As Storm Floris hit the UK with high winds and torrential rain at the start of this week, the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) responded to a total of eight missions in one day on Monday (4th August), already exceeding the norm of 4-5 missions over 24 hours.
While the surge in callouts has been in the face of extreme weather conditions brought by Storm Floris, the LNAA crew have remained fully operational, attending a range of incidents including serious road traffic collisions and life-threatening medical emergencies.
Karen Jobling, CEO of LNAA, said: “This level of activity in such a short time frame is extraordinary. Our crews have shown incredible resilience and professionalism in the face of Storm Floris, ensuring patients receive the urgent care they need.”
LNAA’s advanced Leonardo AW169 helicopter, equipped for night flying and adverse weather, has played a vital role in the missions. The charity continues to operate 24/7, delivering hospital-level care at the scene of emergencies.
On-duty LNAA pilot Tim Taylor advises: “We can pretty much fly in any weather apart from fog. There is a limitation of 50 knot winds to start and stop the blades – because of the movement up and down as they speed up/slow down. But once they’re going, higher wind is ok to fly.
Consideration must be given to whether the patients injuries/condition would be worsened by the turbulence in high winds. They might be better transferred by road in some cases. Extra care must be taken landing on rooftop helipads due to the turbulence caused by the wind interacting with nearby buildings.”
