Stuart and Cameron's Story

An injured Arbroath hillwalker and his father have praised the crew of Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance who saved their lives by plucking them and their dog from a frozen hillside when a festive hike turned to near disaster.

Student PE teacher and ski instructor Cameron Currie and his dad Stuart, both highly experienced climbers, set off up Kilbo Pass in the Angus Glens on December 27th to scout out potential ski touring options for the coming season.

Near the top of the pass, however, Cameron slipped and fell, tearing open his knee to the bone on jagged rocks.

"I felt a jolt of pain but didn't realise how bad it was until I saw all the blood on the snow and the deep wound across my knee," he said. "I flexed my leg and knew nothing was broken but every move made the wound bleed more."

The pair realised that getting themselves off the hill was not an option and Stuart refused to leave his son behind to seek help.

Luckily, being experienced outdoorsmen, they had packed extra thermal layers and survival bags and Cameron had fallen at the one spot on the exposed hill that had mobile phone reception.

"We were aware of the conditions on the hill and had equipped ourselves accordingly," said Cameron.

"We called the emergency services, gave them our co-ordinates, layered on more clothing, staunched the bleeding with an extra fleece and hunkered down in our survival bags awaiting help," said Cameron. "My dog Oakley has been walking on the hills with me for years so he snuggled in beside us and I protected him from the wind with our rucksacks."

With temperatures plummeting to minus 10 degrees, however, the open hillside proved brutal for the trio and it became a race against time to get them to safety.

Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance's Helimed 76 based at Perth had been scrambled in response to the emergency and was soon at the scene.

"I can't describe the relief we felt when we saw SCAA coming over the ridge towards us," said Cameron. "They spotted our bright orange survival bags and landed just above us.

"We immediately saw it was a SCAA helicopter from its livery. We got a bit emotional then - just relief at knowing we would be rescued and be alright. We had read of the amazing work these folk do and knew we were in very capable hands."

SCAA Lead Paramedic John Pritchard said that despite having all the correct gear, Cameron and particularly Stuart were still hypothermic due to their exposure on the freezing hill.

"We immediately set up our extreme weather kit which includes a bothy for shelter, heat pads and thermal blankets," he said. "Once safely out of the cold and the injury assessed, we got everyone into the aircraft and 12 minutes later they were at Ninewells Hospital. Tayside Mountain Rescue Team was standing by to provide back-up but we were able to airlift the two patients - and Oakley - straight out of danger.

"It's the first time we've had a dog on board but he was a model passenger," said John. "He just offered a paw when the rotors started and Cameron held on to it as we took off to reassure him. He then sat throughout the flight as good as gold."

Cameron's serious leg wound was treated and stitched and he was released from hospital later that evening. Stuart was allowed home after showing no lasting effects of hypothermia.

"It's hard to imagine that what should have been a relatively simple hike for experienced walkers could turn so concerning so quickly," said Cameron.

"We had observed all Covid regulations and stayed within our local authority area for our walk, had all the right gear and were both fit and healthy.

"If I hadn't fallen, we would have been off the hill and back in the car as planned before the weather closed in."

And both Cameron and Stuart were quick to heap praise on the SCAA helicopter crew who saved their lives.

"We can't praise them enough or thank them enough for what they did to rescue us," said Cameron. "I was overwhelmed by their caring expertise and professionalism and the quality of service they gave to Dad and I. Things could have ended very differently without them out on the hill.

"We felt so safe and comfortable in their care and will be forever grateful that they came to our aid that day. SCAA is an extraordinary charity and we're so lucky to have them when things go wrong."