Walker rescued after breaking leg on Tinto Hill

Parademics and the mountain rescue team carry the injured woman. Pic: Moffat MRT

A woman had to be airlifted to hospital after breaking her leg near the summit of Tinto Hill yesterday (Monday).

The incident took place at around 5.30pm after the woman had fallen while out walking and injured her lower leg.

Paramedics were able to reach the causalty, but were unable to move her so Police Scotland asked Moffat Mountain Rescue Team to assist Scottish Ambulance Service with the operation rescue.

A local farmer was also enlisted to help, while a Coastguard helicopter was sent to the scene, but due to reduced visibility it had to land further down the hill meaning the woman had to be carried part of the way.

A statement from Moffat Mountain Rescue Team said: “At 5.30pm on Monday, Police Scotland asked Moffat Mountain Rescue Team to assist Scottish Ambulance Service with a rescue just short of the Summit of Tinto Hill.

“A female walker had fallen and had a suspected lower leg fracture. Paramedics had managed to reach the scene but were unable to move the casualty.

“With the assistance of a local farmer a team member was transported to the scene and started to prepare for the arrival of a Coastguard rescue helicopter from Prestwick.

“The helicopter winched a paramedic to the scene but with reduced visibility the helicopter was forced to land further down the hill.

“Further mountain rescue team members arrived on scene and assisted the Scottish Ambulance Special Operations Team with a carry of the casualty down the hill to the waiting helicopter.

“The helicopter lifted the casualty to the nearest hospital while the rest of the team made their way off the hill and returned to base to prepare the team’s equipment for the next callout.”

Thanks were given to Tinto Tearoom for arranging refreshments for the Moffat Mountain Rescue Team and Scottish Ambulance Service teams.

Quothquan and Thankerton Community Council has placed on record its appreciation for the efforts of everyone involved in the successful rescue operation.

Moffat Mountain Rescue Team are all volunteers who head out is all weathers and circumstances to help the local community.

Anyone wishing to make a donation should visit www.justgiving.com/mmrt.