Helicopter Rescue at Portheras Cove: Woman Airlifted to Safety

In a gripping incident yesterday afternoon, a woman with a broken ankle was successfully rescued from the rocky terrain at Portheras Cove by a coordinated effort involving multiple rescue teams and a helicopter evacuation.

Initial Call and Response

At 13:56, the Lands End Coastguard Search & Rescue Team received an urgent call reporting the injured woman. Given the challenging location, both the Lands End team and the Penzance Cliff Rescue Team were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the woman on the rocks above the beach, near a stream. An initial assessment was conducted, and the injury was stabilised using ‘frac-straps’ to immobilise her ankle.

Rescue Efforts and Additional Support

The casualty was unable to bear weight on her injured ankle, necessitating the use of a stretcher. While planning the evacuation route to the top of the cliff, paramedics from South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust arrived, providing a thorough examination and pain relief.

Recognising the difficulty of carrying the casualty up the path, a third team from St Ives Cliff Rescue Team was called in to assist. Despite this additional manpower, the teams concluded that the path was unsuitable for evacuation.

Helicopter Evacuation

After careful deliberation between the ground teams and Falmouth Coastguard Ops Room, it was decided to evacuate the casualty by helicopter. Rescue team members cleared the eastern end of the beach to create a secure Helicopter Landing Spot (HLS). The woman was then safely carried into the helicopter, which transported her and the two paramedics to the fields above the cove. From there, she was transferred to a land ambulance.

Community Support and Conclusion

The operation concluded with all team members regrouping at the top of the path, packing their equipment, and returning to their respective stations. The Lands End Coastguard Search & Rescue Team expressed gratitude to Chypraze Wedding Barn for accommodating the rescue vehicles in their private carpark, and to the public for their assistance in calling emergency services and clearing the beach.

This well-executed rescue highlights the importance of community cooperation and the readiness of our coastguard teams.

REMEMBER: If you see someone in danger on the coast, call 999 and ask for the COASTGUARD.