EMERGENCY care is often provided via helicopters after traumatic injuries in Gloucestershire.

The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity has now been flying helicopters throughout the area for ten years.

However, pilots often find landing in a park or street the most difficult job with helicopters having to land in all kinds of locations.

Understandably the pilot, doctors and paramedics on board the helicopter are concerned for the safety of the public, as they often have to land in public places.

Some of the emergencies attended by the GWAAC team can mean life or death in a matter of minutes, so every second counts.

Here are the steps to follow if you see a helicopter overhead:

  • Move to the edges of the field so that the pilot has a clear space to land.
  • The helicopter creates a strong down wash, and so hold on to your children, dogs, and any loose items you have with you.
  • When the helicopter is coming into land cover your eyes, to protect them from any debris.
  • Make sure not to approach the helicopter until the blades have stopped turning and the pilot has left the aircraft.
  • Finally, when you see the helicopter taking off, make sure not to approach the area that has been vacated until you see the helicopter in forward flight and is well clear of the landing site in case the helicopter needs to abort the take off.

To learn more about GWAAC visit gwaac.com