Over The Hill

Four weeks since my last walk, and I was looking forward to a nice, steady walk, with nothing too strenuous to ease my lazy legs back into it, and Ben Donich sounded just about right. And it was, at least as far as the walking was concerned, but, as the discerning amongst you may have noticed from the heading - over six hours for a walk of just over 7 kilometres - or from the fact that the Royal Navy Rescue helicopter features in the pictures opposite - this turned out to be a very eventful walk!

Departing the forestry car park just beyond the Rest And Be Thankful, we were soon making our ascent up the well defined and somewhat eroded track on the north ridge of Ben Donich; and, contrary to the weather forecast, if was a damp, grey and misty ascent, with some rather heavy rain at times. Nevertheless, we made the summit in good time only to find it completely shrouded in mist, and rain and devoid of any views;; and so, after a brief pause for the usual summit photos, we retreated back towards the 817m bealach to find ourselves a more sheltered spot around the lochan for our lunch.

Our planned route of descent was to head generally east from the lochan, descending the rough hillside to met the track in Bealach Dubh-lic and thence back along the forest track. However, very shortly after leaving the lochan, as we were descending a rather steep and very wet grassy gully, Ian G (not to be confused with Ian McC), took, what can only be described as an unfortunate slip, twisting his leg as he fell, and knowing immediately that he had broken it above the ankle.

Accidents happen on the hills, and when they do, it is the forethought and preparedness for such accidents that can assist those involved in how well they handle the situation. We were a large group, with one individual injured, and eleven on hand to give assistance - it could be easy going, or chaotic, depending on how it was handled. Afterwards, looking at it objectively I personally think that everyone worked together as a team and handled a difficult situation in near perfect text book fashion.

We confirmed very quickly what Ian himself knew, that he had indeed broken his leg, or ankle, of that there was not doubt from the angle of his boot to his upper leg; moving Ian on the steep hillside was not an option, nor was a carry-out by the Mountain Rescue, therefore, an airlift would be required.

Sometimes, even in difficult circumstances, luck is with you, and fortunately, we had a very strong mobile phone signal, so, while Mike called the police and gave them all the details and requested a helicopter rescue, we set to making Ian as comfortable, warm, and dry as was possible on the very wet hillside. To this end, we made very good use of those items we carry around in our rucksacks, and sometimes wonder, do I really need them - Survival bags - pushed underneath Ian to give some protection from the wet ground - Foil blankets - wrapped around Ian for warm - Walking poles - gently aligned and bandage wrapped around his leg to make sure there was no movement

With Ian comfortable, we then split into two groups, one remaining with Ian to ensure his continued comfort and assistance, while the other climbed 30 metres or so back up the grassy gully to the flatter area above the gully, where we could see, and more importantly, be seen by the approaching helicopter. - Again, those nice bright orange Survival bags, laid out and then waved at the approaching helicopter made us easily identifiable to the crew.

If getting a clear mobile phone signal was our first stroke of luck, our second was surely the fact that, as we stood waiting for the helicopter, wondering if it could get in due to the visibility being less than 50 metres, and the hillside shrouded in mist, just as we were informed, via that all important mobile phone signal, that the helicopter was 10 minutes away, the mist suddenly lifted, and out of the gloom, there, heading towards us from the south was the helicopter - the crew, without hesitation, spotted us, and immediately positioned the helicopter overhead and winched down the paramedic.

Watching these professionals at work, at close range is quite inspiring; as the paramedic assessed Ian's condition, administering entonox to easy the pain, the helicopter drew off and circled, before returning to lower a stretcher, and, once again withdrawing, this time to land on the flat area just above us, while Ian's leg was secured in an inflatable leg splint before he was gently lifted into the stretcher and winched aboard the helicopter to be flown directly to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

Incredibly the time lapse, from Ian slipping on the slope, to the helicopter departing for Paisley, was no more that 55 minutes total - Quite an impressive response time, considering the paramedic arrived with wet boots and trousers, having just plucked someone from the sea, and as they were leaving us, receiving another call to an injured climber - No doubt about it, impressive. (Note: Interesting that all the press hype tells us that since 1st April, all rescue services are now "civilian", i.e. coastguard or contract - These guys were definitely Royal Navy Rescue.)

With Ian safely in the hands of the professionals, we were able to make our descent, but not on the intended route, rather, we returned to the main track on the north ridge, and made our descent back the way we had come.

Footnote: Later in the evening we found out that Ian has a broken fibula and will spend a couple of days in hospital, apparently his leg will require pinning to assist the break to heal. From all of us Ian, all the best, and we hope that you have a speedy and successful recovery.

Thanks Mike, one we will remember - Good Leadership and Great Teamwork