Volunteers design protective hood for mountain rescue stretchers

Mountain rescue volunteers in the Lake District have designed a protective screen for stretchers used during call-outs.

The new isolation hood was made by Coniston Mountain Rescue to protect them, and those they help, from catching or spreading coronavirus.

Working with Megan Dixon - a design and technology teacher at Ulverston Victoria High School - the volunteers developed a lightweight plastic hood which fits inside the stone guard of the team's stretchers. The front curtain can be easily fitted on site and cut to size.

Rob Ingham, Coniston team leader, said: "We are extremely grateful to Megan, for the design input and speed of production that has been achieved, and which will provide an extra level of protection to our team in difficult circumstances, whilst on the hill".

The team has already shared the invention with other mountain rescue teams around the country to help save more lives.

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