Back after a glorious week in the lake district. Apparently experienced some of the few dry days (they experience) whilst there! Strongly recommend a visit...
Interesting thread for me ...obviously!
Happened to read/see that excerpt on a HEMS helo moving to N Wales. Didn't know it was possibly going to be based at Rhuddlan, though. That would make it about........
right where we work
Food for thought, have to move the golf course now
Who knows the magical mystical workings of these charitable organisations, I mean, take a look at what is going on in Yorks with theirs
Perhaps S Wales will strike lucky financially. Not only will they have to double their takings, but they will have to replace their ageing bolkow with 2 modern machines too. We shall have to see.
I only know of one other HEMS operator who is successful enough to operate 2 a/c...(correct me if I'm wrong) but it's west mids. An efficient operation with a proven track record. Also, and possibly most important, some very generous members of the public too!
My main concern for any operation that provides such an emotive service to the public is that it will be a long term affair and not a one year wonder.
Paramedics who fly with us are first and foremost...trained medical specialists. SAR crewmen with 'paramedic' experience are not primary responders, there is a massive difference in skill level! One of our paramedics is also a trained (police) observer, capable of carrying out this dual role when required. [But only wears one set of green flying overalls
]
With over 9000 sq miles of force area, 360 miles of shore line and innumerable lakes and rivers, we carry out a variety of tasks in the HEMS role. Last year saw 130 HEMS jobs, some of them twin stretcher roles. Suicides/plane crashes/RTC's/fallen climbers/missing persons/drownings, are a few of what we are involved with. We liaise very closely with 22 sqdn at Valley, often sharing work [our FLIR their NVG]. If it smells of a winch ...it's theirs, no question. There is no competing only healthy co-operation.
It would be a sad day when we have to stand down to let a dedicated HEMS chopper do its job
But we need to remember that the other 92% of our tasking is police work and that's the real reason why we are here.
[There is no conflict between the two; if one is life threatening then thats the priority].
PS: thanks for the kind words about our Unit, the crew (and I'm sure the management) are most appreciative...
...break a leg...
