Mountain heroes issue drone warning

A scene from Monday's rescue incident

Oldham Mountain Rescue Team issued a warning after a drone delayed a rescue operation on Monday.

The team received a call from North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust to assist with a casualty who had fallen 30ft from Indians Head at Greenfield.

Team members were dispatched to the area.

As they were preparing to set off on foot, they received a message from North West Air Ambulance Charity, who had landed at the top, to say the casualty was able to walk to the helicopter.

The team prepared and secured a landing area for the helicopter and once landed, the casualty was transferred to one of the team vehicles for the short drive to a waiting ambulance.

But there was a delay before the air ambulance could take off due to a drone flying nearby.

A spokesman for OMRT said: "If you are flying a drone and notice an air ambulance (or any other emergency services helicopter) then please land it immediately.

"It could have severe consequences for a casualty and the crew if the helicopter cannot fly or there is an accident while flying.”

Twelve team members were involved for one hour.

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