Rock climber rescued by RAF after falling in Pontesbury
A man rock climbing in Shropshire had to be rescued using an RAF rescue helicopter after falling around 30ft (9 meters) yesterday afternoon.
The man was climbing with his wife when he fell at Earl Hill, Pontesbury around 3.30pm.
Ambulance crews attending the scene found themselves some way from the incident. They walked up the hill to the rock face where the man had fallen. The air ambulance was also in attendance and could not land very close and the crew walked to the patient up a small steep path.
The rock climber, ages in his early fifties suffered serious leg injuries and received emergency treatment at the scene from paramedics. He received pain relief at the scene whilst his leg was immobilised using a splint.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Due to the location of the man and the dense undergrowth where he had fallen, it became apparent that is was going to be extremely challenging to get him safely down the hill and back to an awaiting ambulance. The access was extremely steep and narrow.
“The decision was made to call for the assistance of the RAF who sent a rescue helicopter to winch the man to safety. Whilst the RAF helicopter was en route the man continued to receive emergency treatment at the scene and his condition kept stable.
“The man was winched up to the rescue helicopter and flown to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further emergency treatment. The hospital had been pre alerted to the mans arrival and injuries.
“The man was on the rock receiving treatment for around two hours before being airlifted to safety.”
An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, the Trusts Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), a paramedic officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford and also a RAF rescue helicopter attended the scene.
