We were asked to assist a lady who had broken her lower leg whilst at the top of Crowden Brook, just inside our area of responsibility. This looked like a difficult operation for us: the top of Crowden Clough has very steep sides and so a rope rescue might have been needed. It is quite far from our vehicle access point at Edale Cross and we had limited member availability because the call was during the working week. So, we asked for assistance from the Coastguard rescue helicopter, which has a winching capability.

Kinder 1 went to the casualty site and Kinder 2 prepared the rope rescue equipment in case it was needed. As Kinder 1 were on route from Edale Cross we were informed that the S92 Coastguard helicopter was inbound and should be on site in 10 minutes. In discussion with the Peak District MRT Duty Controller, we decided to hold off asking for assistance from a neighbouring Mountain Rescue Team until we knew if the S92 was going to winch the casualty or if we needed to execute a rope rescue and stretcher evacuation on land.

Fortunately, the S92 was able to winch their medic to the casualty. They provided treatment. Kinder 1 were now on scene to provide assistance and executed a hi-line as the casualty was winched into the S92. The helicopter was running low on fuel, so flew the casualty to Manchester Airport, where she was transferred to a land ambulance and the S92 refuelled.

Kinder 1 walked the two remaining casualty party members back to our Landrovers at Edale Cross and we drove them back to their car in Hayfield.

Kinder Mountain Rescue Team is staffed by volunteers who give their time free of charge and is funded entirely by public donations.

https://www.justgiving.com/kmrt

– Time: 13:50

– Type: Mountain Incident

– Location: Kinder Plateau

– Team members: 17 plus Coastguard Rescue 912

– Duration: 4 Hours

– Volunteer hours on this incident: 68 hours

– Total callout hours in 2025: 1895 hours