Injured walker winched from steep valley near Morwenstow

A slip on the coast path near Morwenstow turned into a job for two helicopters, three rescue teams and an ambulance on Sunday afternoon. The walker had hurt their leg at the bottom of a steep sided valley, in a spot that ruled out a simple carry to safety.

The call

At 14:47 on Sunday 26 July, Bude Coastguard Rescue Team was tasked by Falmouth Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre to help the ambulance service reach a casualty who had slipped and injured their leg on the coast path near Crosstown in Morwenstow.

On the way, it was confirmed the team would be supporting Cornwall Air Ambulance and an Operational Commander from South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

The air ambulance had just landed as the Coastguard team arrived. Rescue officers made their way to the casualty and liaised with the Critical Care Doctor and helicopter paramedics, who were leading the casualty care.

A tricky location

The problem was the ground. The casualty was at the bottom of a steep sided valley, and after talking it through with the Critical Care Team, the Coastguard Officer-in-Charge decided the safest way out was up.

That meant calling in more help. The Officer-in-Charge requested that both Hartland Coastguard Rescue Team and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter attend to lift the casualty clear by winch.

While the helicopter was inbound, Coastguard Rescue Officers carefully moved the casualty onto a stretcher and carried them a short distance to a better spot for the winching operation.

At the same time, the Officer-in-Charge worked with the Ambulance Service Operational Officer to arrange for an ambulance to meet the helicopter nearby, so the patient could be taken on to hospital by road. Rescue officers from Hartland met the ambulance and secured the helicopter landing site, ready for the aircraft.

Winched to safety

Once overhead, the Coastguard helicopter lowered a winch paramedic to the patient. After a handover from the Cornwall Air Ambulance team and a further assessment, the casualty was winched aboard. Cornwall Air Ambulance then left quickly, sent straight to a new tasking.

The patient was flown by Rescue 924, the Coastguard helicopter, to the landing site secured by the Hartland team, and transferred into the waiting ambulance. Rescue 924 departed, and after a debrief all the rescue teams were stood down.

If you see anyone in trouble on the coast, cliffs or sea, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.