She’d assumed that role and the more people that knew about it, the better. They listened to her instructions and her summary of casualty priorities, and set to work. Everywhere she looked, ordinary humans were helping those in their most critical time of need. They were buying time until the wounded could be taken to hospital and there was a strict order of priority. The man who’d been pulled from the wreckage would go first and a stretcher was taken straight to him.

Kelly noticed a group making their way up from the Wasdale side, carrying large bags. They heaved with exertion and wore minimal clothing despite the time of year. Kelly knew that they’d carried up vital equipment provided by ambulances from all over the national park, and they’d likely volunteered, knowing exactly how hard it would be to haul the kit up to the Col. She recognised a couple of those carrying kit as members of the Wasdale MRT. She and Johnny had enjoyed a pint with several of them, in happier times. She guessed that two figures carrying little kit, and struggling with the exertion, were medics, and she was right – better than that, they were consultant trauma surgeons from Carlisle University Hospital. She directed them to the worst casualties and they retrieved drips, sewing equipment and monitors from the huge rucksacks that had been carried up for them. They still gasped for air themselves but got straight to work.

Then the mighty Sea King glided into view, surprising everyone with its majesty and manoeuvrability. It swung above the Col, emerging from the fog on the Corridor side, and prepared to land. Her radio informed her that three navy surgeons were on board. The beast could take five casualties and Kelly quickly assessed that, along with the man who’d been pulled from the wreckage, four competitors on the ground would be going too, barely clinging to life, but worth trying to save. More people arrived from the Wasdale side and they carried blankets, flasks and basic first aid kits. Dozens needed warmth, hydration and minor wounds dealing with, and many members of the public got this done without even being asked.

‘I’ve found the pilots,’ Johnny said to her. He’d come from behind and startled her somewhat.

‘Alive?’

He shook his head. ‘There was another passenger too, still strapped to his seat, and he didn’t make it. As far as I can make out, the other seats were empty, or at least they are now. Eleven dead so far,’ he added.

‘Jesus.’

But their work had only just begun.

Chapter 12

By seven p.m., Kelly still hadn’t had a drink or anything to eat, and she was freezing.