Copter rescues women thanks to their phone
MOBILE LOCATOR APP PINPOINTS INJURED WALKERS
MOUNTAIN rescue teams came to the aid of two women stranded on the moors above Oldham – after locating their mobile phone.
Oldham Mountain Rescue were contacted by police following reports a female walker was lost on the moors.
The rescue team used PhoneFind technology to locate the missing woman and discovered she was accompanied by another walker.
Both women had suffered from leg injuries, which meant they could not walk.
A rescue team went out to find the women and made the decision to call for helicopter support, as the women were stricken in a remote area and it was a long distance to carry two stretchers.
The Coastguard helicopter was organised to take the women to hospital, while Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team and Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team were contacted for back up in case there were any problems.
Coastguard arrived at the scene and the two women were airlifted possible to stage the event as planned this year.
“We haven’t taken this decision lightly. Over the past few months, we’ve worked hard, and in close consultation with our medical teams, local authorities and key partners to try and find a way to run the Great Manchester Run which both observes social distancing rules, and, crucially, doesn’t impact on our local NHS.
“But, as things stand, and even as the situation improves, it isn’t going to be possible to meet these goals with any to hospital in Huddersfield for further treatment. The rescue operation took around four hours.
A statement shared by the Oldham Mountain Rescue Team on Facebook said: “On Saturday evening, the team were contacted by Greater Manchester Police asking for assistance with the location of a female walker who was lost on the moors somewhere near Oldham.
“PhoneFind technology helped to fix the exact location and a conversation with the missing female established that she was accompanied by another female, and that both had sustained leg injuries which meant they could not walk.
“We dispatched a hasty party and soon had personnel on scene, certainty, and so, with just under three months to go, we have concluded that the best course of action is to cancel.
“We know how disappointing this is, but we’re sure everyone will understand why this decision has been made.
“Thank you for your patience and continued support at this challenging time.”
● Runners without a charity place will be able to roll their entry over to next year’s event on May 23, or get a refund.
Visit greatrun.org/greatmanchester-run for more. who made the assessment that due to the remote nature of the site and the fact there were two casualties, a helicopter extraction would be the preferred option.
“While the Coastguard helicopter was being organised, our neighbouring team, Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team, were once again contacted with a request for manpower in case the helicopter couldn’t make it.
“Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team were also asked to put their team on standby for what would have been a long double-stretcher carry.
“Fortunately, the Coastguard were able to allocate an aircraft and the two casualties were airlifted to Huddersfield for further assessment and treatment.”