A helicopter winch operator who saved the life of a climber who had fallen into a deep gully on Glen Nevis has been honoured.
The Billy Deacon Search and Rescue (SAR) Memorial Trophy was given to winchman paramedic Scott Sharman at the Air League’s annual awards ceremony at St James’ Palace in London.
Mr Sharman was presented the 2019 trophy in recognition of his outstanding performance in the complex rescue – in severe conditions – of two climbers following a fall at Tower Gulley on the north face of Ben Nevis in December 2018 – one of the UK’s most dangerous ascents.
A spokesman for the award said: “Inverness Rescue 951 was tasked to respond to two fallen climbers on the North Face of Ben Nevis.
“One had fallen at least 1,000ft from the cornice at the top of Tower Gulley and was observed to be bleeding from a head injury and shouting for help.
“His climbing partner, who had also fallen, had raised the alarm and was attempting to down-climb to the lower casualty’s position.
“The crew elected to winch to a small boulder field located centrally within the gulley, around 20 feet away from the casualties. The aircraft cleared the immediate area, which allowed Scott to free-climb to the casualties, using crampons and ice axe, and administer paramedic first aid.”
Mr Sharman attended to the first casualty winching him into the helicopter before returning to the second casualty, also winching him to safety.
Sadly, the first casualty died from his injuries but remarkably, the second survived having suffered only cracked ribs.
The spokesman continued: “Throughout the rescue, Scott’s performance stood out as remarkable.
“His ability to free climb across a steep snow field and employ paramedic skills on the side of a mountain is commendable, along with the strength of mind to quickly regain composure and focus on the recovery of the second casualty.
“Scott displayed exceptional skill and courage in extracting the casualties from their precarious situation, offering them the best possible chance of survival.”
The trophy was established in memory of Billy Deacon, a Bristow Helicopters winchman, who was tragically lost during the course of a rescue while carrying out his duties on the SAR helicopter based at Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands, in 1997.
