CALLOUT 55 – Call to assist missing runner

On Sunday, 26th November, at approximately 15:40, the team was called out to assist in the location of a missing runner who was overdue at the end of an event we were providing first aid cover near Bacup.

As things were coming to a close on a fairly uneventful day providing first aid cover at Lee Mill Fell Relay, it became apparent that one of the last runners had gone astray and not returned. The marshals and event organiser were able to confirm when they had last been seen, at what time, headed in which direction, and so on.

Whilst some of the race team and other runners headed out in this direction to do what we as a team would call a “hasty search”, one of our team members at the event contacted our duty leader, who subsequently deployed other team members who were available to head to the location to assist.

Team members and runners from the event headed back towards the expected area and confirmed they could hear a whistle. Team members were deployed onto the hill towards the location and as further groups of team members were being deployed, it was confirmed team members had located the runner who was sheltering from weather but otherwise safe and well. Team members walked with the runner back to Lee Mill Quarry where they were picked up and given a lift back down in one of the team vehicles to be reunited with their waiting family member with a final confirmation all were off the hill the team stood down and returned vehicles to base.

We hope this doesn’t put this runner (or any others) off from this or other future events and want to mention how useful it was to have their whistle in this situation.

Double check, and make sure you have the basic safety equipment with you too, no matter what your plans are when you go out onto the fells.

[Stock Photo]