The Schil

Incident Type: Rescue

On Wednesday, oursleves and North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team were called upon to assist with an incident involving a competitor taking part in the Montane Spine Race on The Schil, following a request for support from our colleagues at Border Search and Rescue Unit (BSARU) under our long-standing cross-border mutual aid arrangements.

Initial reports suggested that a participant had collapsed on the hill and required urgent medical assistance. As information developed, it became clear that specialist medical support from the Spine Safety Team, BSARU, the Scottish Ambulance Service and the Scottish Air Ambulance would be required.

With volunteers mobilising from across Northumberland, our role quickly focused on supporting the wider response and providing additional resources should they be needed. Challenging communications in the remote College Valley area were overcome through a combination of teamwork, local knowledge and technology, ensuring information could continue to flow between the incident site and control.

By the time our first members reached the scene, a highly capable team was already caring for the casualty, including members of the Spine Safety Team and an A&E doctor. The Scottish Air Ambulance subsequently landed nearby and the casualty was transferred into the care of medical professionals for onward evacuation.

While the incident was ongoing, reports were received of a second unwell competitor at a remote shelter. Fortunately, arrangements were put in place by BSARU and the Spine Safety Team, and the competitor was later able to continue safely.

Although only a small number of our members were ultimately required on the hill, this incident highlights the importance of strong working relationships between mountain rescue teams, race safety teams, ambulance services and local communities on both sides of the border.

Our thanks go to Border Search and Rescue Unit, the Spine Safety Team, the Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Air Ambulance and local supporters who assisted during the response.

We wish the competitor involved a full and speedy recovery.

The incident involved 22 team members for 3.5 hours.