Dancing Ledge, near Swanage, was evacuated to allow Rescue Helicopter 175 to land on the rock ledge, after a woman needed to be airlifted to hospital.
The local woman, while out on a walk, fell at Dancing Ledge yesterday afternoon and due to the pain caused by a dislocated shoulder, required medical treatment.
Rescue 175 approaches Dancing Ledge, viewed from the Officer-in-Charge location
The remote and awkward terrain of the well-know beauty spot meant that, while paramedics treated her, Swanage Coastguard, along with St Alban’s Coastguard figured out the best way to get her to hospital.
After considering the three options of airlift, cliff rescue or sea rescue via the lifeboat, it was decided to request the rescue helicopter from the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) based in Fareham in Hampshire, who dispatched the Lee On Solent Helicopter R175.
Swanage Bravo calls the aircraft in to land
In order for the helicopter to land safely, the coastguards cleared the ledge area and prepared for the helicopter to land.
Throughout the whole of the operation, the teams were mindful of social distancing and the risks associated with COVID-19.
Once the woman was safely in the helicopter, she was taken to Poole Hospital for treatment.
