## **Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team Annual Report 2021/2022** 


**Presented at the Annual General Meeting held on 21 November 2022** 



**Team members and officials 2021/2022 as at the AGM** 

## **President and Vice-Presidents** 

President Richard Longman Vice-President Dr Nigel Burton Vice-President Jos Naylor MBE Vice-President Maurice Pringle Vice-President Dr Adrian Simper OBE 

## **Trustees** 

Chairman John Bamforth Duty Team Leader Phil Hall Duty Team Leader John Hryb Duty Team Leader & Training Officer Penny Kirby Duty Team Leader Chris Cripps Treasurer John Noake Trustee Mike Smith Buildings Officer Rob Smith Communications & ICT Officer Rob Higham Equipment Officer Dan Pocock Fundraising Officers Anne Guest and Sam Stalker Medical Officer Lucy Belson Press Officer Richard Warren Secretary Graham Hogg Vehicles Officer Jake Manson Water Officer Rob Stalker 

## **Co-Opted Officers** 

## **Membership as at the AGM** 

## **Full Team Members (37):** 

Chris Adams, John Bamforth, Martin Bentley, Andy Cramp, Chris Cripps, Debs Cripps, Ian Davidson, Phil Gibbs, Mitchell Graham, Phil Hall, Mark Harrison, Mark Hazell, Robert Higham, Graham Hogg, John Hryb, Sarah Kekus, Mark Kendall, Dave Kennedy, Penny Kirby, Jon Lynch, Jake Manson, Richard Moss, John Noake, Sue Noake, Marc Penn, Dan Pocock, Steve Read, Dan Shepherd, Colin Smith, Mike Smith, Rich Smith, Rob Smith, Rob Stalker, Steve Walter, Richard Warren, Dave Willey, Klem Zafred plus Jess the search dog 

## **Associate Team Members – Probationers (10):** 

Dave Allery, Chad Dixon, Tom Hewitson, Paul Kerry, Gareth Platt, Mike Robinson, Luke Tipper, Lee Tunstall, Mark Wells, Sarah Wild 

## **Associate Team Members – Support (8):** 

Paul Barratt, Lucy Belson, Tim Brooks, Anne Guest, Tariq Qureshi, Stephanie Maffia, Sam Stalker, Dave Thompson, Emily Watts 

## **Honorary Life Team Members (26):** 

Joe Arthy, Dave Barras, Bob Bennett, Howard Christie, Lord Cunningham, Dave Fryer, Jenny Green, Roger Green, Karen Greene, Mike Greene MBE, Pete Holburt, Keith Hudson, Richard Longman, Joe Moody, Will Mullineux, Guy Newbold, Ken Owens, Bill Pattison MBE, Dave Polhill, Maurice Pringle, Brian Smith, Gordon Starkie, Keith Thompson, Nick West, Royanne Wilding, Martin Young 



## **Agenda** 

1. Chairman’s opening remarks 

2. Acceptance of the minutes of the 2021 Annual General Meeting held on 15 November 2021 

3. Presentation of the 2022 Annual Reports by Officers including the 2021/22 Accounts 

4. Election of the Trustees being: - 

   - Chairman 

   - Up to 4 Team Leaders 

   - Up to a total of 9 trustees, including Chairman and Team Leaders 

The following nominations for trustees were received by the deadline: - 

## **Chairman** 

|**Name**|**Proposer**|**Seconded by**|
|---|---|---|
|John Bamforth|Jake Manson|Mark Harrison|
|**Duty Team Leader**|||
|**Name**|**Proposer**|**Seconded by**|
|Chris Cripps|John Hryb|PennyKirby|
|Phil Hall|Rob Stalker|Dan Pocock|
|John Hryb|AndyCramp|Richard Smith|
|PennyKirby|John Hryb|Dan Shepherd|



**Trustees** 

|**Name**|**Proposer**|**Seconded by**|
|---|---|---|
|Ian Davidson|Mike Smith|John Hryb|
|Mark Harrison|PennyKirby|Mike Smith|
|John Noake|Sue Noake|Phil Hall|
|Mike Smith|Richard Moss|David Kennedy|



Appointment of officers 

5. Motions for debate and proposed constitutional changes – None have been received 

6. Appointment of Auditors (with a proposal to retain Robinson & Co) 

7. Any other business 



## **Chairman’s Report** 

At the time of writing, the number of callouts this year is approaching the record years of 2017 and 2021 when there were 140 and 139 ‘999’ calls, respectively. For most of this year we have been dealing with the aftermath of the pandemic, which has brought many new visitors into the Lake District and placed significant demands on our team and on those of our neighbouring teams. We have remained operational throughout and thanks must go to those who have kept us safe and functioning throughout this period. 

To address the increased requirement for our services, over the past three years, we have actively sought to increase the number of members in the team from the previous notional target of 40 members to around 50. This has entailed a significant amount of recruitment campaigns, training and mentoring sessions, and assessment exercises, and thanks must go to those who have made this happen. The first two years’ cohorts have become full members and a third is about to graduate, with next year’s cohort about to begin their probationary period. 

Our base was designed to house four vehicles as well as the boat, and this year we decided to increase the capability of the team’s vehicle fleet from three to four, to cope with the increasing number of callouts and allow us to attend multiple incidents at the same time. We costed this out and applied to the Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership for a potential contribution before raising funds ourselves. To our delight, we were awarded the full amount of £75,497 to buy our fourth emergency vehicle kitted out with blue lights, casualty care and radio communications equipment: we are very grateful for this level of funding support and the vehicle is on order. 

Sadly, in May this year we lost our friend Pete Baines. Pete joined the team in February 1980 after moving to Cumbria in 1976 and he recently celebrated 40 years as a member. In his time, he was quartermaster, buildings officer, committee member, trustee, and latterly assistant team leader. Aside from that he was blessed with a great sense of humour and with speed up the hill, often arriving well in advance of the rest of us. Our thoughts are with his wife Janice and his family. 

In previous years, the long service awards began at 25 years (then 40 years, 50 years and so on) but this year MREW has expanded the awards to start at 10 years and then every 10 years, so we have been back through the records and the following current member are to be congratulated on achieving the following long service awards: - 

## 10 years 

Chris Adams, Chris Cripps, Debs Cripps, Mark Hazell, Jon Lynch, Jake Manson, Dave Thompson 

## 20 years 

Dave Kennedy, Colin Smith 

## 30 years 

Richard Warren, Dave Willey 

## 40 years 

Martin Bentley 

## 50 years 

Sue Noake 



This October has seen a significant milestone with Sue Noake achieving 50 years of service in the Wasdale team. This is a magnificent achievement and particular congratulations must go to her for her efforts over that time. In December, Tim Brooks will have reached 25 years and in 2023 Penny Kirby will reach 40 years and Graham Hogg 10 years. 

A key element of our service is our medical aspect, and this has been enhanced again by our diligent medical team not only in the equipment that we have at our disposal but also by the level of skill and the capability that has derived from their expert training of our membership. This year we have had several callouts where the medical intervention of our team members made a life-changing difference to those casualties: those involved can be truly proud of their achievements. 

Communication too is very important and those involved in keeping our infrastructure operational and enhancing it should be recognised. We have operated successfully with several other Lakes teams this year and the fact that we have a Lakes-wide roaming digital radio infrastructure has enabled that to happen. The addition of technologies such as Zello and satellite telephony give us more tools in our toolbox to stay connected. 

Thanks must go to Duddon & Furness MRT for their enthusiastic support at our busiest times and to the aircrews of HM Coastguard and the air ambulances, as well as Cumbria Police, NWAS, RAF MRT and other emergency services. It is good too that we have such a strong region to draw on other resources such as communications, casualty care and swift water rescue to name a few. 

Income and expenditure have been carefully managed and controlled over the year and thanks must go to those involved in our team’s financial governance and to Robinson & Co who generously prepare our accounts each year. In these financially difficult times, we are fortunate to have a healthy bank account with at least two years’ worth of operating expenditure as well as earmarked reserves. Thanks must go to those of you who have helped to bring in the much-needed funds: this includes attending functions and events throughout the year to gain and receive these funds. 

I would like to thank all our trustees, elected and co-opted officers who have worked tirelessly to maintain our effectiveness as a team during another very busy year of rescues and training. 

Thanks go to the members of the team for their commitment, contribution, and support over the past twelve months. Finally, the support that we receive from families and friends, who often must pick up the pieces when there is a callout, is much appreciated: please pass on our thanks. 

John Bamforth 

Chairman 

## **Secretary’s Report** 

This is the first year I have taken on the role of secretary and mostly, it has been relatively straightforward. Whilst I am not a trustee, there has developed a welcoming atmosphere at trustee meetings and I have always felt able to speak up, and indeed have done so at most meetings. I hope in 2023 that other members will come along, if only to observe the goings on with team governance. 

It has been a few years now since the team split meetings into an Operation Review and a Trustee meeting. My opinion is that this has now matured into the discussions that were originally envisaged. The operations review is quite rightly dominated by recounting call-outs and teasing out all manner 



of learning points – more and more team members are chipping in during these meetings. The Trustee meeting has made lots of progress in different aspects of team governance, but whilst the agendas often look simple, there has been a lot to get through. 

One final thought about team meetings – the ‘what went well’ segment at the start each meeting has been around for some time now and continues to be a celebration of members achievements. I am sure all will agree it is an enjoyable, positive way to begin a meeting. 

However, it has not all been successes. Back in April I undertook an action to look at the team’s engagement with our Honorary Members. I began with enthusiasm and lots of them wrote back to me with their thoughts on aspects such as receiving the ops meeting minutes and their opinion of our social media accounts. However, team activities combined with busy lives meant the weeks passed by over the spring and the summer - I did little to keep in touch. I am sure those Honorary members reading this now would agree. Going forward in 2023 I think it would be good to begin something simple and maintainable – perhaps a short quarterly newsletter to Honorary members based entirely around the ‘what went well’ segment from our meetings. I would welcome any thoughts on this from members, please do get in touch. 

Team membership stands at 37 full team members and 10 probationers, compared to 31 and 7 respectively last year. Sadly, we lost Pete Baines this year and Neil Carrick and Lee Dixon have left the team: thanks must go to all of them for their efforts. 

Additionally, we have a group of associate members in supporting roles: sadly, Jen Hellier has stood down and thanks are due for her efforts in the fundraising area. We welcome Sam Stalker as a new associate member in the fundraising team. 

The website and all the social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) have been kept up to date and thanks to all involved in doing this. It is another one of those many jobs “behind the scenes” that needs to be done. It is perhaps underestimated in today’s world of instant information, but it has a great deal of value. Many people who do not use social media revert to the website to find out about what is happening including past members, past casualties, the media, and those wishing to leave a donation or a legacy. We have had many people contact us about a variety of things and it remains a worthy public face of the team available at all times of the day. 

Finally, quite often the secretary’s role is diverting a wide variety of tasks in the direction of many other members – to those who have helped in all manner of jobs that keep the team functioning, I extend my thanks. 

Graham Hogg 

Secretary 

## **Duty Team Leaders’ Report** 

It has been another busy year, and since last year’s AGM up until 16[th] November, there have been 142 ‘999’ calls, 123 of those since January 1[st ] this year, (19 between the last AGM and 31[st] Dec). Of these 142 calls, 53 have been dealt with by the team leaders, (including 4 last year) and the team was not called out. 



The remaining 89 were a mix of lost folk - where we went out and actively searched; lost, but where we were able to get a Phone Find, then it was a case of locating and escorting folk off the hill; stuck, with or without dog, and an enormous variety of medical issues and injuries. Tragically, there have been fatalities, but some resounding successes, notably 2 casualties suffering heart attacks, both of whom survived. Lucy will go into more detail in her report. 

We were able to assist Duddon & Furness MRT on 2 incidents, have been assisted by them on many more, and by RAF Leeming on a few others. We were supported by teams from across the Lakes and beyond on some of our searches. We continue to have great support from air assets and land ambulances. 

We have welcomed 6 probationers from last year as full members, we have 10 probationers currently, and will hopefully have 5 starting in January next year. 

Covid has had less of an impact this year thankfully, and although team members have contracted the virus it has not prevented us from responding. 

Thank you to all for the amazing commitment, and support, not only on rescues, but behind the scenes – vehicles, equipment, building and grounds, medical, media, recruitment, communications and ICT, finances, fund-raising, water and boat, training, and a myriad of other small but essential tasks that ensure we can operate as smoothly as we do. It is, put simply, an extraordinary achievement, thank you. 

Thank you 

Chris Cripps, Phil Hall, John Hryb & Penny Kirby 

Duty Team Leaders 

## **Medical Report** 

## **COVID: Keeping the team safe and operational** 

The team continued to report weekly LFTs until August. There is no doubt that this contributed to being fully operational throughout the pandemic. A local pharmacy has kindly provided flu jabs and boosters further strengthening our position this winter. 

## **Call Outs** 

November 2021 to October 2022 (inclusive) there were 139 callouts of which 21% were medical. _(Data from casualty cards and recorded callouts)._ 

|Ankle<br>Injuries|Knee<br>injuries|Legs<br>injuries/cramp|Shoulder<br>Injuries|Head<br>Injuries|Hip<br>Injury|chest pain<br>cardiac|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|9|8|6|1|2|1|2|



100 % of all medical callouts were attended by a casualty carer. The team were able to offer professional care and alleviate suffering using the skills developed through both the casualty care and first aid courses. In one case a casualty with severe chest pain, having had textbook treatment on the hill, was treated in a cardiac centre before the team returned to base. 



## **Training** 

Dr Tariq Qureshi continues to lead on the casualty care programme, and we are running our third this year. Currently the team has 13 certified members. Medical training has benefited from the purchase of a simulation manikin, skeleton, training defibrillators, anatomy & physiology models, and posters. Dr Qureshi and I are looking to develop some extended skills and are planning an exciting programme of medical training for 2023. 

In March this year, 10 of the team including 8 of our probationers successfully completed an outdoor first aid course building on existing numbers, this gives a grand total of 69% of the team qualified in OFA. A massive thanks goes to Mike Smith for delivering an engaging and professional course. 

