allocated.

“MCA arrived just as light was failing and we were able to hot load the stretcher for the casualty’s onward transport to hospital.

“We then escorted the lady’s companion safely off the hill before heading  back to base to disinfect, dry and check our kit so it is ready for the next time.”

The rescue operation involved OMRT personnel for three hours, 27 minutes.


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