Rescue teams dash to aid lost walkers

A scene from the dramatic rescue. Image courtesy of OMRT

The Oldham Mountain Rescue Team was called out to search for two lost walkers in the Dovestones area of Saddleworth.

Using PhoneFind technology, the team were able to identify an area near the Ashway waterfalls and quickly deploy to begin the search.

On arrival, they located the two hikers - uninjured but wet, cold, hypothermic and unable to continue due to the challenging weather conditions.

A clan tent was set up to provide shelter from the wind and horizontal rain.

Both walkers were assessed by a Remote Rescue Medical Technician (RRMT).

The team provided dry clothing, winter casualty bags, heat pads, along with some food to help them recover.

Due to their condition and location, assistance from a Coastguard helicopter was requested.

The team also requested support from Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team to assist with the evacuation of the two casualties by stretcher if the helicopter couldn't get to the location. 

Despite several attempts, the aircraft was unable to get close enough to land because of the strong winds and visibility. 

By now the casualties had been sheltered in the clan tent for over an hour, and both walkers had begun to improve.

Following a further assessment by RRMT, they were deemed fit to walk the one kilometre down the hill, where they were handed over to the waiting North West Ambulance Service crew. 

Huge thanks to everyone involved for the excellent teamwork and swift response in very challenging conditions.

The operation lasted four hours and there were 35 team members involved.

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