Mountain rescuers battled through three feet of snow to rescue a trekker who had become stuck in the Peak District. Incredible images show Glossop, Kinder and Edale Mountain Rescue Teams trudging along the hills in freezing conditions, with thick snow drifting around them in a rescue operation lasting more than eight hours.
A total of 60 volunteers worked together to rescue the casualty on Tuesday afternoon (January 7). Mountain rescuers were called out at 3.21pm after the casualty had gotten into difficulty in deep snow.
Thirty members of the Glossop Mountain Rescue Team responded to the incident, before being joined by 12 from Kinder and 18 from Edale, due to the ‘arduous nature of conditions’. The volunteers were initially unable to locate the trekker.
Once he was found, after an arduous trek through the Peaks, the trekker was treated for hyperthermia and stretchered back to safety. The team were finally able to stand down at midnight, with the Glossop rescuers admitting they ‘couldn’t have done it without the support of our neighbouring teams’.
A spokesperson for Glossop Mountain Rescue Team added: “The team were called out 15:21 to a casualty who had gotten into difficulty in deep snow. Unfortunately we were unable to define his exact location so the team went out with a number of search patterns across the plateau.
Volunteers battle severe snow to rescue a casualty in the Peak District
(Image: Glossop Mountain Rescue Team)
“Visibility and mobility across the moor were hampered by snow that was drifting up to 3ft in depth. The casualty was located in the Hern stones area, assessed and provided warming blankets due to significant hypothermia. With the potential for life threatening injuries we requested support from the Coastguard S92 helicopter.
“Unfortunately after several attempts they were forced to turn by the weather on Bleaklow. Considering the arduous nature of conditions, Kinder and Edale Mountain Rescue Teams were called on to support with the stretcher carry back to the roadhead.
Volunteers battle severe snow to rescue a casualty in the Peak District
(Image: Glossop Mountain Rescue Team)
“The casualty was transported off the hill to snake summit using our new sled – fabricated by Wray Engineering – where he was passed onto the awaiting ambulance for further assessment and treatment. We wish the casualty a speedy recovery.”
Anyone who needs the service of the nearest mountain rescue team can call 999. More information on Glossop Mountain Rescue Team can be found on their JustGiving page.