Walker rescued in Thrunton Woods after medical episode sparks emergancy response

On March 11, Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team (NNPMRT) and North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team were alerted by North East Ambulance Service to assist a walker who had a medical episode while out with a companion in Thrunton Woods.

After attempting to make their own way back uphill, the pair realised the casualty was unable to continue and called for assistance.

Once phone contact was established, team members were able to identify the area on the eastern side of the woods near Coe Crags and Rough Castles.

Local team members and a team vehicle responded first and carefully navigated difficult forest tracks to get as close as possible to the casualty, while other volunteers began making their way to the area.

Once on scene, team members carried out a medical assessment and liaised directly with the ambulance service’s critical care desk to discuss evacuation options.

Additional team members — including support from Border Search and Rescue Unit — continued to make their way to the location so that a stretcher evacuation could be carried out safely.

Within the hour, sufficient personnel were in place to package the casualty onto a stretcher and carefully carry them over rough woodland terrain using a stretcher wheel to assist. The casualty was then transferred to a waiting ambulance on a nearby track at 16:43 for further care.

NNPMRT commented: “We wish the casualty a speedy recovery and thank everyone involved for a smooth and coordinated response.”

The incident involved 19 team members for three hours and 20 minutes.