Heatstroke on Beinn Fhionnlaidh.

One of the re motest Munro’s is Beinn Fhionnlaidh above Loch Mullardoch.

Affric Hills – SMC App

From “Walk Highlands” Beinn Fhionnlaidh which overlooks Loch Mullardoch, is at the N end of a crescent shaped ridge of mountains enclosing Gleann a’ Choilich.

There are no direct access routes to this mountain consequently it is best climbed with Carn Eighe and Mam Sodhail. 

The summit is a slightly elongated cone, which on its S face, links to Carn Eighe at Bealach Beag above Coire Lochain. In my mind it’s a remote Munro above Loch Mullardoch.

One very hot weekend just like now the team were in this area. It’s a great area to get Munro’s done and most of the team were doing just that.

On the remote Beinn Fhionnlaidh one of the troops suffered Heatstroke. Even though he was carrying two litres of fluid but had drink it. There was no water on the hills high up so replenishment was not possible. The heat and lack of fluid took its toll and very quickly he became very ill.

What a place for a rescue and we were lucky that one of our helicopters was training in the area and picked him up. It could have been a lot more serious. Despite the experience of the party the effect of the heat was missed. It is so easy done. It all happens so quickly so please keep an eye on each other on the hill.

There are lots of warnings out about the heat on the hills so please be aware of its effects.

It would be good to hear from others of their days in the heat. Comments welcome ?

Dougie Para medic – “Not to be underestimated…dehydration is one of the big causes of cardiac arrest…..a real danger in those of us who still believe we are 25 and have that in built stubbornness….good article.”