Search And Rescue is a team activity. For those who do not get it, here are details of an example.
In April 1995, a spanish fisherman onboard the Moraime, 200 miles west of Benbecula, developed a perforated ulcer and had to be evacuated by helicopter.
A Sikorsky S-61N operated by Bristow on behalf of HM Coastguard left its base in Stornoway to undertake this task at the limits of its radius of action. The four man crew were accompanied by a local doctor. The aircraft refuelled at Ballivanich on Benbecula before heading out to sea.
Top-cover was provided by a Nimrod of the Royal Air Force. Language difficulties caused problems, so a comms link was established with a language teacher from the Nicolson Institute, Stornoway's secondary school.
Attempts to put the winchman onboard in violent seas meant the aircraft had return to Ballivanich for more fuel.
Upon returning to the scene, the third attempt resulted in the winchman having to be rescued from the water himself. He was subsequently winched onboard the trawler and recovered the casualty to the helicopter. The casualty was then flown to the Western Isles Hospital for treatment.
HM Coastguard
ARCC
Bristow Helicopters Ltd
Doctor
Nimrod MPA from RAF Kinloss
Teacher from the Nicolson
Airport services at Ballivanich
Western Isles Hospital
Teamwork
Constant Endeavour