TEESDALE’S fell rescue team was called out to 34 incidents in just three days during the worst of the wintry weather in February.
A new report shows that Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team’s (TWSMRT) three vehicles were frequently used to transport patients as regular ambulances struggled to cope in the heavy snow.
Team spokesman Scott Bissett said highly trained fell rescuers treated several patients prior to transporting them to hospital.
He added: “Several trapped motorists were also rescued including a member of Northumbria police and a lorry driver who had become stuck in snow on the B6277 between Langdon Beck and Alston.
“The operation involved both TWSMRT and Penrith MRT, as well as a helicopter, snow blowers and a farmer’s tracked utility vehicle.
“The driver was finally rescued when members of TWSMRT walked in through blizzard conditions.
“The driver was none the worse for wear despite spending almost 48 hours in his cab.”
In other incidents, he said the team was busy in January when rescuers dealt with four requests for help from police, including searching for man who went missing while walking the coastal path near Easington and a despondent woman from Seaham.
They also located an elderly walker who had become ill along the Pennine Way,
Mr Bissett said the operation involved the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) and units from the Hazardous Area Response Team. The man was evacuated through deep snow.
