Woman injured after falling 15ft from coastal path near St Abbs Head

A woman had to be airlifted to hospital after falling 15ft feet off a coastal path in the Scottish Borders.

Crews from Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) and HM Coastguard were sent to Pettico Wick Harbour, near St Abbs Head, following reports of the woman having fallen.

SCAA paramedics were able to stretcher the woman, who had injured her leg, to a waiting helicopter and airlift her to specialist care at the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh.

The rescue marked a milestone 6,000th call out for the charity-funded life-saving serving based in Perth.

Russell Mackay, SCAA’s operations support officer, said this year marked their busiest year yet.

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) landed at Broadhaven Bay near the injured woman at the weekend. Facebook

“We’re so pleased SCAA was available to attend for what must have been a painful and anxious experience for the patient and her family,” he said.

The service originally launched in 2013 with just one Bolkow 105 helicopter and responded to 289 call outs in their first year.

This year marked their 11th and busiest year ever with over 1,000 calls which the charity said highlighted the “continuous demand” for their service.

SCAA now operates two bases, at Perth and Aberdeen, with two larger H135 helicopter air ambulances and two Rapid Response Vehicles, crewed by a pool of 12 paramedics and four pilots.

“This significant milestone mission for SCAA – and the thousands of lives we have saved and impacted on positively over the years – is due entirely to the generous support of the public and the many trusts, foundations, businesses and organisations who recognise the vital service we provide,” said Mr Mackay.

“We owe them all a huge debt of gratitude as we mark the 6,000 responses made possible by their donations.

“In those 6,000 responses, we have flown as far north as Fair Isle and south to Newcastle, west to the Outer Hebrides and all along the east coast, ensuring those most in need receive the best and fastest possible care.

“SCAA will continue to evolve in order to respond to those most seriously ill or injured, in every part of Scotland,” he added.

“Our involvement at St Abbs Head was yet another example of our partnership working with other emergency responders in order to achieve the best patient outcomes and fastest delivery of care,” he said.

“Whether operating as part of a multi-service response – or as the sole responder at an emergency – SCAA has proved invaluable to the people of Scotland and our 6,000th call out allows us a chance to reflect on the many we have helped and all who have helped us.”

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “Eyemouth, Dunbar and Berwick Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent to a report of a woman injured in a fall at Pettico Wick Harbour, near St Abbs Head, on June 29.

“The alarm was raised with HM Coastguard at about 1.30pm and St Abbs Independent Lifeboat was also sent.

“The CRTs and lifeboat crew supported the woman to be airlifted to hospital by air ambulance.”