A DRAMATIC rescue saw two helicopters called to help a woman with serious head injuries.

Just before 5pm on Tuesday, Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team (CMRT) scrambled to the aid of a 70-year-old woman.

North West Ambulance Service called the team to help them access and treat the casualty. All 24 volunteers from the CMRT ascended from Gatesgarth Farm, Buttermere to get to Scarth Gap.

The walker had a serious head injury after falling close to the summit of Scarth Gap, which is one of the popular routes on Haystacks.

A spokesman from CMRT said: “The Great North Air Ambulance had already landed nearby and their paramedic and doctor were on scene.

“Team members assisted with treatment and transferred the casualty to a stretcher ready for evacuation.

“Given the location and severity of the casualties injuries, the team leader requested a Coastguard Helicopter with winching capability.

“R199 from Prestwick was tasked to the incident and was on scene within 45 minutes.

“The casualty was then loaded into the helicopter and transferred to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle for further treatment.”

Team leader Andrew McNeil thanked both the crews of GNAAS Helimed 58 and the Coastguard R199 for their assistance.

The rescue took about three-and-a-half hours.