A CLIMBER in Gwynedd was taken to hospital after suffering a suspected fractured spine and being lifted to safety yesterday (October 11).

The man, who was on his own, had started up the Amphitheatre Buttress near Craig Yr Ysfa, but fell up to 20 metres and seriously injured his back, pelvis and leg.

Having managed to call 999, members of Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue went to help at 12pm, with assistance from the Caernarfon-based helicopter.

Equipped with a stretcher and rope rescue gear, two casualty care teams assisted in stabilising and treating the man before he was placed on the stretcher.

Due to the terrain, winching from the point of injury was prevented, so the man was lowered 25 metres further out of the gully to a better position.

After five hours on task the helicopter required fuel so headed back to Caernarfon for refuelling. On its return it lifted the climber to Ysbyty Gwynedd for treatment.

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