TorqueOfTheDevil
Otterburn may indeed have been closer to the incident than Helimed58's base at Penrith. However, as there was no aircraft on duty there that day, that's a bit academic.
As for why they would send '58, Bandetto got it spot on. It's an Air Ambulance, you don't "tie it up" by sending it to accidents, that's what it's there for.
Looked at another way - why send an SK? You are then "tying up" an asset which could be needed for maritime, mountain, and other specialised duties.
Horses for courses, my friend.
And of course best wishes to Jon and Jim from all at H98/99.
Last edited by Flaxton Flyer; 2nd Jan 2008 at 12:03.