Monthly medical training has been supported by local team doctors from Keswick, Duddon and Furness MRTs and paramedical staff. This is important and we value our links with the local community including the National Centre for Rural and Remote Medicine near Whitehaven, and our Community First Responders. 

## **Equipment** 

Waterproof first aid kits have been provided to individuals in the team. These include group shelters and a comprehensive list of essential kit. Once again, thanks to Mike for the advice and help preparing these for issue. Earlier in the year we trialled some pouches for the medical bags, these are now in place, providing improved and intuitive access to emergency equipment. We are going to trial some cutting-edge thermometers and pulse oximeters to improve our monitoring capabilities on the hill and continue to strive towards best practice. 


Left to right: Steve Read; Chad Dixon; Lee Tunstall; Dr. Tariq Qureshi; Lucy Belson; Steve Walter; Sarah Wild; Dave Allery. 

It has been a year of exciting developments and innovation. 

A huge thank you to Dr Tariq Qureshi who has joined the team as associate member and is the medical lead on Casualty Care. Also, a big thanks to Dr Alistair Fale for lots of additional training and Dr C Heasman for her support plus medical staff from West Cumberland Hospital. Paul Barratt has continued to manage the weekly LFT reporting and Mike Smith for bringing his First Aid expertise. 



Thanks to everyone who has supported our medical efforts, too many to mention, but a heartfelt thanks to all. 

Lucy Belson 

Medical officer 

## **Treasurer's Report** 

The accounts for the year to 30 September 2022 are being finalised and thanks must go to Emma Woodend and Jason Spires of Robinson & Co. for preparing them. 

## Financial highlights 

The highlights of the year from a financial point of view (from the draft accounts) are as follows: - 

- The net income for 2022 was £75,092 and this compares to the 2021 figure of £58,422. 

- Donations in 2022 were £97,633 compared to £109,231 in 2021 and there was £500 of legacies in 2022 compared to £nil in 2021. 

- Net assets have decreased from £1,275,896 to £1,253,236 of which cash at bank is £490,531 compared to £500,231 in 2021. 

## Summary 

For the past few years, we have said to the public that it costs approximately £70,000 to run the team each year and this remains the challenge for next year’s fundraising. The team’s finances are in a healthy position and the challenge remains for next year’s trustees is how to invest the team’s assets in the medium to longer term. 

John Noake 

Treasurer 

## **Fundraising Report** 

## **Events** 

Over the past year, fundraising events have picked up as the pandemic restrictions have diminished. This has meant that we have been able to raise our public profile and continue to promote effective community relations. 

Below is a record of the regular, new, and resumed events in the fundraising calendar between December 2021 to date: 



|**DATE**|**EVENT**|**LOCATION**|**EXPENSES**|**MONEY BANKED**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|3/12/2021|WMRT<br>Merchandise stall|Egremont Fair<br>Trade and Craft<br>Market|None|£284.85|
|18/12/2021|Flag Day|Egremont and<br>Whitehaven|None|£2335.30|
|18/03/2022|Refreshments<br>Stall|Egremont Fair<br>Trade and Craft<br>Market|Anne: £10|£391|
|22/05/2022|Egremont Pool<br>League Gala|Egremont Town<br>RugbyClub|None|£800|
|10/06/2022|DriggGala|Drigg|None|£366|
|20/08/2022|Gosforth Show|Gosforth|None|£1424.09<br>(Includes donations<br>raised by the Brown<br>family and presented at<br>the show)|
|24/09/2022|Eskdale Show|Eskdale|See below|£368.66|
|08/10/2022|Wasdale<br>Shepherd’s Meet|Wasdale Head|See below|More than £500|
|**Future events:**|||||
|21/04/2023|Egremont<br>Farmer’s Fair<br>Trade and Craft<br>Market|Egremont|||
|12/12/2022|Flag Day|Egremont and<br>Whitehaven|||



At each of the above events, we are extremely grateful for the support of many team members who assist on the day; engaging with the public, erecting, and dismantling the gazebo, entertaining children, and offering advice and information to all those who come to the stall. Your presence is much appreciated. 

The refreshments stall at the Egremont Farmer’s Fair Trade and Craft market is a regular fixture for us now and is in the calendar for next year on 21[st] April. 

The flag day has also been booked for 17[th] December 2022 and will repeat yearly. The generosity of local people makes this an important source of funding and goodwill for us. 

The annual agricultural shows will also be part of the fundraising calendar in years to come. Again, they form a vital part of our offering to the local community. 

## **Merchandise** 

We have bought several new items for the team shop, most of which have sold very successfully at the local shows. 

The additional stock and sale price is as follows: 

|•|T shirts|£10-£14|
|---|---|---|
|•|Water bottles|£8.50|
|•|Beanies|£10.00|
|•|Torches|£6.00|





- Notebooks £4.00 

When these are added to our team website shop and social media platforms, we hope to reach an even wider market, generating a good amount of revenue and supporting our public profile. 

Of the existing merchandise, the contemporary design blue neck scarves are proving very popular. Again, we hope to sell these even more widely when they are added to the website. 

## **Collection boxes** 

We have purchased 30 new collection boxes which will replace the very old ones still in circulation. The newer ‘old’ ones continue to be used for as long as they are intact. The contemporary design means that the boxes are slightly bigger and are more stable on a countertop. 

The collection system is constantly evolving with new members taking responsibility for certain boxes and we are very grateful for their help. Thanks go to Rich Smith and Mitch for their regular collections from Bridge End Garage and Seascale. 

Carol Holmes also ably assists us in Eskdale: her collection area is extensive, and this saves us an awful lot of legwork. Many thanks to her. 

## **Conclusion** 

There is always more that could be done, but we hope that, as recent associate members, Sam, Jen, and I have begun to make an impact on the profile of the team. Jen has now left the team, but her work is much appreciated. It has been a busy year for WMRT, and fundraising has been no exception. 

We will continue to do what we can and promote new initiatives where they are realistic and helpful. The efforts of the Fundraising team are always well supported by the wider membership, and we are grateful for that support. 

Anne Guest and Sam Stalker 

Fundraising Officers 

## **Vehicles Report** 

Many thanks to John Hryb, who I have taken over from as vehicles officer since the 2021 AGM. A big thank you also to all who use the vehicles; for driving safely, keeping them clean and reporting any issues. An extra mention to Lucy Belson, Mike Smith, and Lee Tunstall who have provided support when needed to keep these vehicles on the road and ready to respond. 

The Team continues to operate with the support of three vehicles: 

**Mobile 1** , our Toyota Hilux, continues to be our preferred rapid response vehicle. The vehicle has done 1987 miles so far this year and was used for most call-outs. 

**Mobile 2** , our Land Rover Defender is the second of our two rapid response vehicles which still provides the team with its iconic MR look and attended many of our fundraising and charity event commitments during the year. The vehicle has done 1141 miles so far this year and continues to be invaluable for boat deployments. 



**Mobile 3** , our Ford Tourneo Custom, the third motor vehicle in the fleet, has the capacity to ferry a larger number of members to call-outs, and has also been used for attending training events and to ferry equipment around. The vehicle has had some electrical problems, which have proved problematic to resolve using local garages due to the specialist nature of the blue light equipment, but work is in hand to fix this issue. The vehicle has done 2250 miles so far this year. 

The vehicles continue to be regularly maintained; any faults have been minor in nature, and promptly dealt with. All vehicles have passed their annual MOT and have been taxed and insured. 

There are no plans to replace any of the vehicles in the coming year, however, due to the expansion of the team over the past few years, a review of vehicle capability has been undertaken, and a decision made to purchase a further rapid response vehicle. In total, this will allow our fleet to transport up to 24 members at once and will enhance operational flexibility. A specification was drawn up and shared with the two main rescue vehicle providers in the north-west of England, and as a result an order placed for a Toyota Hilux, which once converted will be like Mobile 1. Unfortunately, mainly due to current global vehicle supply issues, the date for the delivery of an operational vehicle is uncertain, but hopefully it will be up and running before next summer’s busy season. Thanks are due to the MidCopeland GDF Community Fund, who have generously provided finance for the vehicle itself and for equipping it. Thanks to John Bamforth for working with the Fund to secure this. Housing it will require some changes to be made in the base. 

Looking forward, changes to governance arrangements for our vehicles and drivers are in the pipeline. This is likely to mean there may be some changes to vehicle maintenance and to driver training requirements. It is early days with this, so watch this space. 

Jake Manson 

Vehicles Officer 

## **Water Report** 

I have only started the Water Officer role recently and so I still am familiarising myself with the team’s water equipment and the boat. 

The SRT capability of the team has been raised at the Trustee meeting and we have decided to maintain the ability to field two Category C pods of 6 team members each along with a small number of reserves for cover. We currently only have 8 technicians whose qualifications are in date and so will be offering places to interested team members as regional training places become available, to reach the desired capability. 

The boat has been used once per month on average throughout this year and forms a key piece of rescue equipment that we also regularly practice with. Due to the issues that we have had with launching and recovering the boat, in October we had a very useful practice session “in slow time” and we are currently documenting the process and the learning points. One issue that came out was the low nose weight of boat on the trailer. We have rectified this by moving the trailer axle backwards to give the correct nose weight. 

Thanks to all those who have helped in the checking of the SRT equipment and the boat. 

Rob Stalker 

Water Officer 



## **Communications & ICT Report** 

As the Communications & ICT Officer for 2022 I have been responsible for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of WMRTs radio communication and ICT infrastructure. This year the focus has been on maintaining the existing system and exploring ways to improve it. 

## **New Equipment Purchases** 

During the year new equipment has been purchased to provide new probationers with radio handsets and to maintain our existing spares holdings (radio handsets, remote microphones, whip antennas and radio cases). 

Approval was also given to purchase additional equipment to support testing of new capabilities: 

- Base Station Radio - Required to support the development of a Zello solution in conjunction with the LDSAMRA Comms group. More about this in the Zello section below. 

- New Vehicle Radio with Single Frequency Repeater Licence - This will allow us to evaluate the single frequency repeater function and test how it will integrate into our operations as a deployable vehicle-based unit. 

- New Antennas for Wha House, Wasdale Head and Nether Wasdale - Replacement Antennas to improve the gain on the existing sites. These have yet to be purchased and installed but will likely form tasks going forwards. 

## **Repeater Sites RF Health Check** 

Dave Chimley, who is a Radio Communications Specialist, kindly offered to do an RF health check on several our repeater sites in June. A few of us met Dave and we evaluated the installed equipment at Longlands Base, Wasdale Head and Nether Wasdale sites and the vehicles over a day. This activity identified areas for immediate improvement which Dave helped us with and suggestions going forwards. Thanks to Dave Allery for organising. 

## **Satellite Radios** 

The area that WMRT operates in has a few areas that do not have satisfactory radio coverage from our repeaters. In October 2022, we commissioned a limited satellite push to talk radio service to provide improved potential for communications from these areas. The operating costs are high relative to the radio system, so they are deployed by hill group rather than individually. We have two handhelds and a base station now. Early indications of performance are good. We understand that we are the first MRT to deploy Satellite PTT in the UK. Thanks to Gareth Platt for his assistance installing the base station. 

## **Zello** 

Zello is a service which allows us to securely link our radio system to the internet. This gives us the benefit that authorised users with an internet connection, but no radio service can assist in operations. WMRT, as part of MREW, has been granted a free license by the vendors. The system is currently being bench tested prior to a potential deployment. Thanks to Hugh Redington for his assistance in setting Zello up. 



The task of maintaining and improving Communications and ICT is a team effort and I would like to thank the Comms team - Jon Lynch, Dave Allery and Hugh Redington who have all contributed throughout the year in maintaining and improving the communications capability. 

Robert Higham 

Communications & ICT Officer 

## **Buildings Report** 

Monthly checks of alarms, drainage, and general site upkeep. 

Generator has a full tank of fuel and is ready for any power supply issues this winter. 

Fire and intruder alarms have had their yearly service as have the extinguishers. 

New backup batteries in the intruder and fire alarms also three new backups in emergency lights have been replaced in the last month. 

Some of the fire extinguishers have been replaced to keep them current and seals replaced throughout. 

Had a couple of issues with the garage door but seems ok now. 

Rob Smith 

Buildings Officer 

## **Equipment Report** 

I started the Equipment Officer role in September 2022, where I have been responsible for managing the team’s crag equipment, stretchers, and other rescue accessories. The role involves sorting the various inspection requirements, purchasing new equipment, and liaising with equipment suppliers. Andy Cramp has kindly offered to support with the clothing side of the role. 

Recently the team has invested in accessories for the new Titan stretcher, including a headguard, skid sheet and carrying handles. The intention is to enable the team to use the Titan stretcher on more rescues as it is approximately 50% lighter than our standard Bell stretchers! The headguard has been well received as it is less bulky and easy to install, the new skid sheet is significantly easier to install than the older one. The new carrying handles are lightweight, however the attachment mechanism is not the most secure. We will be using this more in the future to help understand its capabilities and limitations. 

New sets of DMM nuts, hexes and cams are currently on order to bring our third crag set up to full strength; this will either be used as an operational spare, or in the new response vehicle when it arrives. 

The team continues to make more use of D4H, which is our new equipment logging and maintenance system. This is very easy to use and allows expiring equipment and inspections to be monitored. I have continued the excellent work of the previous Equipment Officer, Mark Kendall by adding more of the 



team’s equipment to D4H, notably the stretcher bridles and accessory cord. The aim is to get all the team’s crag related equipment and stretchers on the system. I am also updating the personally issued crag equipment on D4H to ensure that it is logged against which team member it is assigned to. This will make inspections significantly easier to manage and will make it easier to track the location of expired equipment. 

In November 2022, it became apparent that several of the team’s stretcher bridles were out of their 5yr statutory inspection date. Rectification of this is now progressing well, with all outstanding bridles sent to Lyon for re-certification. Some bridles have recently expired their service life, so three new bridles have been ordered, notably a wire bridle for the Titan stretcher allowing it to be winched by the Coastguard. 

One of our Mk3 Bell stretchers (manufactured in 1990) has recently passed its 5yr statutory inspection, with the Titan stretcher due in January 2023. Thanks to everyone who has helped with transporting our equipment to Lyon at Tebay, especially Lee Tunstall. 

