Valkerie,The Roaches

  • Call out for year: 72
  • Date: 14/12/13
  • Time: 5:00 pm
  • Grid ref: SK 005 624
  • Type of incident: Climber Crag-fast(1)
  • Team members involved: 24
  • Time taken: 2.5
  • Total man hours: 60

Incident report

Buxton Mountain Rescue Team called to attend at The Roaches, Staffordshire where a climber had become stranded on the rock face of a VS 4b grade classic route called Valkerie.  The male climber, from Wilmslow, had been belaying his lead climber from a ledge when a piece of hardware detached itself from the crack.   Sliding down the rope, the hex nut struck the casualty causing a hand injury.  Strong winds made communication from one climber to the other difficult and as darkness fell the decision was made to call for help.

West Midlands Ambulance Service were on scene first but paramedics were unable to reach the casualty stranded high on ledge.   First rescue team members on site were able to rig  a special rescue harness which was taken down the crag face.  The casualty and rescuer were then lowered together to the foot of the crag.   The casualty was assisted to the road but his injuries did not require hospital treatment.  

Team members then spent some time recovering the climber’s rope and equipment.  The whole incident was carried out in very strong winds, driving rain and darkness which complicated an otherwise well rehearsed rescue situation.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service together with West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Hazardous Area Response Team and Staffordshire Police also attended this incident.

Photo:  Rescuer (in red) keeps tight control of the casualty as both are lowered to safety.     Left, team members establishing belays on The Roaches.

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