An injured walker had to be rescued in ‘treacherous’ conditions after falling on Errigal on New Year’s Day.
The Donegal Mountain Rescue Team (DMRT) volunteers were tasked at 2:57 pm and immediately rushed to the area to assist a person who sustained a lower leg injury.
A total of 25 people were involved in the mission to secure the safety of the walkers off the mountain, both of whom suffered mild hypothermia, in some of the worst conditions the team has experienced in a long time.
“With daylight fading fast and the temperature dropping, they could not get down the mountain without our help,” a DMRT spokesperson said.
The injured walker being attended to on Errigal. Pic: Donegal Mountain Rescue Team (DMRT).
Members of the team located the casualty, stabilised the leg and gave the other walker who was with them extra layers including a cas wrap for warmth. The casualty was transferred on to a stretcher as other members of the team arrived with the stretcher wheel. With the rescue helicopter unavailable, the team set to work to get the two people to safety.
“Through treacherous wind and sleet conditions, the uninjured walker was safely walked off the hill, while the rest of the team used ropes to navigate the stretcher to where the wheel was positioned,” the spokesperson added.
“After being joined by more members of the team and members of the Coast Guard, they successfully transported the casualty off the hill to the awaiting ambulance. We thank our colleagues at @nationalambulanceservice, @gardainsta, @irish.coast.guard and Malin Head for the incredible work done last night and we wish the casualty a speedy recovery.”
Rescue volunteers at Errigal on New Year’s Day. Pic: Donegal Mountain Rescue Team (DMRT).