Need a hand?
Search and rescue specialists in Cyprus recently took part in training with HMS Enterprise to hone their lifesaving skills
Hanging out of a helicopter is something that not many people can say they have done, but for the RAF search and rescue team in Cyprus, this is just another day.
The team of specialists from 84 Squadron are stationed in Akrotiri in Cyprus and their main role is emergency response.
In a recent training exercise, they were given the opportunity to hone their skills by working with HMS Enterprise, while she was stationed in Cyprus.
Enterprise is now in Lebanon providing support after the devastating explosion which rocked the capital.
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While she was out at sea, the RAF and Royal Navy put together an intense training exercise that would test both the sailors and the airmen and women. Being able to train with the Royal Navy like this is invaluable.
It was a normal Friday out at sea when the crew onboard HMS Enterprise called in their simulated casualty to the search and rescue team. At speed and readiness, the team from 84 Squadron responded.
The Griffin helicopter was quickly airborne and heading to ship with no knowledge of what to expect. As they located the vessel, the crew onboard communicated to them the emergency over the radio.
A simulated casualty, which had to severe spinal injuries, needed to be taken off the ship and to the nearest hospital. The Winchman was deployed down to the ship, where he made his assessment. He conducted immediate first aid and then prepared the casualty for transport. The casualty was then transported by the Griffin to the nearest hospital as part of the exercise.
“With any exercise there were some lessons identified, which goes to improving our performance next time. This is what our squadron trains to do and we strive to be the best we can be — lives depend on it.”
— Sqn Ldr Alan Ross, Officer Commanding, 84 Squadron
On this particular day, the Griffin had a crew of three (one pilot and two rear crew) including a Winchman and a Winch Operator. This is a standard search and rescue crew that are on-call 24/7, 365 days a year.
But there is more to their role. Being on a high readiness state means that they are able to respond to a whole range of tasks with a 60-minute notice to move. Usually, it is far quicker than that. They will also fight wildfires in the region, support the security of the RAF base or even help track troop movements.
Ultimately this type of training ensures that these men and women are able to to save and protect lives.
This highly skilled squadron trains daily in a variety of settings, be that with merchant vessels, military vessels, or on land — honing their emergency response skills.
84 Squadron has had a long and successful history carrying the same mission and ethos from the Second World War, through to the modern world. Protecting people, and saving lives.
