One after another RACQ CareFlight crew jumped from the Bell 412 into the surf off Point Danger today under the watchful eye of AusSAR officials.
“As an AusSAR contractor we are called on to assist in search and rescue jobs in our flight region regularly, so training days like this are essential,” said CareFlight Chief Pilot Dave Bashir.
AusSAR is the national search and rescue service which operates out of Canberra. Depending on the incident AusSAR will call on assistance from a number of organisations such as the Defence Force, trained aviation organisations and emergency medical helicopters, just to name a few.
“To ensure our Paramedics, Air Crewman and Pilots are current with search and rescue procedures we are put to the test by AusSAR officials every 12 months,” said Dave Bashir.
As part of the testing CareFlight’s crew performed several Surf Jumps. Wearing a dive suit, flippers and a snorkel, crew members jumped into the surf from the helicopter. This is a technique used when someone is in trouble and needs assistance urgently.
Water winching was the other exercise carried out off Point Danger. A flare was dropped from the RACQ CareFlight helicopter to identify a rescue spot then a life raft thrown from the aircraft inflating on the way down. The Paramedic was next to go, sent down the winch into the surf simulating a sea rescue.
“Water winching is demanding on the entire crew not just the Paramedic. During today’s winching all our Pilots and Air Crewman were also closely scrutinised. The Pilot has the tough job of keeping the helicopter steady while the Air Crewman operates the winch and is therefore responsible for getting the Paramedic into and out of the water safely, said CareFlight Chief Pilot Dave Bashir.
ENDS
Media Contact Renee Buckingham 0421 381 023