Mass casualty training tests airforce, paramedics
Paramedics and 15 Squadron ensure they are ready for any emergency.
FRIDAY morning, 27 January saw KZN Netcare 911 paramedics take to the skies with 15 Squadron airforce members to test their training in a simulated mass casualty exercise.
Eight ‘patients’ were on board the two Oryx helicopters, ready to put the paramedics through their paces.
“Starting at Addington Hospital on the beachfront in Durban, the paramedics were hoisted down to the ground, first with strops two at a time, and then the patient was placed in a stokes basket and with the paramedic secured at the side of the stretcher, they were hoisted down to the ground and then back up into the helicopter. Crowds who gathered at the beachfront were totally entertained with the exercise,” said Netcare 911 media liaison officer, Chris Botha.
At Netcare Umhlanga Hospital, they went through the training exercise again, much to the delight of spectators there.
“Soon it was time to get back on board, and we were then flown out to Shongweni, next to the N3, to practise confined space rescue. Some of the patients and paramedics were hoisted down next to the waterfall and others were dropped off on a steep ledge. While the helicopter was hovering at the side of the mountain, with one sked on the ground, the medics had to get out. Lying on the ground with the downdraft of several tons blowing on you was an experience for all, as they could only move after the helicopter took off.
It’s always good to witness such a professional team of paramedics and the crew from 15 Squadron going through their paces. It makes you realise that they are always ready to handle any emergency.”
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