6 monthly inspections of the team’s crag rescue equipment were completed in September and October 2022. This a huge task as we have almost 1200 pieces of equipment which must be thoroughly inspected and logged. I would like to thank everyone who has helped with this, especially Ian Davidson, Rob Stalker, and Mark Kendall. 12 monthly inspections of personally issued crag kit are also currently ongoing. 

The team has ordered new Mountain Equipment Kongur MRT jackets and Paramo Aspira jackets for 2021 and 2022 recruits. These will be under review, before considering the team’s strategy of renewal and replacement. This is currently on a 5yr cycle, which would benefit from some discussion and possible development with a view to updating which clothing is appropriate for each team member. 

I have only been in the role for a couple of months; however, I am enjoying the challenges it brings and intend to continue into 2023. I would like to thank the team for their ongoing support. 

Dan Pocock 

Equipment Officer 

## **Press Officer Report** 

2022 has been another busy year of rescues for the team which means plenty of social media reports viewed by the media. Having the highest mountain in England on our patch with 60% of incidents on Scafell Pike means a lot of press enquiries. Local and national papers, local and national radio, regional and national television, they all want a story. Maintaining good relationships with the media has always been our approach with the media and it seems to work well. It allows us to get our own messaging across whether it is fundraising, recruitment, safety messaging to reduce those 40% Scafell Pike lost and missing or just a big thanks to our community. 

2021 saw the showing of the Screes and boat rescue on BBC1 Close Calls: On Camera and 2022 showed the rescue of 12-year-old Zack Hockey from Scafell Pike who sustained a serious head injury on Mickledore Screes. Thanks to Mike Smith for co-ordinating and to the team leaders for their inputs to the filming. It is worth a watch on BBC iPlayer - Series10:Episode 15  and shows how well our team 



performs and equally the great way we work and interact with the supporting air assets. A demonstration of multi-agency working at its best. 

Our team leaders have appeared in TV interviews throughout the years. They present well and add operational realism to interviews that press officers sometimes cannot quite deliver. Not an easy task for the team leaders but always well executed so thank you. Also, a big thanks to all team members who have helped with the photographs, the videos and indeed the opportunities we get for reconstructions. It all makes the job of a press officer so much easier to do. 

Richard Warren 

Press Officer 

## **Training Officer Report** 

Over the year we have had a wide variety of training involving the bell stretcher, the titanium stretcher, wheel, the boat, crag training and associated equipment, steep ground, medical, (Lucy will cover this), winter skills, PPE kit inspection, communications, crashed aircraft, navigation for some and silver incident training. 

We had a long weekend winter training in Scotland. One member attended a PPE inspection course, several undertook blue light driver training, and others casualty care or outdoor first aid training. 

There has been helicopter training for some, search management training, avalanche incident management training, not to mention drone training, dog-training, and a flood awareness exercise. 

We took time to learn from the tragic incident affecting a Patterdale team member and have incorporated some of the learning into our practices, we have looked at mental health issues, dementia and at ways to look after our own wellbeing. 

Much of the training has involved all team members, some tailored towards the probationers. The programme has been amended at times to address training needs arising from callouts. 

Although we now train more frequently than we used to, it is a challenge to fit everything in, especially when callouts intervene, and some elements will be covered every second or third year. 

We have had some outside trainers/speakers but many team members have helped run the training as well, thank you to them. 

This is all in addition to a very busy year in terms of callouts, so thankyou to everyone who has participated. 

Penny Kirby 

Training Officer 



## **Incidents** 

These incidents have been kindly reproduced from the Team website (http://www.wmrt.org.uk) and represent events up to and including Monday 14 November. It should be noted that the reporting date for the team is that of calendar years. Incidents between the last AGM on 15 November 2021 and 31 December 2021 are reported separately later. 

_**Number of '999' calls for the calendar year to date = 119 which includes 72 with the team on the fell and 47 alerts, where the incident was reported in as a '999' but there was no need for any significant team involvement and therefore not formally logged as an incident - this is where, for example, the Team Leader talks them off the mountain with minimal team member involvement or missing persons turn up before the team is fully mobilised. Since the last AGM there have been 137 incidents of which 86 were callouts and 51 were alerts**_ 

## **1. Little Narrowcove, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 18:13 Sat 1st Jan 2022** 

We were alerted by Cumbria Police regarding two walkers who had become lost whilst descending Scafell Pike. The team were deployed, and the couple were located initially by the Team’s search dog, Jess, in Great Moss before being walked back to safety. 

## **2. Corridor Route, Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 18:24 Sun 2nd Jan 2022** 

We were alerted by Cumbria Police regarding a walker attempting the 3 Peaks who had become lost whilst descending Scafell Pike but said he could see lights in the distance. A Limited Callout was initiated, and he was found low down (again by Jess) by the intake wall at Gavel Neese. 

## **3. Upper Eskdale - Full Callout - 17:00 Mon 3rd Jan 2022** 

The team was called for 2 walkers who had become lost after climbing Scafell Pike. The walkers had no reception, but the police were fortunately able to provide a location from the 999 calls. The team was deployed, and Jess our Search Dog got her third find in three days when she located the walkers high up in the Eskdale valley. They were escorted down to a waiting taxi to be reunited with their car at Seathwaite. 

## **4. Hollowstones, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 14:53 Tue 4th Jan 2022** 

The team were called to help a lady and her husband after the lady had injured her ankle whilst descending off Scafell Pike. The pair had attempted to self-rescue, however, due to the poor ground conditions and the deteriorating light they felt it was in everybody’s best interest to ask for help. Both Wasdale and Duddon & Furness team members were immediately deployed to the location where initial medical care was provided and the lady was then carefully stretchered off back down to the valley bottom. Thank you for the support from Duddon & Furness Mountain Rescue Team. 

## **5. Lingmell Col, Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 16:03 Sun 9th Jan 2022** 

Whilst descending off Scafell Pike summit a couple of walkers became disorientated in low cloud. Due to the treacherous terrain, the encroaching darkness and the sudden temperature drop, the couple decided to call for help. The Duty Team Leader was able to make immediate contact with them and identify their exact location. Due to the cold, the Team Leader felt it was best to direct them away from the Piers Gill area and move towards Lingmell Nose descent path. A small deployment of Team Members were asked to go and meet the couple to provide warm clothing and lights if needed. The couple were intercepted and safely escorted back down to the valley bottom. 

## **6. Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 17:02 Sat 15th Jan 2022** 

We were alerted by Cumbria Police regarding two walkers who reported themselves lost on the descent from Scafell Pike. “Phone find” put them partway between the summit and Mickledore. They were given directions to descend via Mickledore and were asked to keep using Phone find to pinpoint their location. When there were no updates and it was not possible to reach them by phone, a limited callout was initiated, and they were located at Mickledore. They were unhurt and able to walk down. 

## **7. Scafell Pike - Alert - 19:34 Sat 22nd Jan 2022** 

We were alerted by Cumbria Police about eight walkers who were reported overdue from a walk up Scafell Pike. While the Team Leader was gathering information, one member of the group returned to the valley and contacted the police to say that the rest were all OK and not far behind. The incident was closed after confirmation was received that they were all off the hill. 

## **8. Scafell Pike - Alert - 17:05 Sat 29th Jan 2022** 



A party of 5 was reported lost on Scafell Pike. The Duty Team Leader was able contact the group and guide them off the hill with the aid of Phone Find. 

## **9. Little Narrowcove, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 08:00 Mon 31st Jan 2022** 

The team was alerted by Cumbria Police regarding two males who needed assistance after spending an unplanned night on the fell. One was struggling due to a leg injury and was becoming very cold. Due to the risks to the casualties, remote location and the potential for a long and arduous stretcher carry, helicopter assistance was requested. Coastguard helicopter Rescue 199 attended and tried to access the location of the casualties in Little Narrowcove but was thwarted by high winds and turbulence. They then proceeded to help the team hugely by uplifting many team members and a large amount of equipment to Ill Crag, from which they could get to the casualty site much quicker. On arrival, both casualties were assessed with one able to walk off the fell after some rewarming and refuelling. The other was packaged carefully into a stretcher and after a very difficult carry to the valley bottom, both casualties were transferred into the helicopter for onward transport to hospital. Many thanks once again to Rescue 199, Duddon and Furness MRT and Keswick MRT, who had also deployed team members with additional equipment. 

## **10. Scafell Pike - Alert - 16:33 Mon 31st Jan 2022** 

As the team was returning to base from the previous callout, a further call was received requesting help from two walkers who were lost on Scafell Pike. The Team Leader used Phone Find to determine their initial location, and then provided guidance to enable them to safely walk themselves down to Wasdale. The team was stood down when they were confirmed to be safely off the fell. 

## **11. Corridor Route, Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 17:18 Sat 5th Feb 2022** 

Two walkers reported themselves lost on the descent from Scafell Pike. They were very wet and cold but not injured. Their location was established through Phone Find. As they had no torches and very limited battery life on their phones, it was not possible to talk them off, so a small group was tasked to escort them off the hill. They were able to walk off after rewarming. 

## **12. Scafell Pike Summit, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 14:06 Sun 6th Feb 2022** 

A call was received about a walker who had sustained an ankle injury and was unable to walk. The location was virtually at the top of Scafell Pike. Given the very considerable risk of severe hypothermia in the conditions – bitterly cold and extremely high winds, Wasdale team responded, with support from Duddon and Furness and Cockermouth teams. A Coastguard helicopter was also requested. A call was received just over an hour later to say the party were nearly back at the car park, having been helped by other walkers. The 15 Wasdale, 8 Duddon and Furness and 11 Cockermouth team members, who were all already on their way, together with the coastguard helicopter, were then stood down. 

## **13. Ill Crag - Full Callout - 16:27 Sun 6th Feb 2022** 

A call was received for three walkers who were lost on the Scafell Pike (Ill Crag) area. It was bitterly cold and wet, getting dark and they had no lights. They were given directions to walk off via Esk Hause, it being an easier option and with the wind behind them. However, they next made contact at Broad Crag Col, in the opposite direction, where they fortuitously met another group who guided them down to Wasdale. The team had intended to meet them with torches, food, and spare clothing, but they were stood down before going on the hill. 

## **14. Quagrigg Moss - Limited Callout - 19:17 Sun 6th Feb 2022** 

A third call of the day was received for three walkers and four dogs who were lost in the Scafell area. It was bitterly cold, dark, and they had only one phone for light. The risk of hypothermia was considerable. It transpired that they were two separate parties who had both got lost. Phone find put them in Quagrigg Moss. The team were able to locate them and then walk them off after a brief rewarming. 

## **15. Scafell Pike - Alert - 11:52 Sat 12th Feb 2022** 

Whilst descending off Scafell Pike summit a couple of walkers became disorientated in low cloud. Due to the terrain and the sudden temperature drop, the couple decided to call for help. During the original 999 call the Police asked the couple if they could see any others in the vicinity and if they did, they should then follow them back down off the hill. As a result of this advice the couple were able to subsequently self-rescue without the deployment of the team. 

## **16. Mickledore, Scafell Pike - Alert - 20:32 Sat 12th Feb 2022** 

Whilst descending off Scafell Pike summit a party of walkers became disorientated in the darkness. Due to the unfamiliar terrain, the darkness and the deteriorating weather conditions, the party decided to call for help. After several attempts the Team Leader was able to contact the lost party and with a bit of encouragement was able to guide them off the hill. 

## **17. Great Gable - Alert - 20:16 Mon 21st Feb 2022** 



A call was received for two walkers who had got lost on the descent from Great Gable. They had managed to get as far as the intake wall on the Sty Head path and were concerned that the light from their phone would not last long enough to see them off the hill. They were reassured that they did not have far to go and asked to make contact once down, which they did, so the team did not have to go out. 

## **18. Corridor Route, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 17:44 Fri 25th Feb 2022** 

We were alerted to a lone walker who had become lost on their descent from Scafell Pike. Phone Find was used and identified their location on the Corridor Route. Members of the team were deployed to that location. After some rewarming the walker was able to walk off the hill assisted by the team. 

## **19. Ill Crag - Full Callout - 18:06 Sat 26th Feb 2022** 

The Team was called to a party of six walkers at the summit of Ill Crag after one member of the party became ill. Due to the remote location and prevailing weather conditions, assistance from the Coastguard helicopter, Rescue 936 was gratefully received. They assisted by transporting two team members up the fell from the team base close to the location of the casualties. They then flew the party and the team members back to base. Huge thanks once again to the Rescue 936 team with some skilful flying in challenging conditions and to Duddon and Furness MRT who had deployed into Wasdale in case the air transfer was unsuccessful. 

## **20. Scafell Pike - Alert - 16:43 Mon 28th Feb 2022** 

The partner of a walker who was overdue returning from a walk with friends up Scafell Pike contacted the police to raise the alarm. However, very shortly after the Team Leader started to make enquiries the group turned up back at their vehicle safe and sound and the team were stood down. 

## **21. Scafell Pike - Alert - 15:48 Tue 1st Mar 2022** 

A party of four who were descending off Scafell Pike contacted Cumbria Police due to concerns regarding one member of their party who was struggling to walk. A Team Leader was able to contact the party and encourage them to continue as best they could due to deteriorating light conditions and the temperature dropping. The party agreed to try and continue under their own steam, however, due to a second medical emergency occurring Duddon and Furness MRT were asked to monitor their progress and respond if they were unable to progress any further. Fortunately, the party were ultimately able to make their own way off the fell. Thank you to Duddon and Furness MRT for their continued support. 

## **22. Hare Crag, Eskdale - Full Callout - 16:28 Tue 1st Mar 2022** 

An organised group was climbing on Hare Crag and whilst descending off the back of the crag a young person badly twisted his ankle. A team member who was already on scene provided initial medical interventions whilst the alarm was raised. Team members were immediately deployed to location where the casualty was provided with further medical attention and then stretchered off the hill back to an awaiting vehicle. 

## **23. Sty Head - Alert - 20:13 Sat 5th Mar 2022** 

A gentleman met a couple at the Sty Head stretcher box who were struggling to make their way off the hill, as the lady had an ankle injury. The gentleman then contacted the police out of concern for their safety. Although no emergency was confirmed the Team Leader asked a colleague to look up to the pass to confirm that any lights on the pass were descending. The confirmation was positive and that the lights were low down. No further action was required. 

