Mountain Rescue team’s busy week
THE Sligo/Leitrim Mountain Rescue team were busy last week as a number of people were rescued and assisted.
A French tourist was stretchered off Benbulben Mountain after she fell on Thursday which was followed by an airlift off Knocknarea during the Warriors Run on Saturday.
Team Leader Iain Mounsey directed both operations.
He said: “We received a request for help on Thursday morning at 12:30pm from the Gardaí,.
“I initiated a full call out of the team as reports indicated that the casualty, a French tourist, had suffered a serious ankle fracture and the weather conditions were cold and wet.
“One team member was in the general vicinity and hiked up to the casualty to stabilise her and protect from hypothermia.
“A first response team of four more rescuers was quickly on the scene and by the time our stretcher team arrived the lady had been splinted and stabilised.
“We carried out a long stretcher evacuation in heavy rain and were very ably assisted by two Czechoslovakian walkers.
“We transferred the lady to a waiting ambulance at Luke’s Bridge from where she was conveyed to Sligo university Hospital for surgery.
“We wish her a speedy recovery and wish to thank the two Czechoslovakian walkers without whom it would have been a longer operation,” Iain said.
The Sligo/Leitrim Mountain Rescue team were on duty on Saturday too as the Warriors Run took place with more than 1,000 runners taking on the challenge which was the biggest number in the popular event’s history.
Iain said: “The following Saturday of the Warriors Run we were on duty near the summit of Knocknarea where we were involved in a number of incidents with injured runners.
“One casualty suffered head and lower leg injuries and, following our assessment, an airlift was deemed appropriate.
“The Coastguard Helicopter based in Strandhill was on scene within 15minutes and following our treatment the casualty was airlifted to the emergency Department in Sligo. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our team members who gave up a huge amount of time to provide a professional and comprehensive service resulting in two very positive outcomes,” Iain added.