Windgather Rocks, Kettleshulme
- Call out for year: 21
- Date: 19/04/14
- Time: 4:40 pm
- Grid ref: SJ 995 781
- Type of incident: Climber Injured(2)
- Team members involved: 15
- Time taken: 2 hours
- Total man hours: 30
Incident report
Buxton Mountain Rescue Team called to Windgather Rocks following the report of a climber having fallen. A woman from Harrogate, on holiday with her family, was climbing Portfolio (H.V.S. 5b) when she fell six metres striking a ledge on her descent. 
Landing in a very awkward position, the casualty had sustained possible back and head injuries. A second member of the family had sustained minor rope burns to her hands.
Credit must be given to the other climbers and Outdoor Instructors on the crag who had come to the lady’s immediate aid and ensured she was not moved before the correct equipment arrived.
On arrival team members placed the lady onto a spinal splint board and then onto a rescue stretcher. North West Air Ambulance was requested which was able to land in a field a short distance away. The lady was then flown to a Manchester hospital for further investigation.
Web Editor is pleased to report that the hospital detected no serious injuries and the casualty was released from hospital the same evening.
Photo: Treating for the worst, Team members place the casualty on a spinal splint board.
4 comments
Can I add my thanks to the other climbers who assisted and provided excellent first aid before the arrival of the team, a very good handover when we arrived and some very good stabilisation from some instructors from Roperace at Marple, well done and thank you all for some very skilful first aid.
So glad to hear the girl is ok, was really worrying to see this whilst I was there. Well done for the swift and successful rescue.
Thank you so much to all the team for your expert and professional help, getting me out of a difficult position, keeping me safe and helping me to stay calm. Thanks also to the climbers who helped me so much beforehand. I’m happy to say that luckily I’ve got away unscathed apart from a few bruises – and the memory of the fall!
Sue, I’m really glad to hear you’re ok. I was part of the group that was climbing near you when you fell. Hope your daughters hand is getting better too.