Peaks paraglider, 63, sustains serious injuries after fall

An air ambulance and coastguard helicopter were called to a Peak District slope where a paraglider was injured.

The 63-year-old pilot fell onto the steep southern side of the Rushop Edge ridge, near to Mam Tor.

Buxton and Edale Mountain Rescue Teams were called to the area on Thursday, May 5 after the incident and a Coastguard helicopter was called to winch the patient out for medical treatment.

Buxton MRT said: "The injured pilot was treated on site by the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance medics supported by mountain rescue medics and the ambulance service.

"Due to the serious nature of the pilot's injuries, an early decision was made to call in the Coastguard Sikorsky S92 helicopter from Humberside Airport to winch the casualty from the steep hillside.

"Whole body splinting with a mountain rescue vacuum mattress and loading onto the helicopter stretcher was undertaken by mountain rescue personnel, and the casualty was flown directly to the Major Trauma Unit at Stoke."

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "The East Midlands Ambulance Service asked for assistance with an incident involving an injured paraglider. in a difficult to reach place.

"An HM Coastguard Search & Rescue holicopter based at Humberside was sent to the scene and winched the injured person on board. The paraglider was then taken to hospital."

Keith Birkitt, BEM, Buxton Teams Deputy Leader said: “This incident was an excellent example of multiple agencies (mountain rescue, air ambulance, Coastguard Helicopter and the ambulance service) all working together to achieve the best possible outcome for the casualty”.