At 16:03 this afternoon we were paged by NWAS (Lancashire) ECC regarding an incident in East Quarry, Appley Bridge, Wigan/Skelmersdale.

A 23 year old female was reported to have fallen from the top of the disused quarry, down a vertical rock face and into the flooded base of the quarry.

We understand she was initially rescued from the water by some accompanying male youths who swam out to the young woman and got her back to the shore line. During her fall, we understand she had hit the rockface sustaining very serious multiple injuries.

At the time of our pager call, an NWAS Emergency Ambulance was already on scene along with the North West Air Ambulance Helimed 08. Lancashire Fire and Rescue had also mobilised to the incident at the request of NWAS, initially to assist with gaining access to the quarry through padlocked gates; the two LFRS crews subsequently becoming fully involved in the incident.

A full team callout was made at 16:19 with three team Land Rover Ambulances mobilising alongside directly responding team members.

North West Air Ambulance Helimed 72 also responded to this incident, such was the seriousness of its nature.

Our first responding team members Nick Berry and Mike Marsh arrived on scene circa 16:34 with our first responding Land Rover arriving on scene 16:54.

With casualty care still taking place the team was tasked with the stretcher evacuation of the woman from the quarry back to the waiting Air Ambulance.

The woman’s injuries included multiple leg fractures, serious cuts and suspected spinal and pelvic injuries.

By 17:09 the stretcher evacuation was in progress, direct to the waiting Helimed 72.

At circa 17:19, Helimed 72 lifted off with the woman, destined for Royal Preston Hospital.

By 17:48 all MRT and other resources had left the incident scene, situated off Appley Lane North, Appley Bridge.

Team members at the RVP shortly after the incident had concluded.

The following resources were involved in this incident:

• Bolton MRT – 3 Land Rover Mountain Rescue Ambulances and 18 team callout list members
• NWAS Lancashire ECC Air Desk
• NWAS Lancashire – one Emergency Ambulance from Skelmersdale Ambulance Station
• Lancashire Constabulary – solo Police Officer from Skelmersdale Police Station
• Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service – two pump appliances from Skelmersdale Fire Station, inclusive of their officer in charge/Watch Commander.

All agencies present on this incident worked seamlessley together to effect the rescue and evacuation of the seriously injured woman.