Injured fell runner Ugborough Beacon area

Callout #22 – Wednesday 6th August

At 20:32 Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team - Ashburton were contacted by Devon & Cornwall Police to assist an injured fell runner with a suspected fractured ankle. The injured fell runner had fallen badly and was about half way between Glasscombe Ball Hill and Owley Corner, which is just north of Ugborough Beacon. When the message was received, the rescue team were mid-way through a normal Wednesday evening training exercise and only 6 miles away and so could respond quickly. Two 4*4 vehicles and 12 team members were rapidly deployed to the scene. The team liaised with South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and then drove to Spurrel Cross via the Puffin Billy Tramway. After being located, the runner was assessed, pain relief and splinting provided. They were first evacuated by stretcher 500m up hill to a 4*4 vehicle then by taken to the land ambulance at the roadhead. An understanding of the incident and flexible planning meant that the original exercise could continue to its conclusion. The recent introduction of STARLINK internet connection and Zello technology in the rescue team Control Vehicle meant that vital communication could be maintained with the two 4*4 vehicles and hill parties engaged in this callout. This incident involved 14 of our volunteers and 2 vehicles and was concluded by 22:35