[WATCH] On a high after aerial rescue training

NETCARE 911 paramedics and 15 Squadron gathered on Tuesday, 27 September for essential training exercises related to aerial rescues and I was privileged to be invited along to witness it.

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It was an exhilarating, beautiful, terrifying and frankly – a nauseating experience. The day began at 7.30am at the 15 Squadron base at the old airport, when a Netcare 911 paramedic helped me strap on my harness and confirmed all the necessary safety gear was used correctly while explaining each item to me, ensuring I was at ease.

While eagerly awaiting the start of the exercise and equally dreading it, my nerves jumping to both ends of the spectrum, I marvelled at the skill and care the paramedics took to ensure they were prepared for the day’s events. Methodical and attentive, they also kept the atmosphere convivial, jesting with one another with good-natured jibes. This despite their keen attention to ensuring safety.

The sound of the helicopter roaring to life brought an excited smile to my face. It finally appeared over the treetops, the roar overpowering all sounds in the vicinity.

The first hoist exercise of the day was on site at the base. Pairs of us were lifted into the helicopter using a strop system. I was in the last pairing to be taken up. As our weight was taken up by the hoist, I was slightly less nervous than I expected I would be. It was only a short trip up to the waiting team above and I survived with little more than a few seconds of trepidation. This is easy, I thought. You silly girl.

After a few more practice sessions on the base, including lifting me in a stokes basket, the pilot briefed us on the plan for the day, making sure each person knew where they had to be; all the safety concerns and what they needed to be doing at all times. We were split into two teams – Alpha and Bravo – and I felt like I was in an action movie.

We taxied along the runway, then we began our journey with a flight over Wentworth, the Bluff and the city centre. This part of the day was beautiful, calm and surreal. Flying over the Bluff was a highlight, as I saw my home from a very different perspective.

Then we headed inland to Inanda where we were lowered from the helicopter onto a mountaintop, two by two. I figured at this point it would be a good idea to keep my fear of heights to myself. With the adrenaline pumping, I found surprisingly I was not afraid, however. This was probably more due to the skill of the team I was with putting me at ease.

We spent a few wonderful moments gazing out over the landscape before the roar of the engine announced the helicopter’s return. You always hear about the buffeting winds produced by a helicopter but it’s something you need to experience to fully appreciate. The power produced by the blades was enough to make me lose my balance a few times when caught unaware.

We were lifted back up and taken to a second mountaintop in Shongweni, where team Alpha climbed out and team Bravo was lifted to another location. The paramedics with me used this time to discuss patient care and proper procedures.

Then we were picked up again for another disembark – this time on a slope. Through an astounding display of teamwork, the expert pilot and engineer were able to land the helicopter with only the right side on the ground, allowing team Alpha to climb out. We waited here for their return and I watched in awe as the pilot landed mere centimetres in front of us as we hunkered down on the ground.

For the final training exercise, we were again lowered in pairs. This time we were alongside the N3 in Shongweni, being hoisted down the side of a waterfall. At the bottom was a secluded and striking scene – a small waterhole with the water cascading down.

I got to play the part of patient as the paramedics securely fastened me to the stokes basket and got me safely up into the awaiting helicopter.

Then we headed off towards Umhlanga Hospital to do a practise emergency landing.

Now this is the part where I tell you I always suffer from a little bit of motion sickness when on a plane or boat. Usually I can handle it, this time, however, I am not too proud to admit, I succumbed and got sick. The training kicked in the moment the group around me realised I was queasy and they took great care of their ‘patient’. This was of course followed by some teasing and amiable giggles.

Throughout the day, the team was focussed and primed and it was comforting to see how lucky KZN is to have such skill and fortitude on its side, from both the team at 15 Squadron as well as Netcare 911.

I tip my metaphorical hat to the brave men and women, who risk their lives to rescue us, without a second thought. They are the epitome of heroes – both the 15 Squadron team and the paramedics displayed skill and determination, the likes of which I was honoured to have witnessed.

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