Rescuers rush to the aid of Peak District walkers

On Friday (17th January), a 65-year old woman was airlifted to hospital after collapsing whilst out walking at White Edge.

The woman was reportedly feeling unwell before she fell on to her knees and then forward onto her face. She had lost consciousness for approximately one minute.

Due to the remote location and clinical nature of the incident, Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) were called out to the incident. The took off from their base at East Midlands Airport just before 11:20am and arrived at the scene of the incident 18 minutes after receiving the emergency call.

The crew were joined at the scene by Edale Mountain Rescue Team. On the crew’s arrival the patient was sat up and appeared to be well. However, due to the difficult terrain and lack of access for land ambulances, the patient was transferred by helicopter the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield for further treatment.

On Saturday afternoon (18th January), the same crew were called out to Calver after a 68-year old woman suffered a broken leg. The crew landed in a nearby field shortly before 15:00. The patient was assessed by the DLRAA doctor., Her leg was splinted and she was given pain relief before being handed over to land ambulance crew, who took her to the same hospital.

On Sunday morning (19th January), Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) were called out to an incident in Buxworth after a 66-year old woman sustained a head injury after she fell from her horse.

WNAA landed in a field next to the patient at 11:45am. The crew immobilised the patient and gave her much need pain relief before flying her to Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester for further treatment. The crew arrived at the hospital shortly after 12:20pm.

Finally, DLRAA were called out to a 44-year old man after he collapsed whilst walking at Monsal Head near Bakewell on Sunday afternoon. The man was reported to be suffering from seizures. The crew landed at the isolated location at approximately 1:40pm. Edale Mountain Rescue Team were also on the scene and assisted with the immobilisation of the patient, who was stable on the crew’s arrival. He was airlifted to Northern General Hospital in Sheffield for further assessment.

The current condition of all patients is unknown.

TAAS believe their patients should be able to reach specialist treatment no matter where their incident happens. The sooner they reach the most relevant hospital for their injuries the greater their chance of survival and recovery.