Wetherlam17th February 2015 11:25hrs 6/2015

Although the valleys were mainly dry and clear, the fells were initially covered in mist with strong cold winds. The mist cleared early afternoon.

The team was called to assist a male walker who was suffering from extremely bad cramp and could not move. He was approximately 200 metres from the top of Wetherlam.

We were able to locate the casualty by using the SARLOC system to pinpoint his exact location via a link sent to his mobile phone. He was with his son and had food and water as well as warm clothing. However, if the gentleman was not able to make his way off the mountain, then because of the wintery conditions, hypothermia could set in. It was very icy in the area so there was always the possibility he could slip. With these in mind the team set off fully equipped. Fortunately he had recovered sufficiently to make his way tentatively down Wetherlam Edge and was met by a couple of the members at Birk Fell Hawse. There followed a long, sometimes painful walk due to periodic recurring cramps, down to the land rovers at Tilberthwaite. The casualty was driven to the base for rest, and was well enough to make his way home with his son.

11 Team Personnel responded to this incident which took 3 hours.