## **24. Middleboot Knotts, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 14:49 Sun 6th Mar 2022** 

Cumbria Police were contacted by a gentleman who had come into difficulty whilst descending off Scafell Pike on the Piers Gill path. Having spoken to the Team Leader and explained he was stuck on a rocky face surrounded by ice the team was immediately called out and helicopter assistance requested. However, whilst team members were making their way to base the gentleman’s friends were able to get him to safety and thus a stand down was quickly put out. 

## **25. Seathwaite - Alert - 22:03 Sun 6th Mar 2022** 

Cumbria Police contacted the Duty Team Leader regarding a possible injured person in Sour Milk Gill in the Seathwaite area. The Keswick MRT Team Leader was immediately contacted, and the job passed over to them. 

## **26. Great Gable - Alert - 16:32 Thu 10th Mar 2022** 

We were contacted by Cumbria Police regarding two walkers who had become lost descending Great Gable. The Team Leader was able to ascertain their location with Phone Find and then guide them down onto the path and then onwards to Wasdale Head. 

## **27. Hollowstones, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 16:28 Tue 15th Mar 2022** 

The team was alerted regarding a young male with a medical issue above the Hollowstones area on Scafell Pike. Helicopter assistance was requested due to the location but was not available on this occasion. Fortunately, the casualty had recovered sufficiently when the first team members arrived to be able to walk off the fell under his own steam. Once back 



in the valley he was advised to attend hospital for a check and the team was stood down. Thanks again to Duddon and Furness MRT for their support. 

## **28. Wastwater Screes - Full Callout - 17:13 Wed 16th Mar 2022** 

A call was received about two walkers and a dog who were stuck on the large boulders on the lakeshore path. A foot party and a boat party were deployed as the Team Leader was unable to contact the walkers to find out what breed of dog they had, and how big. A large dog would be impossible to carry safely across the boulder fields. The party was located, warmed up and then taken across the lake by boat to the road where more team members were located to act as a reference point. A taxi picked them up to return them to their accommodation and the team returned to base. 

## **29. Miterdale - Full Callout - 12:45 Fri 18th Mar 2022** 

A call was received about a walker who had sustained an ankle injury whilst out walking. The team, together with Duddon and Furness members were deployed. The casualty was treated, stretchered off, and taken to hospital by ambulance. We wish the walker a quick recovery. 

## **30. Tongue, Esk Hause - Full Callout - 20:23 Tue 29th Mar 2022** 

The team was alerted regarding two walkers who had lost their way whilst descending from Scafell Pike summit. Team members set off from Gavel Neese in Wasdale and were able to find the lost party easily once in the area thanks to Phone Find. After some refuelling the walkers were escorted back to Wasdale where their car was located. The team then headed back to base to restock the vehicles ready for the next callout. 

## **31. Hardknott Pass - Alert - 11:00 Tue 5th Apr 2022** 

A call was received about a car stuck on Hardknott Pass. The driver and passenger were unhurt. Normally we only attend to assist the occupants, and do not attempt to move vehicles. A team member who was in the area went to assess the scene, by which time a member of the public had managed to turn the car around, so the team was not required. 

## **32. Braystones - Full Callout - 15:37 Sat 9th Apr 2022** 

The team was contacted about an incident in the Braystones area. NWAS ambulance crew were already on scene and treating the casualty for a leg fracture. Team members then stretchered the casualty from the beach to the waiting ambulance. 

## **33. Lingmell - Alert - 22:27 Fri 15th Apr 2022** 

The Team Leader was alerted by Cumbria Police regarding a concerned camper who had seen lights on Lingmell and was worried that they needed assistance. Following initial enquiries, a second Team Member was asked to go to Brackenclose to investigate further following which the team was stood down. A false alarm with good intent. 

## **34. Great Gable - Alert - 14:15 Sat 16th Apr 2022** 

A call was received about a walker with an injured ankle on Great Gable. It was established that the casualty was on the Ennerdale side of the hill, so the call was passed to the Cockermouth team, who then dealt with the incident. 

## **35. Stanley Ghyll, Eskdale - Full Callout - 16:36 Tue 19th Apr 2022** 

The team was alerted to a male walker who had slipped and heard a ‘pop’ in their knee and was then unable to bear any weight. The team deployed quickly to the area and assessed the casualty before administering some pain relief and a vacuum splint. He was then packaged into a casualty bag and stretcher and moved down the hill to the car park, from where he was driven by another member of the walking party to hospital for further assessment and treatment. We wish the gentleman well with a speedy recovery. 

## **36. Corridor Route, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 19:36 Thu 21st Apr 2022** 

The team was alerted to a lone walker who was descending from the Scafell Pike summit. She had possibly fainted and fallen, in some pain and was generally struggling to make further progress back to the valley floor. As nightfall was approaching and temperatures dropping quickly the team were mobilised. Thankfully, Phone find provided a very accurate location once again. On arrival she was given some extra energy through food and drink, and re-warmed with further clothing layers and some time in a team group shelter. After a while she was then able to walk off the hill under her own steam under close guidance from the team. 

## **37. Lingmell Col, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 13:17 Thu 28th Apr 2022** 

We were alerted yesterday to a walker on Scafell Pike who had injured his ankle and was no longer able to continue. The team was called out, with assistance gratefully received once again from Duddon and Furness MRT due to the expected long stretcher carry from this location. Once on scene he was medically assessed and given pain relief, before being transferred to a stretcher for the carry down to the valley. He was then transferred into an ambulance for the onward transfer to hospital. We wish the casualty well and a quick recovery. 



## **38. Hollowstones, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 15:23 Sat 30th Apr 2022** 

Our new team members got a chance straight away to demonstrate their skills with two call-outs in quick succession. The first followed a call that was received from NWAS about a walker who had tripped and sustained a head injury. A passing nurse helped to dress the wound, many thanks to that person. The casualty was able to start walking and was met by members of the team who assisted her the rest of the way down. Her husband then took her to hospital. 

## **39. Hollowstones, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 16:03 Sat 30th Apr 2022** 

The second callout in short succession followed a call that was received from Cumbria Police about a solitary walker who was feeling unwell. The location was very close to the previous incident, so team members were already on the hill. They met the casualty, who had been helped by members of the public, thank-you to them, and the team helped the casualty the rest of the way down. He was subsequently met by his friends in the car park. We wish a speedy recovery to both the casualties. 

## **40. St Bees Head - Alert - 14:19 Tue 3rd May 2022** 

A call was received about a casualty with an ankle injury somewhere in the St Bees area. As the location subsequently became clear (at the promenade) the tasking became the responsibility of the Coastguard Rescue Team and the Team Leader stood the team down. 

## **41. Lingmell Col, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 16:56 Fri 6th May 2022** 

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a walker who had tripped and sustained an ankle injury. The team mobilised, and once on scene, treated the casualty. The limb was splinted, and the casualty was stretchered off the hill to a waiting ambulance, to be taken to hospital. We wish the walker a quick recovery. 

## **42. Scafell Pike - Alert - 13:36 Fri 13th May 2022** 

A call was received from Cumbria Police about two walkers who were reported as overdue from their walk up Scafell Pike. As the Team Leader was gathering information a call was received to say they had turned up safe and well. 

## **43. Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 22:38 Mon 16th May 2022** 

We were alerted regarding a walker who had become disorientated on the descent from Scafell Pike. Unfortunately, it was not possible to talk him off, so a small group of team members went to find and escort him off, which he was able to do after some rewarming. 

## **44. Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 16:40 Sun 22nd May 2022** 

We were called by Cumbria Police about a walker who had sustained an ankle injury on the descent from Scafell Pike. The team attended, with support from Duddon and Furness team. Helicopter assistance was also requested, and Rescue 936 from Caernarfon attended. Fortunately, the cloud lifted just at the right time to enable the helicopter to get on scene, the limb was splinted, and the casualty was airlifted to hospital. Very many thanks to them and to Duddon and Furness team for their support. We wish the casualty a speedy recovery. 

## **45. Hollowstones, Scafell Pike - Alert - 15:55 Fri 3rd Jun 2022** 

A call was received from Cumbria Police about two walkers who had lost the path on Scafell. Using Phone find, the Team Leader was able to talk them down off the hill back down to the valley floor. 

## **46. Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike - Alert - 15:48 Sat 4th Jun 2022** 

A call was received from Cumbria Police regarding a female walker with an ankle injury. The Team Leader called the informant to find that they were receiving help from their friends and passing walkers who assisted in getting the injured walker down the hill. A further check with them a little later confirmed that they were almost back to the car park and so the team was stood down. Thanks to all that helped the walker on the way down. 

## **47. Scafell Pike - Alert - 03:04 Sun 5th Jun 2022** 

The Team Leader received a call from the Keswick TL at 3am for a missing walker believed to be somewhere on the Scafell Massif. He had separated from friends earlier the previous day having set off from Wasdale. Clues in the messages passed on from the informant led to a belief he had been in Seatoller village the evening before. Given it was nearly light we decided to hold off doing anything at that time. Around 6am the Phone Find sent earlier in the night was delivered and a location returned in Cockermouth’s patch, so they picked up the job and went up to meet the gent. 

## **48. Calf Cove, Great End - Full Callout - 15:03 Sun 5th Jun 2022** 

We were alerted by Cumbria Police to an urgent call. Other nearby walkers had observed a lone walker to have collapsed and was unconscious. The walkers tried to resuscitate the person and called for help. The location was high up on the Scafell massif at the top of Calf Cove. Due to the location and urgency GNAAS support was requested and Helimed 58 attended. They were quickly on scene but despite all their efforts tragically there was nothing they could do to save his life. The crew of Helimed 58 were subsequently able to recover the walker back to Brackenclose where the aircraft was met by 



some of the team. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the deceased, and with the passing walkers who assisted at the scene and made the initial call for help. 

## **49. Great End - Alert - 12:55 Wed 8th Jun 2022** 

A call was received from Cumbria Police about 2 walkers who had lost the path in mist on Scafell Pike/Great End. It was not possible to contact them, and Phone Find did not locate on this occasion but fortunately the mist cleared enough for them to get their bearings and make their own way off the hill. 

## **50. Eskdale - Full Callout - 12:59 Wed 8th Jun 2022** 

A call was received from NWAS to say a walker had sustained an ankle injury on rocks by the river. The team were called to assist with extrication. On arrival, the casualty was already in the ambulance having been carried up to the road by her husband, so the team were stood down. She was transferred to an air ambulance and taken to hospital. 

## **51. Beck Head, Great Gable - Full Callout - 16:55 Thu 9th Jun 2022** 

The team was alerted by Cumbria Police by a walker who had reported a fellow walker that had hurt their leg and was struggling to descend the tricky path down from Beck Head to Gavel Neese. The team was mobilised but fortunately the walker had managed to make it down to the valley floor where we met up. A lift in the team vehicle back to Wasdale Head was gratefully received, to minimise any further discomfort. 

## **52. Green Hole, Upper Eskdale - Limited Callout - 19:28 Thu 9th Jun 2022** 

The team was alerted by Cumbria Police to a walking couple who had become disoriented in the mist whilst descending Scafell Pike and required assistance. As there were no injuries, a small team was despatched to intercept the couple, alongside some guidance from the Team Leader to walk off the fell towards Brotherilkeld. This proved successful, reducing the significant walk in to Green Hole, and the team met up with the walkers near to Lingcove Bridge, before escorting them the rest of the way. 

## **53. Wasdale - Alert - 17:35 Mon 13th Jun 2022** 

The team was alerted by Cumbria Police regarding two walkers that had become detached from the rest of their group and had not turned up at the valley floor. As the Team Leader was gathering information, the good news was received that they had descended successfully and reunited with the group, so the team was stood down. 

## **54. Kirk Fell - Full Callout - 18:54 Fri 17th Jun 2022** 

We were called last Friday evening to assist our friends at Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team to someone who had taken a nasty tumble fall on Kirk Fell. Fortunately, by the time we arrived the cloud had lifted enough for Maritime and Coastguard Agency Rescue 199 helicopter to access the scene and winch the casualty off, so we were not needed to help with what would have been a difficult stretcher carry off the mountain. All that remained for us to do was escort the last member of the party back to Wasdale Head, along with two extra rucksacks, which had not been airlifted earlier with their owners! 

## **55. Dunnerdale - Limited Callout - 12:30 Sat 18th Jun 2022** 

A request was received from the Duddon and Furness Team Leader to assist with the rescue of a fallen climber at Wallowbarrow crag in the Duddon. A small number attended and assisted with the evacuation. Sadly, the climber did not survive. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and with the Duddon and Furness team, NWAS, Helimed, and the police, all of whom were involved. 

## **56. Scafell Pike - Alert - 07:50 Sun 19th Jun 2022** 

The Team Leader was alerted by Cumbria Police about a walking group that had split up during a Three Peaks challenge. The quicker part of group had returned to the valley but were concerned for the remaining two walkers that were now overdue. Fortunately, as more information was being gathered, they turned up and the team stood down. 

## **57. Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 01:21 Sat 25th Jun 2022** 

We were alerted by Cumbria Police to a party of six walkers who had taken a wrong turn on Scafell Pike. A Phone Find located the party and they were given some advice by the Team Leader to direct them in the right direction. Due to the poor weather conditions the team were also called out and they successfully intercepted the party and provided some rewarming, before escorting them down to safety in the valley. 

## **58. Hollowstones, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 16:15 Sat 25th Jun 2022** 

The Team Leader initiated a Full Callout for the team when a walker was struggling to walk off Scafell Pike after sustaining a painful knee injury. He tried to continue to walk down, but unfortunately could not carry on. We are grateful once again to our friends from Duddon and Furness MRT who assisted us with the stretcher carry from the Hollowstones area. Once safely down to Brackenclose he made his own way out of the valley with advice to get further medical checks at hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery. 



