Incident report

Search And Rescue Dog Association England dogs called to assist local and neighbouring MRT’s to the Lake District on the third day of a search for a missing fell walker.
Buxton team dog handler Dave and newly qualified search dog Griff with navigator Mark left home at 0330 to assist teams from Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team, Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team, Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team (LAMRT), Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team (BPMRT), Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team, RAF mountain rescue and ten other handlers and dogs.
At the time the mountain was in full winter conditions with increasingly poor weather forecast. Dave along with Bill Batson, Mick Nield, Steve Ward and Pete Farnell were tasked to search areas on the South East face of Scafell Pike, Ill Crag and Esk Pike. Whilst walking into the areas, near to Silverybield Crag, Bill Batson heard sounds for help and deployed dogs who subsequently located the missing walker. He was suffering from fractures and deep cuts and was cold, but incredibly still alive. Local MRT personnel supported by dog handlers stabilised the walker and loaded him into the search and rescue aircraft for transfer to hospital.
Well done to all involved in a multiple team search and of course a big well done to Griff, Dave and navigator Mark.