A MOUNTAIN biker who hit a tree in remote woodland in Flax Bourton had to be carried on a stretcher for more than a mile before being taken to hospital.

Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) received a 999 call at 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon reporting the rider – a man thought to be in his 20s – had come off his bike in Forestry Commission woodlands and was thought to have suffered internal abdominal injuries.

An ambulance crew was sent to the scene, along with the Great Western Air Ambulance – which was unable to land nearby – and a 4x4 vehicle from the GWAS Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).

The HART vehicle was able to get within a mile of the incident, guided by a local resident.

The HART paramedic and ambulance crew then walked the mile through steep woodland to the patient, carrying a stretcher specifically designed for such incidents.

After assessing and treating the rider at the scene, they carried him back to the 4x4 vehicle helped by four other riders who were in the area.

He was then driven further down the off-road track to the ambulance, which took him to Bristol Royal Infirmary for further tests and treatment.

HART Paramedic Scott King said: “Although his injuries did not appear to be serious – and he was conscious throughout the time we were with him – he had hit the tree at some speed, so we were concerned there was the potential for abdominal bleeding or other internal injuries.

“The assistance of the local resident to help us find the patient, and the other riders who helped carry him back to the vehicle was invaluable, so I would like to thank them for their help.”