## **59. Scafell Pike Summit, Scafell Pike - Alert - 09:05 Sun 26th Jun 2022** 

The Team Leader was alerted by Cumbria Police regarding a lone walker who had lost the path and become disorientated on the summit plateau and needed assistance. Phone find was used once again to gain an accurate location and then he was directed back to the summit, where he quickly met up with other walkers. They kindly walked him down to the valley floor, and we give our thanks to them. It is a good reminder that the summit plateau can be a hostile place in poor weather even in the Summer so a good reminder to bring a map and compass and have the skills to take a bearing onto the path you intend to take. 

## **60. Esk Pike - Full Callout - 14:42 Sun 26th Jun 2022** 

We were called to a party of five walkers who were very cold, wet and had taken a wrong turn on their descent to Wasdale. The Team Leader called the team out to meet up with them and direct back to safety. However, whilst team members were on the way, the party met up with other walkers who helped them onto a path and into Langdale. As such the Team Leader handed the callout over to our friends at Langdale Ambleside MRT, and they located the walkers and directed them back to the Langdale valley. 

## **61. Cam Spout, Scafell - Full Callout - 18:39 Mon 27th Jun 2022** 

As team members were arriving on Monday evening for our monthly team meeting at base, a call came in regarding a male walker who had taken a 100 ft tumble fall around the area of Cam Spout waterfalls. He had obtained a nasty head injury, had been unconscious for a period and likely had other injuries. The alarm was raised by his walking partner who had left the scene to raise the alarm. Unfortunately, the nearest place to do that was a few miles away at the nearest farm. Due to the nature of the injuries, the time elapsed, and the potentially difficult extraction, multiple air assets were requested, and both Helimed 58 and Rescue 199 were deployed quickly. The team also responded quickly to Eskdale but were unsurprisingly beaten to the scene by Helimed 58. They had searched the reported location at Cam Spout with nothing seen, but then noticed a walker waving on the path out of the valley about a mile away. Remarkably the injured casualty had self-rescued to the valley floor. This allowed Helimed 58 to land on scene and treat the casualty quickly. Members of the team arrived just before Helimed 58 departed, and in the end no direct action was required by us. Huge thanks to all that helped in this callout, including both helicopter crews, and the owners of the farm who raised the alarm and then looked after the casualty’s partner. We wish the casualty a very speedy recovery. 

## **62. Beck Head, Great Gable - Full Callout - 13:51 Tue 28th Jun 2022** 

The team were alerted to a party of two male walkers, one of which was suffering from severe chest pains and feeling very unwell. The alert was raised by another walker who had encountered them on the hill and volunteered to raise the alarm at the nearest farm. A full callout was swiftly made, and the team deployed. The weather conditions were far from ideal for helicopters but both Helimed 58 and Rescue 936 from Caernarfon were scrambled. It was expected that we would find the casualty and his friend reasonably high up at an elevation of approximately 450m towards Beck Head. However, we were somewhat amazed to find them in the valley near the bridge at Gavel Neese, after somehow, they had managed to struggle down together. Team Casualty Carers assessed and treated the casualty prior to the arrival of Rescue 936 helicopter. They were thankfully able to land near the scene and after a short stretcher carry, he was airlifted to hospital for further assessment and treatment. The team then transported the casualty’s friend to the Wasdale Head Inn, where we were very grateful for the provision of tea and rather excellent soup. For the second time in less than 24 hours, we thank both helicopter agencies, the walker who raised the alarm, the farming community for making the call to us, and the stoic and determined casualty who made a dramatic difference to the speed and difficulty of the onward journey to hospital. We wish the casualty a very speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the Wasdale fells before too long. 

## **63. Scafell Pike - Alert - 14:41 Tue 28th Jun 2022** 

Whilst the previous incident was ongoing Cumbria Police alerted us to another call from a walker who was descending Scafell Pike and was struggling to make progress due to cramping in their legs. Fortunately, after a while and with some assistance from other walkers, they were able to make satisfactory progress and the team were stood down. 

## **64. Wastwater Screes - Full Callout - 18:53 Wed 29th Jun 2022** 

Cumbria Police notified us about a walker stuck on the boulder field on Wastwater lakeshore, with an injured ankle, having fallen a couple of times. A foot party and the boat were deployed, and further members went to Cross Walls on the other side of the lake to receive the party, and to assist with the stretcher if needed. The walkers, with their three dogs, were ferried across the lake and returned to their car, and the team stood down. 

## **65. Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 14:47 Sat 2nd Jul 2022** 

We were called by the police about a walker with an arm injury at the bottom of Brown Tongue. The team deployed, treated the lady and stretchered her back down the hill. She was taken to hospital by ambulance. 

## **66. Great Gable - Alert - 19:41 Sat 2nd Jul 2022** 

We were called by the police about an overdue walker. He had split up from his partner whilst on Great Gable and not returned. Within a very few minutes (6!) we got a call to say he had turned up safe and well. 



## **67. Scafell - Full Callout - 08:10 Mon 4th Jul 2022** 

The team were called about a walker who had not contacted his family as expected. Extensive searches were conducted over 3 days in the Central Fells, plus Langdale, Eskdale, Mosedale, Borrowdale and Ennerdale. Searches continued into the 4th day and the casualty was found in the early evening. Sadly, he had not survived. The team deployed and brought him back down to the valley. We have had unstinting support from MR colleagues from across the Lake District and beyond (Yorkshire and Derbyshire), RAF Leeming, search dogs, drones, West Cumbria Search and Rescue, Coastguard helicopters R199 and R936, and police. We are extremely grateful to them. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. Team Members involved: 35 from Wasdale MRT, 7 from Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team, 7 from Keswick Mountain Rescue Team, 3 from Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team (LAMRT), 10 from Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, 1 from Derby Mountain Rescue Team, 10 from Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Service (RAF Leeming), plus Maritime and Coastguard Agency helicopters R199 and R936, 5 search dogs, 8 drones, (2 of whom were with West Cumbria Search and Rescue). Many of these people came out for several days. 

## **68. Wastwater Screes - Full Callout - 17:51 Mon 4th Jul 2022** 

As day one of the search for the previous callout was ongoing, a further call was received from Cumbria Police. Two walkers had become crag fast close to the top of the Screes and were not able to safely progress. They had wisely called for help at that point. The team deployed with rope and other crag equipment and were able to secure and then assist the walkers to the safety of the ridge summit. 

## **69. Great Gable - Limited Callout - 17:18 Sat 9th Jul 2022** 

We received a call from Cumbria Police regarding a concern for the safety of a walker who had reportedly traversed onto some difficult and steep terrain on Great Gable. As there was little detailed information and the walker could then not be contacted directly, a small team was called out to investigate further. Happily, soon after the callout was made, the walker made contact to confirm he had made it down safely into Ennerdale, and the team was stood down. 

## **70. Upper Eskdale - Full Callout - 10:36 Mon 11th Jul 2022** 

The team were called out to a report of an ankle injury in Upper Eskdale. A Duke of Edinburgh Award participant had jumped across a small beck and landed awkwardly, leaving him unable to bear weight on his leg. As the team was short on numbers extra support was provided once again by our friends at Duddon and Furness MRT. After a medical assessment and treatment, a long and hot stretcher carry was made to Cockley Beck where the group leaders used their own vehicle to take him to hospital for further checks. We wish the young man a speedy recovery and hope he is back on the fell soon. 

## **71. Corridor Route, Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 00:10 Wed 13th Jul 2022** 

The team was called in the early hours by Cumbria Police about a vulnerable person reported missing around the Corridor Route area. A small team was deployed later in the morning to try to locate the person and help guide them back down to Borrowdale. They were able to do this and escorted as far as Styhead Tarn, where our friends from Keswick MRT completed the journey back down to Seathwaite. 

## **72. Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike - Alert - 11:58 Tue 19th Jul 2022** 

The Team Leader received an alert regarding a party of four who were descending Brown Tongue. One of the walkers was requesting help as he had developed sudden pain in both knees having summited Scafell Pike. There had been no injury or fall. After a conversation with the Team Leader the casualty was able to self-rescue with the aid of the other members of his group. We are grateful to them all to have managed to do this and prevent a callout. 

## **73. Whitehaven - Alert - 00:39 Wed 20th Jul 2022** 

A call was received from Cumbria Police to help with a search for a vulnerable person in Whitehaven. Jess, our search dog was agreed to be most effective way to cover the most ground quickly. However, before they were able to get boots and paws on the ground, happily the person was located, and they stood down and returned to bed. 

## **74. Lingmell Col, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 14:19 Wed 20th Jul 2022** 

The team were called about a walker who had sustained a knee injury on the descent from Scafell Pike. The team deployed, with assistance from the Duddon and Furness team (again!), treated the injury and stretchered the walker back down the hill. The family then took him to hospital. Thank you to Duddon and Furness team for your help. We wish the walker a quick recovery. 

## **75. Great Gable - Full Callout - 19:27 Thu 21st Jul 2022** 

We were alerted by Cumbria Police about a walker who had sustained an ankle injury on the way down from Great Gable. There was no mobile signal from the walker’s position, so the team deployed with limited information as to their position. Subsequently, a passing walker was able to give an accurate location to the police. On arrival, the walker was given pain relief, the injury was treated, and she was stretchered off the hill. The descent for the stretcher party from this location is not easy, and it required many team members to provide a roped “walking belay” from the rear. Once down safely in the valley, the casualty was taken to hospital by land ambulance. We hope she makes a speedy recovery. Our thanks yet again to Duddon and Furness team and to the farm to allow us access. We are grateful for the help. 



## **76. Lingmell Col, Scafell Pike - Alert - 18:33 Mon 25th Jul 2022** 

We were alerted by Cumbria Police about a walker whose footwear had unfortunately suffered a malfunction and they were attempting to descend from Scafell Pike barefoot. Thankfully, with some encouragement from the Team Leader they managed to repair the offending item sufficiently to make slow progress down by themselves, and the team were not needed to help. 

## **77. Scafell Pike Summit, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 16:07 Tue 26th Jul 2022** 

We were called by Cumbria Police about a walker who had fallen and sustained a head injury close to the summit on the descent from Scafell Pike. The team quickly deployed, with a coastguard helicopter also requested. Rescue 199 from Prestwick was on scene first and the winchman was just helping the casualty into the helicopter as the first Wasdale team member arrived. The walker was then flown to hospital for further assessment and treatment. We wish her a quick recovery and our thanks once again to the crew of Rescue 199 for their support. 

## **78. Broad Stand, Scafell - Full Callout - 18:10 Tue 26th Jul 2022** 

We were called by Cumbria Police about a walker who was stuck on Broad Stand, the cliff just above Mickledore. The team were already on the hill for the previous incident and as that casualty was already on the way to hospital by air, the team were diverted to this incident. Some team members had to go back down to the vehicles for crag kit, then walked up to the top of Scafell with the necessary equipment. Rope systems were set up from above, to enable the walker to be safely lowered to terra firma. The walker was uninjured and then able to walk down. 

## **79. Black Sail Pass - Full Callout - 00:36 Sat 30th Jul 2022** 

We were called by Cockermouth Team, who had been called by the police about a competitor in the Lakeland 100 race. The reports stated he had collapsed and was unresponsive, about a mile from Wasdale Head towards Black Sail. The team deployed and as a precautionary measure, talked to the race marshals at the Wasdale Head checkpoint. Thankfully, the runner was back at Wasdale Head having been helped off the hill by others. He was assessed by an ambulance crew and discharged, after which the team stood down. 

## **80. Styhead Path, Great Gable - Alert - 15:56 Sat 30th Jul 2022** 

We were called by Cumbria Police about a group of three walkers who had got lost on Scafell Pike and consequently, walked a lot further than they had intended and were very tired. They were concerned they could not get back to their car at Seathwaite. The police left messages to encourage them to walk to Wasdale, that being the shortest option, which they did and arranged a taxi. 

## **81. Silver How, Birker Fell - Alert - 19:00 Sat 30th Jul 2022** 

Cumbria Police notified us about a father and son who had strayed off the path in the mist on Silver How in Eskdale. The Team Leader was able to direct them back on the path using Phone find, and the walkers then managed to get themselves off the hill. The message that they were safely down came through just as a second team member was about to go and check the campsite, so he was stood down. 

## **82. Lingmell Gill Path, Scafell Pike - Alert - 01:56 Tue 2nd Aug 2022** 

We were alerted by Cumbria Police about a group of 13 walkers who could not cross Lingmell Gill at the bottom of Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike, as it was in spate. It had been raining since 5pm the previous day. It was not possible to speak to the group and there was no response to text messages. A team member went to check car parks but was unable to get further than “Down in the Dale” bridge due to flooding. There had been no further calls to the police, although text messages advising them to get in touch that way had been received, so it was possible the group were moving. However, because of the very real risk of hypothermia, the Team Leader was about to call out the team when a message was received to say the group were safely down off the hill. 

## **83. Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 18:34 Tue 2nd Aug 2022** 

We were alerted by Cumbria Police about a well-equipped family group of six walkers one of whom was struggling on the descent from Scafell Pike. A limited callout was made to go and assist them. In the meantime, they walked some of the way towards Lingmell Nose to keep warm and stopped at a prearranged spot. They waited for the arrival of the team in their bivvy tent. Lingmell Nose was the preferred route off as it avoids stream crossings, and the water levels were high. When the team arrived, the group were given spare clothing and sustenance and walked off. 

## **84. Great Gable - Alert - 17:33 Fri 5th Aug 2022** 

We were called by Cumbria Police about a walker who was overdue from a walk on Great Gable. His father had become concerned that he had not returned when expected. Happily, after a few phone calls, it was established that the father and son had somehow missed each other, and the son was off the hill safe and well. The team was stood down. 

## **85. Scafell Pike - Alert - 03:04 Sat 6th Aug 2022** 

We were called by Cumbria Police about two walkers who were overdue from a walk up Scafell Pike. It was not possible to contact them, but messages sent to a relative earlier had suggested various locations. Eventually they were able to make 



phone contact and they were at Oliver Gill on the western flank of Scafell. They were given instructions to direct them back to Wasdale valley and got back safe and sound. 

## **86. Scafell Pike - Alert - 02:20 Sun 7th Aug 2022** 

We were called by Cumbria Police about 3 walkers who said they were lost on the descent from Scafell Pike. They did not respond to Phone find or text messages, presumably out of signal. The police then received a message to say they were by a bridge and had found a path so with after discussion with the police, the incident was closed. 

