At 01:34, on Tuesday, April 23rd, Dublin & Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team and Glen of Imaal Red Cross Mountain Rescue Team were tasked by the National Ambulance Service (NAS) to assist at an incident in Glenmalure. The incident involved two walkers who fell on steep ground while night hiking.
Mountain rescue (MR) personnel responded to the area and set about locating the incident site. The patients were located in a wooded area, on very steep ground, below a small crag. Access to the incident site proved very difficult, requiring the first MR party on scene to cut through undergrowth to gain access.
Both walkers were assessed by MR medics. One was treated for multiple injuries (patient 1), and one treated for minor injuries (patient 2). Following assessment of the patients and possible evacuation routes, a request for air support was made to Irish Coast Guard Rescue 116.
Due to the nature of the terrain, an airlift was not possible from the incident site. A suitable airlift site was identified in a clearing approximately 70m uphill. Patient 1 was packaged into a stretcher and, using a rope system, hauled uphill to the clearing. Patient 2 was assisted to the same clearing, using a rope for assistance and safety. Rescue 116 arrived overhead at approximately 05:45, and airlifted patient 1 at approximately 06:15. Patient 2 was then assisted to an MR vehicle and transported to a waiting ambulance. The incident was stood down at 08:39.
Our thanks to Rescue 116, the National Ambulance Service, and An Garda Síochána for their assistance. Thanks also to Glenmalure Lodge, who fed our tired, hungry volunteers after a long, night-time, rescue operation.
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