Bolton Mountain Rescue responds to two emergencies

Bolton Mountain Rescue Team members were already supporting the Horwich RMI trail race on Wednesday evening (May 20), while other volunteers were in meetings and training sessions.

But just after 7pm, the team was called by the North West Ambulance Service to help a casualty who had suffered a serious lower leg injury near Hindley.

Twelve team members were redeployed to the incident, where they provided pain relief and splinted the injured limb before carrying the casualty to a waiting ambulance.

The team said the night showed how volunteers had to quickly adapt as different incidents unfolded at the same time.

In a statement, Bolton Mountain Rescue Team said: “Wednesday night was a busy one for our team.

Sheep House Lane, near to the incident including the Horwich running club. (Image: Google)

“Fourteen team members and four vehicles were busy providing standby rescue cover for the Horwich RMI trail race, the team’s leadership was preparing to meet, and other team members were delivering a training session to our new trainees.

“The team was contacted by the North West Ambulance Service for assistance with a casualty who had suffered a serious lower leg injury after slipping on mud in woodland near Hindley.

“Adaptable as always, we reallocated our resources and 12 team members responded, providing pain relief, splinting the injured limb, and carrying the casualty to the waiting ambulance.

“We wish all the casualties a speedy recovery.”

A spokesperson for North West Ambulance added to the Hindley incident: “We responded following a 999 call at 18.48 and conveyed the patient to Wigan Infirmary.”

Meanwhile, team members at the Horwich RMI trail race also treated two runners who suffered cuts and grazes after stumbling near the end of the course.

Bolton Mountain Rescue Team is made up of volunteers who assist emergency services across the region, often responding to incidents in remote or difficult terrain.