A WOMAN was trapped in rocks for 40 minutes before she was found by passersby who called the coastguards.

The woman ‘fell from height’ and could not remember how she had become trapped under East Cliff in West Bay, according to rescuers.

She was trapped in rocks up to her thigh for 40 minutes before being discovered by passersby who immediately dialed 999. The good Samaritans then stayed with the woman until the emergency services arrived.

Coastguards, fire crews and paramedics were all called to assist - coastguards stabilised the woman with a neck brace and board until she could be released.

A spokesman for the West Bay Coastguard said that the full team was paged by the National Maritime Operations Centre just before 10pm, he said: "West Bay rescue officers quickly responded to the station including the team's station officer and deputy station officer to pick up their equipment and the team's coastguard rescue vehicle.

"Once on scene, the casualty was assessed and found to be wedged in rocks up to her thigh, with her knee and ankle bent at an awkward angle.

"The casualty reported to have fallen from height, and could not remember how she found herself in her current position.

"The West Bay station officer called for additional assistance and paramedics, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and the hazardous area response team were all tasked to respond.

"Whilst waiting for the paramedics, the Coastguard officers stabilised the casualty with a neck brace and speedboard and made her as comfortable as possible."

The South Western Ambulance Service were called at 9.34pm, and two fire crews from Bridport and one from Weymouth were brought in at 10.17pm.

When they arrived on scene, paramedics gave pain relief to the stricken woman and the emergency crews worked together to free her from the rocks.

Once she was free the woman was left her in the care of the ambulance service who took her to Dorset County Hospital for treatment for a leg injury.

The coastguard spokesman thanked the passersby who came to the woman’s rescue, but warned people to stay away from the cliffs.

He said: "This was an excellent example of the various emergency services working together and we wish the casualty a speedy recovery.

"We also want to thank the members of the public who initially called for help, and who stayed with the casualty until the emergency services arrived.”

He added: "We want you to enjoy yourself this summer but we also want you to remain safe.

"Under no circumstances should you attempt to climb the cliffs.

"Stay well away from the cliff edge and do not walk directly under the cliffs or over rock falls."

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