## **87. Hollowstones, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 13:03 Tue 9th Aug 2022** 

We were called by NWAS about a walker who appeared to have had a fit and a bang to the head as the result of falling. A Duddon and Furness MRT team member who was nearby attended, as did the team. The casualty was stretchered off the hill and taken to hospital by a family member. We wish her a swift recovery. 

## **88. Brantrake, Eskdale - Full Callout - 17:23 Fri 12th Aug 2022** 

We were called by Cumbria Police about a walker who was unwell. It was not possible to contact the party to find out any more information. As it was possible that the situation was urgent, and as all NWAS ambulances were fully committed, Coastguard helicopter R936 was scrambled from Caernarfon. The team attended the scene, and found, much to everyone’s relief, that the casualty had managed to get back to the road. He was checked over by team casualty carers and taken to hospital as a precaution by a friend. Rescue 936 and the team then returned to their respective bases. 

## **89. Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 14:51 Thu 18th Aug 2022** 

A call was received from Cumbria Police to ask for our help with a walker who had sustained an ankle injury and was unable to walk further. The team were mobilised, and treatment provided before placing into a stretcher and transferring back down to Brackenclose. Her walking partner took her to hospital for further assessment. We wish her a swift recovery. 

## **90. Scafell Pike Summit, Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 15:27 Thu 18th Aug 2022** 

Whilst the team were responding to Incident 89, a further alert was received from Cumbria Police. Two walkers had lost their way on the summit plateau in the mist and need assistance. The Team Leader used Phone Find to accurately locate them and they were directed back to the summit. They were then given further instruction onto the main path back down to Wasdale. As a precaution, four team members were temporarily re-tasked from the ongoing callout but were not needed once the walkers were successfully on the main tourist path in Hollowstones. 

## **91. Wasdale - Full Callout - 14:52 Sat 20th Aug 2022** 

The team was alerted to an injured person who had taken a nasty fall on a path near to the Wasdale Youth Hostel, suffering a suspected dislocated shoulder and other arm injuries. Once on scene, the team medics began to assess and treat the casualty as the NWAS ambulance arrived. After some good joint agency working to provide strong pain relief and make the casualty more comfortable, he was transferred to the ambulance for onward transport to hospital. We wish him well and a speedy recovery. 

## **92. Great Gable - Alert - 15:03 Sat 20th Aug 2022** 

Just after incident 91 has been called in, a further call was received to alert us to a sole walker who was on Great Gable and had become disoriented in the mist. Fortunately, as the Team Leader was mobilising resources, the walker managed to relocate to a known location and subsequently made their own way off the fell. 

## **93. Corridor Route, Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 00:51 Thu 25th Aug 2022** 

We were called by Cumbria Police about a walker who had become lost and got wet because of falling into a bog. It was not possible to speak to him and because of concerns over hypothermia, (even in mid-summer), a small party deployed to go to his presumed location. Thankfully this turned out to be correct, the walker was ok, and the team accompanied him back down to the valley. We are also grateful to the camper who was awakened by the walker’s whistles and came to help. 

## **94. Wastwater Screes - Full Callout - 14:24 Tue 30th Aug 2022** 

We were alerted by Cumbria Police to a party of three people and a dog who together were unable to make further progress across the large boulder field on the Screes. The standard team response to this scenario was initiated, involving deploying the team boat, a transfer from the Screes and a drop off to the much friendlier lake shore on the other side of the lake. 

## **95. Scafell Pike - Alert - 12:19 Sun 4th Sep 2022** 

We were called by Cumbria Police after two walkers became lost in misty conditions high on Scafell Pike. Fortunately, shortly afterwards they met other walkers who were able to escort them back to the main tourist path. Once they were back in the valley, they confirmed they were safely down, and the team was stood down. 

## **96. Lingmell Col, Scafell Pike - Alert - 20:56 Sun 4th Sep 2022** 



A call was received via the police from a member of the public who was several miles away. They had observed what they believed to be an emergency flare around the Lingmell Col area. Fortunately, after some enquiries by the Team Leader it was quickly established that this was a planned activity and not a call for help. A false alarm with good intent, and the team was stood down. 

## **97. Wastwater Screes - Full Callout - 16:51 Tue 13th Sep 2022** 

We received a call from the police regarding a walker who had become unwell whilst crossing the Screes. As per callout 94, our boat was deployed as the safest and quickest rescue option for both the casualty and team members. The casualty was assessed and then transferred to safety on the opposite side of the lake. 

## **98. Windy Gap, Great Gable - Alert - 23:55 Fri 16th Sep 2022** 

The team were alerted after a walker’s companion failed to turn up at Honister YHA after a day's walking in Great Gable. Due to the route and that he was at Windy Gap when contact was last made the job was passed to Keswick Mountain Rescue Team. Happily, as they were deploying the missing walker turned up. 

## **99. Kirk Fell Nose, Kirk Fell - Full Callout - 12:05 Sat 17th Sep 2022** 

We were alerted to a lone walker who had injured his ankle high on Kirk Fell nose and was struggling to make further progress. Due to the steep terrain, he called for help, and the team were called out. Once on scene, after a medical assessment and some support from team members, he was able to make slow progress off the fell, thus avoiding a stretcher carry on this occasion. We wish him a quick recovery. 

## **100. Wastwater Screes - Full Callout - 17:41 Sun 18th Sep 2022** 

The team were alerted to help two walkers and their dog who were attempting to cross the Screes by the lakeshore of Wast Water. At the start of the last boulder field their dog became unwell and refused to move further. We were able to help by sending some team members by foot and launching our boat. We then carefully carried the very friendly pooch ‘hand over hand’ at times down the very slippery boulder field to the shore. The boat team then transferred the party to safety on the roadside of the lake for their onward journey and the team stood down. (Unfortunately, despite chasing the rainbow in a very picturesque setting, no pots of gold were found during this callout) 

## **101. Great Gable - Limited Callout - 21:40 Sun 18th Sep 2022** 

The team were alerted by Cumbria Police about a lone walker who had become disoriented near to Great Gable summit after a very long day out on the hill. Unfortunately, on this occasion a Phone find, and direct contact was not possible, and so a small team was tasked to locate him. Once in the area, they were able to find him relatively easily and then escorted him back down to safety of the valley. 

## **102. Wastwater Screes - Full Callout - 14:33 Mon 19th Sep 2022** 

In another Screes callout Cumbria Police alerted us to help an injured dog who was unable to carry on. The boat team responded again and was able to relocate the dog and their owners to much friendlier ground on the opposite side of the lake. 

## **103. Quagrigg Moss - Alert - 18:47 Mon 19th Sep 2022** 

The team was alerted by Cumbria Police about two walkers who had become disoriented and needed assistance. The Team Leader was able to get an accurate location via Phone Find and give directions to the valley floor, after which they were able to navigate themselves off the fell. 

## **104. Great Gable - Alert - 19:46 Wed 21st Sep 2022** 

We were alerted by Cumbria Police about a walker who had suffered an injury to his back whilst descending from Scafell Pike. However, as he was still mobile and heading towards Seathwaite and out of our ‘patch’ the alert was passed over to our friends at Keswick Mountain Rescue Team to monitor and the Wasdale team was stood down. 

## **105. Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 16:30 Fri 23rd Sep 2022** 

We were called about a walker who was reported to have collapsed close to the stream crossing on Brown Tongue. The team mobilised quickly down the valley to help. Fortunately, when we arrived, we found the walker descending slowly with help from his walking group. He had suffered a seizure and had several other injuries due to falling over when this had happened. The team Casualty Carers fully assessed his condition before helping him the short way off the fell. He was then handed over to an ambulance crew for further medical assessment at hospital. We wish him a swift recovery. 

## **106. Corridor Route, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 19:23 Sat 24th Sep 2022** 

We were alerted by Cumbria Police about two walkers, one of whom had suffered a leg injury and could not walk. With no phone signal, her friend came down lower to make the call for help. The precise location of the casualty was not known but was anticipated to be relatively high towards the Corridor Route. As such helicopter assistance was requested from the Coastguard. They duly responded, as did Duddon and Furness MRT as we were slightly low on numbers for a long and difficult stretcher carry. However, the teams were pleased to locate the casualty a lot lower down than expected, after she 



had managed to slide and shuffle down a considerable distance. This allowed R199 to be stood down. After medical assessment and splinting of the ankle, the teams then stretchered the casualty to Wasdale Head, where her friend took her to hospital. Our thanks to Rescue 199, Duddon and Furness MRT and the casualty for making our lives easier on this callout. We wish her a speedy recovery and hope she is back on the fell soon. 

## **107. Scafell Pike - Alert - 20:32 Sat 1st Oct 2022** 

We were called by Cumbria Police about a party of three who were unsure about getting off the hill safely. They were well equipped, carrying heavy rucksacks with camping equipment. The Team Leader was able to direct them to easier ground, where they were happy to pitch up and wait until morning to continue. 

## **108. Sty Head - Alert - 21:10 Sat 8th Oct 2022** 

We were called by Cumbria Police about a party of two walkers, one of whom had lost an essential item of personal first aid. The team would have been able to supply this if necessary, so the walkers did not need to look for it. They were then able to continue their descent and got off the hill safely without team assistance. 

## **109. Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 21:37 Sat 8th Oct 2022** 

We were called by Cumbria Police about a lone walker who had become separated from his friends at the top of Scafell Pike. They had not been able to locate him on the descent or in the valley. Wasdale and Duddon and Furness teams searched overnight without success, and the search resumed in the morning, with more resources. We were joined by Duddon and Furness MRT again, Keswick MRT, Cockermouth MRT, and RAF Leeming, plus 2 search dogs. Coniston team were stood down before deployment. The walker was found in the early afternoon above Dropping Crag and sadly had not survived. He was brought back down to the valley where he was then cared for by the police. Very many thanks to all who helped. We offer our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends. 

## **110. Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 14:11 Sat 15th Oct 2022** 

The team were called last Saturday about a male walker who was suffering from a sudden onset of chest pain. He was unable to continue due to the severity of the pain. A passing retired doctor was able to provide initial support and reassurance to the walker and his family. Due to the urgency, a team member who lives in the valley was dispatched direct, and a full team callout made. Helicopter support was requested by the Team Leader with Helimed 58 able to respond but Coastguard R199 delayed due to another tasking. On arrival, the advance team member was able to make a medical assessment, give some initial treatment and provide warmth with a team shelter. As the rest of the team arrived, additional medication and strong pain relief interventions were swiftly provided to make the casualty more comfortable. This enabled him to be moved into a casualty bag and onto the team stretcher for transfer off the hill. Helimed 58 support had arrived in the valley but were unable to get close to the scene due to the location and the difficult weather conditions. They landed in the valley bottom and provided medical advice via radio as they walked up the hill to meet the descending stretcher party. After the stretcher carry the walker was transferred into the helicopter for the onward journey to hospital. The team then de-briefed and stood down. Coastguard helicopter R199 was also stood down on the way 5 minutes from the scene. Many thanks to both helicopter crews, and especially to the retired doctor who provided support to the walker and us on this callout. We wish the walker all the best and hope he makes a speedy recovery. 

## **111. Scafell Pike - Alert - 19:09 Sat 15th Oct 2022** 

The Team Leader was notified by Cumbria Police about a group of seven walkers who were overdue from their walk on Scafell Pike. As the call was made from the phone box at Seathwaite, our friends at Keswick MRT sent a small party to get further information and potentially initiate a search from the Borrowdale side. However, as they arrived to meet the informant, the missing walkers also turned up and both teams were stood down. 

## **112. Langdale - Alert - 19:34 Sat 15th Oct 2022** 

The Team Leader was notified by Cumbria Police about a group of four walkers who were overdue from their walk. Fortunately, as further information was being gathered the group was in the Langdale valley as they intended, and the team stood down. 

## **113. Scafell Pike - Alert - 20:01 Sat 22nd Oct 2022** 

The Team Leader was notified by Cumbria Police about a walker who was overdue from their walk on Scafell Pike. The walker had started their route from Seathwaite so contact was made with Keswick MRT as a joint search may have been needed. However, as those discussions were starting the walker turned up and both teams stood down. 

## **114. Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 14:46 Sun 23rd Oct 2022** 

The team was called about a walker who was descending from Scafell Pike. He had slipped multiple times and had suffered several injuries including a painful back injury which rendered him unable to continue. The team was called out and once on scene performed a medical assessment and then treatment before carefully placing the walker in a full body splint and casualty bag. This allowed a more comfortable stretcher carry down to Brackenclose where a handover was made with the awaiting land ambulance for onward transport to hospital. We wish him a swift recovery. We would also like to thank the 



kind people who gave the walker some food and drink, provided warmth with a survival shelter and stayed with him until we arrived. 

## **115. Corridor Route, Scafell Pike - Alert - 18:20 Thu 27th Oct 2022** 

We were alerted about a party of eight walkers who had become benighted whilst trying to make their way back to Seathwaite. On this occasion it made most sense for our neighbours at Keswick MRT to handle the task as they were heading for Borrowdale. After a successful Phone find and discussion with the Wasdale Team Leader they sent a party to meet the walkers and escorted them safely back to their vehicles. 

## **116. Broad Crag - Alert - 18:53 Sat 29th Oct 2022** 

We were called by Cumbria Police about two walkers and their dog who were stuck in mist on top of Broad Crag. They were uninjured, well equipped with map, compass, torches, and camping gear, and with guidance from the team leader, were able to get themselves off the hill and back to Seathwaite. 

## **117. Stand Crag, Great End - Alert - 18:09 Mon 31st Oct 2022** 

We were called by Cumbria Police about five walkers who had got lost on the descent from Scafell Pike. They had intended to return to Seathwaite but some of the party felt unable to do that, so they were advised to descend to Wasdale Head and get a taxi, which they did with no further issues. 

## **118. Whin Rigg - Full Callout - 12:41 Sat 12th Nov 2022** 

We were called by Cumbria Police about a walker who was unresponsive. The team was quickly deployed, as was Helimed 58 (Great North Air Ambulance). Rescue 936 (Coastguard helicopter) was also tasked but later stood down. Tragically, all the efforts of the walker’s friends, passers-by, and those of the Helimed crew were unable to help and the walker did not survive. The team brought him back down to the valley, accompanied by his friends, where he was given over to the care of the police. Our thanks to all the other agencies involved, and especially to the people who stopped to help. We offer our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends. 

