Award for mountain rescue team for saving life of man lost on South Yorkshire moor

A mountain rescue team has been honoured for saving the life of a man lost on a South Yorkshire moor.
ACC Rachel Barber with John Halstead from Woodhead Mountain Rescue TeamACC Rachel Barber with John Halstead from Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team
ACC Rachel Barber with John Halstead from Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team

Volunteers who make up the Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team, based at Holmfirth, saved a 77-year-old man who ended up lost on Langsett Moor, near Penistone, last November.

The team was deployed after the man dialled 999 to report himself lost in the dark. It was also snowing and the temperature was falling.

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Superintendent Paul McCurry, who commanded the search and rescue operation, said: “Immediately, we called the Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team as we knew that without them, we’d have immense trouble rescuing this man and ensuring his safety.

“Straight away, the team deployed volunteers who went in search of the man with hot drinks and a basic first aid kit. Further parties were also sent to different locations, while a party with a stretcher was also dispatched.

“After a six hour search and rescue mission the man was located, thankfully before he could come to any real harm, although his health was deteriorating rapidly and he was in a hypothermic state.

“Due to treacherous weather conditions, the helicopter could not land to airlift the man to hospital and so the Mountain Rescue Team carried him over one-and-a-half miles over rough and slippery terrain in the pitch-black to an awaiting 4x4.

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“Without the team and their efforts in this challenging rescue mission, it’s unlikely that the man would have survived the night.

“I’m incredibly thankful for their continued efforts and support in call-outs and search and rescue efforts.

“Their help is truly invaluable to us and to the friends and family of those loved ones who go missing or get in to difficulties while out walking for example.”

Supt McCurry and Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Barber presented the team with a Chief Officer Commendation for their efforts.

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Supt McCurry added: “Last year alone the team members dedicated over 2,000 hours of their time to call-outs from police, which amounted to 37 call-outs in total.

“Their efforts are truly amazing and have saved the lives of countless people. We are incredibly grateful to be able to call upon them and I’m proud to have presented them with this well-deserved commendation.”