Manning a Helicopter Landing Site in Thick Snow

HM Coastguard contacted the Brigade Chairman and informed him that RAF Rescue Helicopter 131 was due to land at the Richardson Road Helicopter Landing Site at 14.30h with an elderly gentleman from a farm near Hexham who was suffering from a heart complaint. Two Brigade Captains and a Brigade member manned the landing site, which was covered in snow, and assisted in the transfer of the man to an awaiting ambulance. Brigade members then remained on scene for a further half hour as heavy snow prevented the Helicopter from taking off. Eventually there was a brief break in the snow falls which allowed the Helicopter to return to RAF Boulmer.

Brigade memebrs arrived on the site to be greeted by a snowy scene.

Along with dodging snowballs, (mostly thrown by Captain Dave), Brigade members also found a rather big hole just where they wanted to land the helicopter.

Captain's Will and Dave pose for the camera in suitable winter attire.

Just as the Ambulance arrived on scene, so did the snow also returned.

The Brigade Land Rover shivers as it tries to look tough for the camera, but would rather be out of the snow - so spare a thought for the poor Brigade member taking the picture.

Eventually Rescue 131 arrives at the landing site after having to land briefly at a school in Byker as they lost visibility in the snow shower - as you do!

As the Helicopter comes into land its downdraft lifts up snow.

The Helicopter and Land Rover as the casualty is prepared to be transfered to the Ambulance.

The elderly gentleman was taken to a local hospital for further tests but was expected to make a full recovery.

Unfortunately, the snow then returned so Brigade members spent half an hour onboard with the crew of the Helicopter trying to keep warm until, at last, the snow lifted.

The Helicopter lifts off and returns to base - another successful callout completed.