Christmas Day rescue for Dovestones casualty

Police and Mountain Rescue were involved

Not long after the King's speech on Christmas Day, Oldham Mountain Rescue Team received a request from GMP for assistance with the evacuation of a male lost in the Dovestones area.

He had become separated from companions on a walk, became wet and cold, and fallen into Chew Brook.

The man was located by the National Police Air Service helicopter and GMP officers on the ground, but required the mountain rescue team’s help to find a route out.

The team despatched a fast party and, while en route to the casualty, found his friends trying to walk off the hill.

Said Rob Tortoishell, mountain rescue’s team leader: “They were put into one of the team’s Land Rovers to warm up while the rest of the team members continued to the casualty.

“He was was escorted to the safety of one of our  team  vehicles for an assessment, before being taken back to base to get warmed up and handed over to North West Ambulance Service for onward transport to hospital for further checks.”

Mr Tortoishell added: “This was a great example of inter-agency working to find the best outcome for the casualty. And a huge thank you to the member of the public who gave us mince pies and biscuits at Dovestones car park.

“It is the second year in a row we have had a callout on Christmas Day, and while we don't mind turning out no matter when it is, we are hoping it isn't the start of a new annual tradition!”

Thirteen OMRT personnel were involved for one  hour 45 minutes.