18
Jun
Fell rescuers drive Harrogate walker to hospital to avoid four-hour ambulance wait
Volunteer rescuers helped a female walker who slipped while climbing over a stile near Harrogate yesterday.
Police asked Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association to assist the woman, who had injured her knee at Huby.
The 14-person crew administered first aid at the scene.
The rescuers usually hand over people to land or air ambulances if they require further treatment.
But they drove the woman to Airedale General Hospital, near Keighley in West Yorkshire, because of ambulance delays.
In a post on social media, the association said:
The team attended, provided casualty care, splinted the injured joint in a vacuum split and stretchered her out from the fields.
Due to the waiting times for an ambulance and her continued pain, the team then transported her to Airedale hospital for further treatment.
We would like to wish the lady a speedy recovery.
Derek Hammond, one of the association's volunteers, told the Stray Ferret: the ambulance service was "extremely busy".
He added:
We were told we would have a four-hour wait.
These were exceptional circumstances, so she was taken to the nearest suitable hospital in the team vehicle.
Three Peaks Challenge
The association, which is a charity, is set to host its biggest fundraiser of the year next week.
A total of 132 people have signed up already to take part in the UWFRA Wharfedale Three Peaks Challenge
Volunteers can climb the three Wharfedale peaks while raising funds for the rescue service on June 29. There are three circular routes to choose from, all starting and ending in Kettlewell.
Entry on the day costs £30 or less for online entrants, click here to sign up and find out more.
Subscription is coming on July 1. To find out what to expect click here.
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