Siney Tarn Rescue

24th August 2003

Permission was sought and received from the injured lady before the photographs were put on the website. 

		The Bell Stretcher - perhaps the most important piece of equipment we carry.  It is manufactures from tough tubular stainless steel, comes on two halves and can be quickly assembled either on the fell or even half way down a crag.
The casualty bag is just like a sleeping bag but has a zip for easy access, a fleece lining and a very hard-wearing outer layer which is weather resistant.  All is designed to provide the casualty with the best possible comfort and security for their carry down the mountain.
		The casualty is now on the stretcher ready to be zipped up in the casualty bag and strapped tightly in before the 30 minute slide / carry down the mountain to the mountain rescue ambulance in the valley bottom.  Normally there would be around 15 to 20 team members on the rescue (50% of the team) but Bank Holiday weekends are always difficult with many out of the area on holiday or climbing elsewhere.  If additional hands are necessary, adjacent teams can be called in such as Duddon & Furness MRT, Keswick MRT or Cockermouth MRT.
The casualty is safely back on the forest tracks and ready to be transported out by the team ambulance - incident happened high on the fell to the right, about a 30 minute walk
		The Casualty's right leg was suspect fractured ankle so had to be immobilised inside the inflatable plastic splint.  This provides excellent support, acts as a cushion and allows the injury to be visually checked.  It also provides good insulation from the cold.
At the end a successful rescue it is good to have a bit of a play - here one of the Wasdale team members and member of SARDA (Lakes) gives his search dog some TLC and attention.