Two mountain rescue teams were involved in a high-profile rescue drama at a Saddleworth beauty spot after police reports that a man had fallen into water.
The team from Oldham Mountain Rescue were requested to help by Greater Manchester Police, after the exact location of the casualty was uncertain because of poor phone signal. It happened just before lunchtime on Wednesday (16 June).
After a short search by vehicle of likely spots, the casualty was located close to the waterfall in Birchen Clough.
OMRT had a team Casualty Carer on scene, who was able to assess the man as having possible spinal injuries. And, due to the potential seriousness of his injuries, helicopter assistance was requested from Marine & Coastguard Agency with their winching capability.
The casualty was treated and packaged in an immobilising vacuum mattress on the OMRT stretcher, before being winched into the helicopter and flown to Greenfield Reservoir for transfer to the waiting North West Ambulance Service ambulance.
An OMRT spokesperson said: "Huge thanks to the passers-by who administered immediate first aid and stayed with the casualty until help arrived, and also to Holme Valley MRT, who we contacted to assist with the helicopter landing site."
Eighteen OMRT and eight HVMRT personnel were involved for three hours and 40 minutes.
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