## **119. Broad Crag Col, Scafell Pike – Limited Callout – Mon 14th Nov 2022** 

We were alerted by Cumbria Police about two walkers who had become disoriented in poor visibility whilst descending Scafell Pike. A Limited Callout was made, and with additional help from Phone Find they were located in the expected location at Broad Crag Col. After some food the walkers were escorted safely back to the Wasdale valley floor. 



## _**Incidents between the last AGM on 15 November 2021 and 31 December 2021 Number of '999' calls = 18 which includes 4 alerts**_ 

## **1. Piers Gill, Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 18:55 Mon 15th Nov 2021** 

Two walkers reported themselves lost and in potentially dangerous terrain after dark without the ability to either see or navigate themselves off the hill. Their self-reported location was confirmed to be incorrect after successful use of Phone Find placed them on the opposite side of Piers Gill. After eventually making contact via mobile a small team was deployed direct to their location and helped them get back down to the Wasdale valley safely. It was reported that they had entered the Piers Gill ravine, a main black spot for WMRT, however, after realising it was not right, they correctly retraced their steps to bring them back out of the danger area. 

## **2. Wasdale Head - Alert - 21:52 Mon 15th Nov 2021** 

A family member of two walkers contacted the Police out of concern as they had received a SMS message detailing that the two walkers had become lost on their ascent of Scafell Pike from Seathwaite. After a period of investigation and a conversation with the family member it was confirmed that the two walkers had now reported themselves as back at their vehicle and were driving home. Further conversations with the two walkers confirmed that they had indeed been lost and had come off the hill into the wrong valley. A local farmer identified their mistake and directed them back over Sty Head Pass to Seathwaite. The message sent to the family was not to raise concern but to inform of their intention to be slightly overdue. No team members were deployed. 

## **3. Upper Eskdale - Full Callout - 16:06 Sat 20th Nov 2021** 

A party of hill walkers in a remote area of Upper Eskdale reported that a member of their party was unable to proceed due to pain in both knees. Due to the initial availability being low and the possibility of being a protracted and difficult stretcher carry from the most remote part of WMRT's area of responsibility, both HM Coastguard and DFMRT support was requested. HM Coastguard Rescue 199 was immediately deployed from Prestwick and were able to be on scene within 40 minutes. The casualty party of three were then transferred to WMRT base allowing team members to return to their families and homes. Thank you again to the aircrew at HM Coastguard and DFMRT for all their support. 

## **4. Dropping Crag, Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 16:16 Sun 21st Nov 2021** 

Two hill walkers came into difficulty on technical ground having accidentally lost the path whilst ascending Scafell Pike via Broad Crag Col. An attempt was made to encourage the pair to move back to safer ground under their own steam. However, due to the decreasing temperature with the fading light a small team was deployed to the location. The two casualties were then warmed and fuelled before being escorted to safer easier ground and then back to the valley bottom. The air temperature on the hill tonight was at minus 1 with the wind chill dropping it to minus 9. Please recognise that the conditions are dramatically changing and very dangerous if not taken seriously. Please take your time to check the weather in advance and plan your day out appropriately to your capabilities. Further advice can be found at www.adventuresmart.uk. 

## **5. Great Gable - Limited Callout - 15:04 Mon 22nd Nov 2021** 

This afternoon two walkers found themselves in difficult terrain having lost the descent path from Great Gable summit down to Beck Head. The Cockermouth Team Leader was initially tasked and after speaking to the lost persons managed to encourage them to self-rescue by directing them back to path. The task was then passed over to the Wasdale Team Leader who further encouraged and monitored the descent back into the Wasdale valley. Two team members were deployed with spare lights to intercept them on the way down if they were unable to proceed safely due to the fading light as sunset was at 1600 and they had only their phone lights to light their way. Thank you to Cockermouth MRT for making that initial contact and getting them moving asap. Winter is here, it is getting dark very early now and the summits are seeing temperatures as low as -10 degrees after dark. Please stay safe and enjoy the fells responsibly; see www.adventuresmart.uk for more information on how to safely enjoy your day on the hill. 

## **6. Great Gable - Full Callout - 13:37 Fri 26th Nov 2021** 

A walker sustained an ankle injury on the summit of Great Gable. Due to the risk of team members being injured because of the high winds, a coastguard helicopter was requested. We are very thankful that they attended and took the casualty to hospital. Our team members did not need to go on the high fell and returned intact! The 2 friends of the casualty were taken to Borrowdale by helicopter and met by a Keswick team member, thank you. 

## **7. Cumbria - Alert - 23:56 Fri 26th Nov 2021** 

Cumbria police declared a major incident. All the lake district mountain rescue teams were on alert, some teams have had multiple callouts in a short space of time. Had they been struggling for resources; the other teams would have stepped in to help. The “silver” alert is ongoing as the area is now receiving a significant amount of snowfall. 

## **8. Eskdale - Alert - 18:06 Sat 27th Nov 2021** 

A call was received by the police about a group of 10 who had reportedly gone up Scafell or Scafell Pike and not been heard of after 13.00 hours. The original larger group had got split up the evening before, some ending up at Ambleside MRT base 



because of the adverse weather, and they had become concerned about their friends. The Team Leader established that the group of 10 were safe at Eskdale YHA. Because of the storm, there was no electricity or wi-fi and the groups were unable to contact each other. 

## **9. Stand Crag, Great End - Full Callout - 16:08 Mon 29th Nov 2021** 

Two walkers reported themselves lost somewhere on Scafell Pike. There was no other information, and it was not possible to contact them. Because of the weather, no knowledge of the missing people’s clothing, experience, medical status and so on, a full team callout was initiated, and routes allocated to five different search parties. Sometime later, although it was still not possible to speak to them, the police managed to obtain Eastings and Northings, which we converted to a grid reference. This put the walkers on the top of Stand Crag near the Corridor Route. They were found, very cold and wet, but unhurt and were able to walk off the hill after rewarming. 

## **10. Middleboot Knotts, Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 15:32 Tue 30th Nov 2021** 

Two walkers found themselves lost whilst descending from the summit of Scafell Pike. Mobile phone reception was poor with only one of two mobiles working. However, a 999 call was able to be connected and initial contact was made by WMRT Team Leader. The Team Leader was able to determine their initial location from the 999 call and the pair were directed back to the Corridor route path at the head of Piers Gill, where they were then encouraged to continue up to Lingmell Col. Due to the subsequent lack of communications and the deteriorating weather conditions two small teams were deployed to intercept them on their descent. On arrival at Wasdale Head, lights were seen descending the NorthWest flanks of Lingmell, following the wall down towards Bracken Gill. Team members were able to meet up with these people and confirm they were the party in question and escort them safely back to the valley bottom. Over the past few nights, the country has experienced some difficult weather conditions which have contributed to people ending up in some extremely hazardous situations. Please remember to prepare correctly, stay safe and enjoy the fells responsibly; see www.adventuresmart.uk for more information on how to safely enjoy your day on the hill. 

## **11. Broad Crag - Full Callout - 15:20 Fri 3rd Dec 2021** 

A walker came across two other walkers unable to continue as one had a leg problem. Initially, not enough team members were available for a stretcher carry, and the terrain is very difficult in all directions, so a helicopter was requested to assist. The plan was to lift team members with all the heavy carrying equipment up the hill as high as the cloud base would allow, but whilst the helicopter was on the way, the cloud base dropped at least another 200m. R936 attempted to lift some team members up to Sty Head but the cloud base was too low, so they were dropped back to Brackenclose before returning to Caernarfon. The team then set off on foot, together with seven Duddon and Furness team members. Once on scene, the casualty was assessed and was able to set off walking. The team took the long way round via Esk Hause and Sty Head as it was the easiest way off. Many thanks to R936 and Duddon and Furness MRT and to the walker who stayed with the casualty party for well over five hours before MRT were on scene. The casualty and friend would have been seriously wet and cold without his help. 

## **12. Ennerdale - Alert - 13:06 Wed 8th Dec 2021** 

A call was received about a walker and dog stuck on steep ground. Once it was established that the caller was above Ennerdale Water, the incident was transferred to Cockermouth MRT. 

## **13. Corridor Route, Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 17:11 Thu 16th Dec 2021** 

Two males reported themselves stuck and scared in a crag environment. A small team was dispatched to rescue them after phone find pinpointed their location. They were walked back to Wasdale where they made their own way back to Seathwaite by taxi. 

## **14. Upper Eskdale - Full Callout - 01:19 Mon 27th Dec 2021** 

We were contacted by police when a friend of a lone walker said he had not heard from him after a walk on Scafell Pike. No messages had been delivered to the walker’s phone and it was not possible to contact him. A search was initiated, with limited resources as many team members were unavailable. As the search progressed without success, more resources were called for, from further afield. A coastguard helicopter was about to depart from Humberside, having been waiting several hours for the weather to improve, and the cloud base to lift, when a message was received to say the walker had been found in the Upper Esk. Amazingly, he was able to walk off unaided, having spent the night out. Very many thanks to Duddon and Furness MRT, to R912 and the search dogs. 

## **15. Gatherstone Beck, Black Sail Pass - Full Callout - 15:00 Wed 29th Dec 2021** 

The team were called about a walker who had sustained a knee injury on the descent from Black Sail Pass. The team attended, treated the casualty and stretchered her off to the valley. She was taken to hospital by ambulance. Here is a short video of the stretcher carry down. 

## **16. Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 20:43 Wed 29th Dec 2021** 

The team were called about 2 walkers, father, and son, who were overdue and not contactable. A search overnight involving 12 Wasdale, 9 Duddon and Furness and 2 Lake District search dogs in very poor conditions was unsuccessful, 



some areas could not be searched because of the high river levels and adverse conditions. At 06.00 a silver incident was stood up and fresh resources from across the county were drafted in to go over the ground that had already been searched, in case the walkers were moving, and the search area was extended to cover more Eskdale routes, and the Borrowdale, Langdale and Mosedale routes. The walkers descended to Boot, Eskdale,  having spent the night low down in comparative shelter away from the high fells thankfully, and without MR assistance. Wasdale MRT thanks all the other teams who helped on the ground or behind the scenes, plus the 6 dogs and handlers. 

## **17. Corridor Route, Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 15:30 Thu 30th Dec 2021** 

The team was called for 2 walkers who had taken a wrong turn whilst descending Scafell Pike. Phone Find was used which placed the couple on the Corridor Route. Due to the failing light and poor weather conditions a small party was sent up to escort the pair off. 

## **18. Middle Fell - Limited Callout - 16:00 Thu 30th Dec 2021** 

The team was called for two walkers who had become disorientated whilst descending Middle Fell. Phone Find was used which placed the couple a few hundred meters from the path. Due to the failing light and poor weather conditions a couple of team members were sent up to guide the pair off. 



## **Callout and Training Attendance** 

The following two tables are taken from the Attendance Excel file on the base operator’s PC. Please note that all figures are from January 1st to November 14th, 2022. 


Rescue attendance 2022 



**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Training attendance 2022<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>





Rescue attendance 2021 


Training attendance 2021 




Rescue attendance 2020 



**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Training attendance 2020<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>




Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team
Trustees, report and financial statements
for the year ended 30 September 2022
Charlty number: 1170178
robinson+co
Chartered Accountants
Gosforth

Wasdale Mountaln Rescue Team
Contents
Page
Legal and administratlve infgrmation
Trustees, report
Independent examlners, report
Statement of financial actiwties
Balance sheet
Cash flow ststement
Notes lo the financial statements

Wasdale Mountaln Rescue Team
Legal and admlnlstratlve infomiatlon
Charity number
1170178
Bu5ine55 address
Wasdale Mountain ResoJe
Gosforth
Seascale
CA20 IBS
Trustees
J R Bamforth
P Kirbv
PJ Hall
JHryb
M Penn
M Srnith
C Cripps
J Noake
A¢¢oumants
robinson+co
The Old Forge
Beck Place
Gosforth
Seascale
(A20 IAT
Bankers
HSBC Bank Pl
3 Pow Street
Workington
CA14 3AH
Page I

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team
Report of the trustees
forthe year ended 30 September 2022
The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2022. The tntStees
who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page l.
Strurturel governance and management
Governing document
Wasdale Mountain Restue Team was re8iStered as a Charitable Incorporated Orgènlsatlon ICIOI. registered thafity
number 1170178, on IS November 2016. The assets, liabilitie5 and undertakings of the unincorporated charity
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team (Charity number 10201361 were transferred to the CIO on 30 September 2017. with
the CIO then becoming operational from l October 2017.
Trustees
The aim is to maintain a trustee board with a range of skills which woll be useful to the organisation. New trustees are
taken through an 5nduction procedure.
Key munogementpers0nnel￿Mu￿emtion
The Trustee5 consider the Commlttee as comprisinB the key mana8ernent personnel of the charity in char8e of
directing and controlling the charity and running and operating the charity on a day to day basis. All trustees give of
their lime freely and no trustee remuneration was paid in the year.
Objectives and artivities
The chbritable objec15 are..
To save life and alleviate distress primarily in upland or mountainous areas.
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team provides a search and rescue serwce on the mountains and off road locations in the
Wa5dale and Eskdale volleys of West Cumbria and 5urroundin8 areas. The Team typically handles over l(Kl calls for
assistance a year.
Further inforniation can be found at www.wmrt.org.uk.
Public benefit
The trustees have referred to the guidance contained Én the Charity Commis5ion'5 8eneral guidance on public benefit
when reviewing the charity's aims and objective5 and in plannin8 future activities. In particular, the trustees consider
how planned activitles will contribute to the aims and objertives they have set.
Achievements and perforniance
Achievements and performance afe detailed in the Annual Report as presented at the Annual General Meeting held on
21 November 2022.
Financial review
At the balance sheet date the ao held £1,267.697 on unrestrirted fvnds12021- EI,275,8961 and £nil on restricted
funds12021- £nill, a satisfactory position.
A detailed review is pro￿ded in the Trea5urees Report within the Annual report as presented at the Annual General
meeting held on 21 November 2022.
Risk Monagement
The trustees have assesseil the major 5trate8ic. business and operational risks to which the CIO is exposed. They are
satl5fied that systems are in place to mitigate the exposure to these risks.
P4e2

