Sledger stretchered off Northumberland golf course after injuring leg while out in the snow

Amble and Howick Coastguard Rescue Teams were called in to help the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) after the man was injured while out on Warkworth Golf Club.

When they arrived, the teams worked alongside the paramedics to pack the casualty so they could be moved safely and due to the location of the incident, as well as the incline of the hill and weather conditions, they were able to move the person to the top of the slope with ease.

Then the casualty was handed back into the care of the ambulance crew and transported to hospital for further treatment.

The incident, which happened at 8pm yesterday, Thursday, February 11, was one of 12 NEAS was called to during the course of yesterday after 15 people – both adults and children – became injured while out sledging.

It has since issued tips on how to keep safe, with the Met Office’s snow and ice warning to remain in place until noon tomorrow.

A spokesperson for the Amble team said: “Although Coastguard teams have the majority of incidents in coastal areas we do occasionally get called further inland where we can utilise our skills.”

A spokesperson for the Howick team added: “The casualty was some distance from the ambulance so the teams were required to transport the casualty, once stabilised, around quarter of a mile in the basket stretcher to the ambulance.

"Working in sub-zero temperatures the teams quickly and safely evacuated the injured person to the ambulance who was then transported to hospital for further treatment.

"There was great joint working between the ambulance service and the Coastguard ensured the casualty was transported to definitive care with the least delay.

“We wish them a speedy recovery.”

Health chiefs in the region have also urged people to remember to stick to the social distancing guidelines while out sledging in a bid to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus as the lockdown continues.

Anyone reporting a coastal emergency should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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