A picture of a helicopter
Since Devon Cave Rescue have been given resposibility for Cornish mines there has been the possibility that DCRO members might have to be picked up by helicopter to be transported to a remote location. With this in mind Roger, our training officer, thought it would be a good idea for us to learn how to get on board without sticking our heads into the whirling blades.
The promise of a helicopter ride brought everyone there on time – even the EUSS members! First we had a safety film telling us how to approach the helicopter (like horses, you must never approach helicopters from behind) and how to climb out of the windows in the “very unlikely” event of ditching into the sea. Then we were taken off to borrow some suitable clothing. We were given flight suits boots and gloves to give us “a bit of protection” in the “very unlikely” event of the helicopter catching fire. We also got helmets with those big, flip down sunvisors – cool! Finally we were allowed on the real helicopter for a guided tour and yet more vital safety information: if you are ever winched aboard a Seaking it is very important that you don’t try to pull yourself in, just let the winch operator heave you about like a sack of spuds. If you try to help him you might get hold of the big red lever which cuts the winch cable!
We were impressed by the skill and training of the RAF crews who man these rescue helicopters. For example, the winch operator also handles the radar, and can adjust the hovering helicopter using a little joystick by the door. The chap who gets lowered down to the casualty not only has balls of steel, but is a trained paramedic.
The plan was that we would all be winched aboard the helicopter which would hover just a few metres above us. Waiting underneath a hovering helicopter is a very un-nerving experience: it’s worrying to have that amount of hardware suspended above your head, especially when it seems to sort of swing about in the breeze.
Being winched is quite uncomfortable but at least it’s a lot quicker than being hauled by cavers.
Once everyone was on board we went for a flight round north Devon’s beaches. We checked out the surf at Saunton Sands (looking a bit flat), flew over putsborough and saw tiny tourists walking on Baggy Point.
DCRO Members being winched
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