A SEMI-conscious female walker was air-lifted off Great Whernside, near Kettlewell, last weekend.

A team from Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue was on its way to the summit of the Wharfedale peak, but because of the walker’s condition, Yorkshire Ambulance Service requested a helicopter be sent.

A spokesperson for the Grassington based Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (UWFRA) said: “A call passed from the Cave Rescue Organisation, from North Yorkshire Police, then Yorkshire Ambulance Service for a female walker who had been unconscious and was in and out of consciousness on the summit of Great Whernside.

“Given the reported condition of the casualty and the time it would take to get to the summit YAS control requested Helimed evacuation.

“UWFRA despatched a team, including a casualty carer and medical bags, who made it to the summit as Helimed lifted off with the casualty and took her to a waiting ambulance on Cam aGill Road.

“Other team members were being transported up to Hag Dyke and preparing to carry extra equipment.We wish the casualty a speedy recovery.”

Sixteen volunteers attended and the rescue the took two hours 11 minutes.