Woman rescued in large Dartmoor operation
She hurt her knee and was stranded with a companion, who was also getting cold, after falling into the water
A woman who fell into a river near Hexworthy has been rescued after a large emergency operation.
She hurt her knee and was stranded with a companion, who was also getting cold, after falling into the water.
Rescue teams faced tough conditions and had to bring in a stretcher and extra help from Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Ashburton, before handing the woman over to a waiting ambulance. Her friend recovered enough to walk to safety with rescuers.
Sharing details about the incident, Dartmoor Search and Rescue said: "We were called at 17:50 to assist with a casualty extraction in the Hexworthy area.
"We were provided with an accurate location, details of two walkers, one of whom had fallen into the river and injured her knee.
"She was no longer in the water but was getting cold.
"A hill party deployed with two paramedics, getting to the casualty site just after 1900. The casualty was unable to walk and her companion was particularly cold and needed warming. Two further hill parties deployed with a stretcher.
"Access to the casualty site was challenging and the only way out involved a river crossing, so we asked Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team - Ashburton to provide back up with a swift water team in case assistance was needed crossing the river.
"Fortunately a suitable and safe crossing point for the stretcher party was located and the casualty was handed over to a waiting land ambulance. Her companion responded well to warming and was able to walk off with the stretcher party.
"Thanks to DSRT Ashburton for providing their support and the Devon & Cornwall 4x4 Response for assistance with transport.
"A great example of different teams working together.
"The team was stood down by 2200."