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Rescued

Rob / 27.05.2003

The last ‘team’ on the jumar were the four remaining racers from Activ8 and Budget Pilgrims but as they prepared to go up they realised Ruth Martin was in difficulties. She couldn’t put on her harness on her own and seem very tired and cold. At first she was simply told she couldn’t do the ropes and the marshals put her in a tent to warm up but her condition deteriorated further to the point where she couldn’t even hold a cup so there was no prospect of her walking out and serious concern about her hypothermic condition.

The Chief Medic Eithna Synnott was called and she in turn mobilised the Torridon Mountain Rescue team, she wasn’t taking any chances. The team assembled at the Youth Hostel next to the PC15, which is also their base, in a matter of minutes. It wasn’t long before a Sea King rescue helicopter arrived as well and was on it’s way up to PC14 with race medic Adrian Ismay aboard. On arrival a crewman went down on a winch to bring Ruth aboard. She was taken back to the medical team at the hostel where she was stretchered inside. She didn’t need any hospital treatment, just rest and warmth under the careful supervision of the medical team. It was a rapid and effective rescue, taking less than 90 minutes after the 999 call, which was made at 10.20am.

Once again able to hold a mug of hot tea and talk Ruth said, “It was a strange disoriented feeling, part exhaustion part elation. I didn’t realise what was happening, I even wanted to do the ropes. I’m so disappointed to be out of the race but being winched into the helicopter and whisked back here was quite thrilling. It makes up a little for the race ending this way. I’ve never been in a helicopter before.�

The three remaining racers, including Thorlene Egerton, who only joined the ill fated Active8 team at the last minute, walked back down the mountain and to PC15 and are planning to continue the race. See All Event Posts