Lake District: Walker rescued after 'severe panic attack'

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team was called around 2:15pm on Friday to Lingmell Col - which can be a long and arduous route before ascending Scafell Pike.

The volunteers were contacted by Cumbria Police about the walker who had become unwell after suffering from a suspected anxiety attack.

A stretcher was taken up (Image: Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team) She was unable to make further progress and turned back before reaching the summit. 

A band of rain and continuing strong winds created a very cold environment with an increasing risk of hypothermia.

The coastguard helicopter was requested and Helicopter Rescue 936 responded from Caernarfon.

Unfortunately, a descending cloud base prevented direct helicopter support.

A spokesperson for Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team said: "Once on scene the walker was assessed and rewarmed with multiple dry insulating layers and heat blankets.

"After taking on water, glucose and further treatment, the walker had recovered significantly. An attempt to walk off was made with the stretcher now also ready to deploy and Rescue 936 standing by in the valley.

Descending clouds made a helicopter landing difficult (Image: Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team) "Thankfully, the walker was able to make her own way off the fell with support from team members. She was then driven by her partner in their own vehicle for a further precautionary assessment at hospital. We hope she is fully recovered from her very difficult day on the fell.

"Thanks to the crew of Rescue 936 for their response, and also to the two walkers who stopped to help and gave up their extra layers, becoming pretty cold themselves by the time we arrived."