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team
Report of the trustees
for the year ended 30 September 2022
Plans for future periods
One of the team's ongoing challenges is recruitment of new members and considerable effort is being directed in this
area.
Statement of trustee5' responslbllltles
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustee5' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance
with applicable law and United Kingdom AccountinB Standards Iunited Kingdom Generally A¢cepted Attounting
Practice).
Law applicable to charities in En8land and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each
financial year which 8we a true and fair view of charity and of the incomin8 resources and application of resources of
the charity for that year. In preparing these finanaal statements the trustee5 are required to-
sele¢t suitable accounting polScles and then apply them consistently-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP,.
makejudgements and estlmates that are reasonable and prudent-
state whether applicable UK Accountin8 Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures
disclosed and explained in thè financial statements- and
prepare the financial Statements on the going COn￿M basis unless it 15 inappropriate to presume that the charity
will coniinue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keèpirtg proper accounting records whlch dlsdose wsth reasonable 3ccuraLy at any
tlme the financial position of the charlty and enable thern to ensure that the financial statements comply with the
Charities Act 2011. They are a150 responsible for safeguarding the assets of the tharity and hence for taking
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
On behalf of the board
J R Bamforth
Trustee
ÈL

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team
Independent examlner's report to the trustees on the unaudited financial statements of
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team.
I report on the accounts of Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team for the year ended 30 September 2022 set out on pages 5
to 14.
Re5pertive responslbllltles of trustees and Independent examlner
As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. you consider that the audit
requiremeni of section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 Ithe Charities Act) does not apply and that an independent
examination is needed. It Is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,. to follow
the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 1451Sllbl of the
Charities Act,. and to state whether particular matters have come to my atientlon.
Basls of Independent examine¢s ststement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Comrnis5ion. An
examination include5 a review of the accountin8 records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts
presented with those records. It a150 includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and
seekin£ explanation5 from you a5 tTUStees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all
the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts
Present a'twe and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's ststement
In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attentlon:
lil which Bives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
to keep proper accounting records in accordance wtih section 130 of the Charities Act,. and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting
requirements of the Charities Art
have not been met.. or
1111 to which. in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts
to be reached.
Jason Spire5 FCA DChA
Independent examiner
robin50n+co Chartered Ac¢ounlants
The Old Forge
Beck Place
Gosforth, Seascale
CA20 IAT
P￿4

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team
Statement of finanaal artivitles
For the year ended 30 September 2022
Unrestrlcted
funds
Z022
Total
2021
Total
Income
Voluntary income
Incoming resour￿5 frorn charitable actiwties
Income from other trading activities:
Activities for generating funds
Investment income
98.133
98.133
109.231
12,000
423
1,526
423
1,526
1.719
1.262
Total Income
ICK].082
100.082
124.212
Expenditure
Charitable activities
108.281
108,281
58,422
Total expendlture
108,281
108.281
58,422
Net Incomellexpendlture)
for the year
18,1991
18.1991
65,790
Total fund5 brought forward
1,275,896 1,275,896
1.210,106
Total funds carrled forward
1.267.697 1.267.697
1,275,896
The staternent of financial artivities indudes all 8ain5 and Ios5e5 in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activtties.
The notes on pages 8 to 14forni an Integral part of these finan¢lal statement>
P•8e S

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team
Balante sheet
as at 30 September 2022
2022
1021
Flxed a$5ets
Tangible assets
io
765.7LY)
773.903
Current assets
Stocks
Debtors
Cash at bank anil in han(J
280
4.130
500.231
li
14.201
490.529
504.730
504.641
Creditors: amount5 fallin8
due withln one year
12
12.7331
12,6481
Net current assets
501.997
501,993
Net a55ets
1.267,697
1.275.896
Funds
Unrestricted income funds
1.267.697
1,275,896
Totsl funds
1.267,697
1,275.896
The flnancial Statements were approved by the trustees on and signed on its behalf by
J R Bamlorth
Trustee
The note5 on pages 8 to 14 forn> art intelral part of these Ilnandal statemènts.
Page 6

Wasdale M¢wntain Rescue Team
Cash flow statement
for the year ended 30 September 2022
2022
2021
Notes
Net Cash provided byllused In) operating activitie5
Is
3,365
75.930
Cash flows from Investlng actfvltles
Interest and dividends
PuTcha5e of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds from sale of tangible fixed assets
1.526
114.5931
1.262
110.0301
23,245
Net cash {u5ed In)Iprovlded by In¥estlnE artlvlties
113,0671
14,477
Change In cash and cash equlvalents In the year
19.7021
90,407
Cash and cash equwalents brought forward
500,231
409,824
Cash and cash equivalents carried forward
490,529
500,231
The n￿e$ on pa8e$ 8 to 14 forni an Integral part ofthese finandal statements.
Pame 7

Wasdale Mountaln Rescue Team
Notes to financial statements
for the year ended 30 September 2022
Accountln8 pollcles
The princlpal a¢countin8 policie5 are summarised below. The accounting policies have been opplied con515tentlv
throughout the year and the preceding year.
1.1. Basis of accounting
The financial statements arè prepared under the historical cost Convention with items ￿cOgnised at cost or
transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notelsl to these accounts. The financial statements
have been prepared In accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by
Charities preparing thelr accounts in accordance with the Financial Reportin8 Standard applicable in the UK and
Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reportin8 Standard applicable in the UK
and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The trustees consider that there are currently no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to tontinue as
going concern.
1.2. Income
All income is included in the ststement of financial actl*Atles when the charity 15 entitled to the income and the
amount can be quantifieil wlth reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular
categories of income:
Voluntsry income És received by way of grants. donations and gifts and Is induded in fvll in the siatement of
rinancial activities when receivable. Grants where entitlement is noi conditional on the delivery of a specific
performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.
Donated services and facilitie5 are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value
of services provided by volunteers has not been included.
Gifts donated for resale are included as Income within arti¥itie5 for generating funds when they are sold.
Grants, including grants for the purchase of fixed assets, are recogni5ed in full in the statement of financlal
activities in the year in which they are receivable.
Income from investments is included in the year in which It is re￿1¥able.
Legacies a￿ included when the charity is ath5ed by the personal representativè of an estate that payment will
be made or property transferred and the arnount involved can be quafttified.
Page 8

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team
Notes to finanoal statements
for the year ended 30 September 2022
1.3. Tangible fixed assets and depieclatlon
Tangible fixed a5set5 bre stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates
cal¢ulated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows..
Land and buildings
Fixtures, fittings and equipmènt
Motor vehicles
Not depreaated
IO% straight line
straight Ilne
Land and buildings are maintained to a high standard and have a high residual value and a5 such are not
depreciated. The trustees have carried out an impaimient rewew and a￿ satisfied that there 15 no impairment
to these assets.
1.4. Stock
stock Is value(l at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Donations and legacies
Unrestrlcted
funds
2022
Totsl
2021
Total
Donation5
Legacies
97,633
500
97.633
500
109,231
98,133
98,133
109,231
In 2021 all of the income from donations and le8aaes was attributable to unrestricted income funils.
Incomlng resources from charitable actlvltles
2022
Total
2021
Total
Grants
12,000
12.1)00
In 2021 all the incorne from grants was attributable to unrestricted income fuftds.
Page 9

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team
Note5 to financial statements
for the year ended 30 September 2022
Artlvltles for generatlng funds
Unrestrlcted
funds
2022
Total
2021
Total
Fundraising events
423
423
1.719
423
423
1,719
In 2021 all of the income from activities for 8enerating funds was attrlbutable to unrestricted income funds.
Investment Income
Unrestricted
funds
2022
Total
2021
Total
Bank interest receivable
1,526
1,526
1,262
1.526
1.526
1.262
In 2021 all of the investment income was attributable to unrestricted income funds.
Costs of charitable actl¥ftles- by fund type
UnrestrScted
fund5
2022
Totsl
2021
Total
Mountain Rescue
108,281
108,281
58,422
108,281
108,281
58,422
In 2021 all of the costs of the tharitable activities were attributable to unrestrirted funds.
Costs of charitable activities- by activity
Artivities
undertaken
dlrèctty
2022
Total
2021
Total
Mountain Rescue
108.281
108.281
58,422
108,281
108.281
58.422
Page io

Wasdale MountaSn Rescue Team
Notes to financial statements
for the year ended 30 September 2022
Analysis of support costs
2022
Total
2021
Total
Legal and professional fees
557
557
Employees
No salaries or wage5 have been paid to èmployees, including the tru5tee5, durin¥ the year.
Land and
Flxtures,
bulldln8s ffttin85 and
Ireehold equlpment
10. Tanglble Ilxed a55ets
Motor
Vehlcles
Total
At i O￿Ober 2021
Addition5
676,170
307,232
14.593
107,171 1.090,573
14,593
At 30 September 2022
676,170
321.825
107,171 1,105.166
Depreciation
At l October 2021
Charge for the year
222.023
15,809
94,647
6,987
316,670
22,796
At 30 Septernber 2022
237A32
101,634
339.466
Net book values
At 30 September 2022
676,170
83,993
5.537
765,700
At 30 September 2021
676.170
85,209
12.524
773,903
ii.
Debtors
2022
2021
Other debtors
14,201
4.130
Pay 11

Wa5dale Mountaln Rescue Team
Note5 to financlal statement5
for the year ended 30 September 2022
12.
Creditor5: amounts fallln8 due
wlthin one year
2022
2021
Trade creditors
2.733
2.648
13.
Analy515 of net assets between funds
Unrestrfcted
funds
Total
funds
Fund balances at 30 September 2022 as represented by:
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
765.7tsJ
504.730
12,7331
765,700
504,730
12,7331
1.267.697
1,267.697
Unrestrfcted
lunds
Total
funds
Fund balance5 at 30 September 2021 as represented by..
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
773.903
504,641
12,6481
773.903
504,641
12,6481
1.275.896
1,275,896
Page 12

Wasdale Mountaln Rescue Team
Notes to financial statements
for the year ended 30 September 2022
14.
Analysls of movements in unrestritted funds
At
30 September
2022
l Ortober Incomlng Outgoln
2021 rex¥urces resourc￿ Tran51ers
General reserve
Vehicle reserve
Contingencies reserve
1.150.040
105,856
20.￿XI
I(￿),082
1108.2811
1,141,841
105,856
20.000
1.275,896
Its),082
1108,2811
1,267,697
Analysls of movements In unrestricted funds- previous year
At
l October
In¢omln8 Outgoing
20J) resource5 re50urc•s Transfèrs
At
30 September
2021
General reserve
Vehiclè reserve
Contingencies reserve
1.082,442
87,664
124.212
158.4421
1,808
18,192
I20.L￿?
1,150,020
105,856
20.000
1.210.106
124.212
158.4421
1.275.876
Purp05e5 of unrestrlrted funds
The charity's unre5trirted funds can be used with the approval of the board of trustee5 to fund any
expenditure which falls within the charÉtVs.
The level of the general reserve should be at least the equlvelant of two years annual income, the trustee5 are
satified this has been met.
The trustees have designated £105.856 as a vehide reserve. In ¢yder to promde ready cash for the replacement
of the vehicles and boat when required. The reserve is maintained based on a conservative estimate of 15% of
the replacement C05t of each Vehicle multiplied by the number of years Servi￿ it has done, up to the full
replacement cost.
The trustees have designated £20,CI)O as a contingencie5 reserve. in order io make plovlslon for catastiophlc
mechanical failure of a vehicle estimated at £IS.(K*) and for a catastrophic communications failure at £5,000.

Wasdale Mountaln Rescue Team
Notes to financlal statements
for the year ended 30 September 2022
15.
Gross cash fl¢)ws
2021
2021
Net movements in funds
Deduct interest and dividend income shown in Investing activsties
Add back depreciation and profit￿05$ on disposal
Ilncreaselldecrease in stocks
Ilncreaselldecrease in debtor5
Increa5e/ldecrea5el in creditors
18,1991
11.5261
22,796
280
110,0711
85
65,790
11,2621
15,051
13,7161
67
3,365
75,930
16.
Analysis of changes in net funds
Openlni
balance
Cash
flows
aosSng
balafite
Cash at bank and in hand
s￿,231
19,7021
490.529
Net funds
5C(1.231
19,7021
490,529
Page 14

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team
The following pages do not form part of the sLitutory accounts.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team
Detalled Statement of financial activlties
For the year ended 30 September 2022
2022
2021
Income
Income from generatlng fvnds:
Voluntary income
Donations
Legacies
97,633
5CN)
109,231
98,133
109,231
ActIvit￿SfOrgerterotirtgfv￿dS
Fundialsing events
423
1.719
423
1.719
Investment incorne
Bank interest receiwdble
1.526
1,262
1,526
1,262
Total income from generatinE funds
ICrf).082
112.212
Incomlng resources from charltable actlvltles
Granls
12,000
I2.￿0
Total income
ICKJ,082
124,212
Page 16

Wasdale Mountaln Rescue Team
Detailed statement of flnanclal activitles
For the year ended 30 September 2022
2022
2021
Charitable activities
Mountain Rescue
ActivitAes undertoken dirertly
Training costs
Rates
Elettricity
Maintenan
Equipment
Insuran
Sundry headquarter expenses
Vehicle running expenses
Officers, expenses
Marine insuran
Telephone
PrSntinÉ and stationery
IProfitl/loss on sale of asset
Depreciation
Sundry
Boot allowance
Clothing allowan
Donations
Other c05ts
7.877
1,684
1.545
767
19.469
3.618
5.942
2.362
1.260
826
2.570
555
4,775
1.473
1,534
6,353
6,077
4,580
2.698
450
811
2,477
878
17.5091
22.560
1.806
505
5.593
22,796
5,679
334
5,998
25,0
iii
108.281
57.865
Support costs
Legal fees
557
557
Mountain Rexue totsl expenditure
108.281
58,422
Tot31 charltsble actlvlty expenditure
108.281
58,422
Net Income/lexpenditure) for the year
18,1991
65,790
Page 17