Birchen Clough rescue drama

The casualty was located in Birchen Clough, just below the waterfall

A 17-strong squad from Oldham Mountain Rescue Team were involved in a dramatic moorland rescue yesterday afternoon (Sunday).

They were asked by North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust for assistance with the location, treatment and evacuation of a young male who had fallen from rocks in the Dovestone area, although the initial location given was incorrect.

After a short search of the likely spots in the area, the casualty was located in Birchen Clough, just below the waterfall.

He was treated by an OMRT Casualty Carer and an NWAS paramedic, and due to his injuries, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency helicopter with winching capability was requested.

Rescue 936 from Caenarfon was allocated and, following an on scene assessment, winched the casualty out of the clough, before a short transfer to a land ambulance at Greenfield Reservoir for onward transport to hospital.

Said OMRT leader Rob Tortoiseshell: “Huge thanks to all the partner agencies involved and, as ever, we wish the casualty all the best for a full and speedy recovery.”

The OMRT personnel were involved for two hours 40 minutes.

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