Helicopter simulation keeps rescuers on their toes

A joint exercise to update all role players and enhance their skill level when hoisting patients using a helicopter was held at the SAP Air Wing in Durban on Friday, 13 February.
This included SAP search and rescue, Netcare paramedics, Durban University of Technology students and other services that work hand-in-hand on a regular basis to save the lives of patients who have been critically injured.
“Under the leadership of the pilot, engineer, search and rescue and Netcare rescue officer, personnel went through a briefing of the helicopter and a safety lecture, before they were taught how to strap a patient into a ‘stokes basket’ and secure it with the rescuer to the hoist of the helicopter,” said Netcare 911 inland media liaison, Chris Botha.
“After two hours of theory and practice, they were taken out to practise the real thing. A ‘patient’ was hoisted up to the helicopter with the rescuer paramedic and flown to an area simulating a safe area, where they were then lowered to the ground for medics to transport them to hospital.
A highlight was when an SAPS dog handler and his dog were hoisted up and flown around, before being lowered to the ground again.
To see the professionalism and skill from all the units, especially the pilot and his engineer, was fantastic and reassuring.”