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Activity
Winter walking
When
Descending
Injury
Serious injury requiring medical treatment
Incident
Was descending Cairn Lochan when heard a shout from above. Pair descending and one had slipped into a slide and caught crampon on ice as he slid. Axe was stowed in bag. Sustained mid shaft tubular and fibula fracture. Weather was excellent with good visibility and low wind. Me and partner returning from walk to Ben MacDui. Passing Glenmore Lodge Instructor with WMCI students assisted with roping down to flatter ground more suitable for helicopter to land.
Myself and Partner both Paramedics so gave instant treatment and exact location to Police via phone. Initially injured party gave incorrect location. Able to safely manage incident without additional assistance which would have been required from MRT otherwise as on 45 degree slope.
Lessons
Carry the axe on slopes and don’t use crampons to brake a slide.
Causes
Slip, trip or fall
Anonymous?
No
Reported By
Passer by
Wearing Helmets?
Rescue Services Involved?
Cairngorm MRT and Coastguard Helicopter.
Author
John Woodhall
12 March 2026 at 10:18:32
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