Mourne Mountain Rescue Team come to aid of walkers

Mourne Mountain Rescue Team come to aid of walkers

6 December 2023

VOLUNTEERS from the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team have responded to two calls within the space of five days.

On Tuesday evening of last week shortly before 9pm, volunteers received a request from police to assist a walker who sustained injuries in a fall while descending from the summit of Slieve Donard.

When the team arrived on scene, the casualty’s condition was assessed and it was deemed suitable to evacuate with assistance, with the walker transferred to Newcastle for re-assessment and onward journey to hospital for further assessment and care.

Initially, due to circumstances, including potential condition and location, air support assistance was requested with Rescue 936 responding from Caernarfon, but the aircraft was stood down on route. 

A total of 17 members responded to the emergency call and were stood down shortly before 12.20pm.

Shortly after 3pm last Saturday, team members were asked by police to assist a walker who aggravated a knee injury while descending from the summit of Slieve Donard.

The leaders of the group along with the help of another passing group succeeded in assisting the casualty down a considerable way. 

When the rescue team arrived on scene, the casualty’s condition was assessed and it was decided to wait for further assistance and to stretcher the injured walker the remainder of the way.

Following an evacuation down the Glen River and after a short journey by team vehicle to Newcastle, the casualty was transferred for further assessment and treatment.

A total of nine members who responded were stood down at 6.15pm.

Just after receiving this call, the rescue team received a second call from police regarding another walker having sustained a knee injury. With the help of friends, this casualty managed to make it to Donard Forest where police offered transport to Newcastle.