Mountain team to the rescue

A scene from the rescue operation near Birchen Clough yesterday

Just after lunchtime yesterday (Wednesday), Oldham Mountain Rescue Team received an alert from the North West Ambulance Service asking for assistance with a female who had slipped while out walking in Birchen Clough, suffering a suspected fractured arm.

The initial fast party made contact and established the casualty location as just below the waterfall in Greenfield Brook, before commencing the medical assessment.

After administering pain relief, the casualty was packaged onto the team’s stretcher and carried down the tricky boulder section to the weir, then driven down to the ambulance at the road head. 

Rob Tortoiseshell, OMRT leader, said: "We often give advice that people venturing out into the hill should be prepared by checking the route and the weather, carrying correct equipment and map and compass, all of which this party had done. 

“They also knew exactly what to do when an emergency happened - call 999, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue - which helped to ensure our response could be as quick and efficient as possible.

"It just goes to show that sometimes accidents can happen even to the most well prepared people.

“We wish the casualty all the best for a speedy recovery.”

A total of 16 OMRT personnel were involved for three hours and 30 minutes.

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