Dorset Air Ambulance Rescue

Jane Vicat being rescued by the Dorset Air Ambulance

Jane, a friend of mine, was collecting geology samples on a beach in Dorset, when she fell and broke her ankle.
In spite of the difficult terrain the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance were able to land and take her off to hospital.
For her story see the Summer edition of Helicopter Life magazine out in June.

London Helicopter Emergency Services 2012

Went to see the London HEMS at its new base on the New London Hospital in Whitechapel. Much higher helipad 320 feet as opposed to 150 feet, much larger helipad although with a slightly longer run-in for the stretchered patient, but still very quick access to the hospital.
Surprised to learn, however, that of the four major trauma hospitals the London is the only one with a helipad. What happened to innovation or even keeping up with the times in poor old London!
The story will be in Helicopter Life magazine Summer issue. See www.helicopterlife.com

Underwater in Grand Turk

Underwater in Grand Turk

A very big thank you to Ray and Carol for this photo of me underwater with my instructor. I'm the one with the yellow flippers. WOW!

Qualified as a Certified Scuba Diver

Hurrah! I have qualified as a Certified Scuba diver. Bit different from flying helicopters and indeed you have to be careful - you should not fly in an airliner for 24 hours after your last dive, helicopter flying being lower is OK. Indeed, helicopters are often used to fly divers suffering from decompression sickness (DCS) to the decompression chamber but it is as well to be aware of any extra changes in pressure.

Smitty, the instructor, advising us before we dive.