A competitor in an ultra-running event became severely hypothermic in the Lake District, prompting an urgent callout to help him.
The incident happened at Brown Cove Crags, Helvellyn, where a passing walker noticed the runner showing signs of serious hypothermia.
The walker attempted to assist the runner down the fell but his condition rapidly deteriorated, leaving him unable to continue.
RAF Leeming Mountain Rescue Service, who were training nearby, were called to respond.
They dispatched a hasty party equipped with hypothermia gear, followed by additional team members.
Keswick Mountain Rescue Team, which had just completed another callout, joined the effort with specialist equipment, in case the runner’s condition worsened.
When RAF Leeming reached the casualty, they found him drifting in and out of consciousness.
The team was able to stabilise him and prepare him for a stretcher evacuation off the mountain.
The rescue teams carried him down to an awaiting ambulance from Northwest Ambulance Service (NWAS).
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During the evacuation, the rescue teams encountered another runner suffering from mild hypothermia, being assisted by a fellow competitor.
After providing warm clothing, the second runner was able to walk down with the team to the vehicles.
The combined efforts of 14 members from RAF Leeming and nine from Keswick Mountain Rescue Team successfully averted what could have been a tragic outcome.
The entire operation lasted three hours and 28 minutes.
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