So who in the area had a Stokes Litter or other Rescue Litter? Do the RAF or CoastGuard SAR aircraft carry such a device aboard the aircraft? I wonder if any thought was given to asking for their support in the mine shaft rescue?
I can understand a reluctance to moving a casualty by harness and rope lift....considering the circumstances as there was a great risk of spinal injuries. Immobilzation of the head, neck, and spine are very important where there is such a risk.
Part of every fire fighters basic training in this country requires rappelling, rope work, and rescue techinques. Every EMS wagon/aircraft carries and routinely uses immobilzation equipment. Fire Fighters are also dispatched to such calls and each unit carries trained EMT's amongst the fire wagon crew.
We have practiced Short Hauls of Emergency Personnel using helicopters for isolated area rescues in various fire units around the country.
How far away is RAF Kinloss and RAF Leuchars from the site of the mine shaft?