Coranavirus in Moray: RAF helicopters in Moray on standby to transport patients
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RAF Puma helicopters based at Kinloss Barracks are on standby to transport coronavirus patients to medical facilities across the country.
Military crews have worked with the Scottish Ambulance Service, the Emergency Medical Retrieval Service and NHS Scotland to trial the loading of patients onto the helicopters, along with the associated medical staff and equipment.
The training for what's being called the EpiShuttle took place at critical care bases in Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Squadron Leader Johnny Longland, the Puma Detachment Commander, said: "This ground-based training has been essential to help us better support the NHS in Scotland.
"My crews haven’t conducted medical evacuations with NHS partners before, but their vast operational experience will ensure that they can deliver whatever is needed when the time comes.
"The trial runs were a huge success and mean we can work together seamlessly to provide a life-saving service."
Ahead of the training, engineers at Kinloss changed the aircraft to a 6-seat fit from the traditional 12-seat fit.
Pauline Howie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: "The fight against COVID-19 has required the NHS to think differently and to move at pace.
"By adapting our approach and using this latest available technology, we are taking swift action in the best interests of patients and our hardworking staff – whilst increasing our capacity.
"The introduction of EpiShuttles will increase the range of options available to us as a service as we deal with COVID-19 cases, particularly for rural and island communities.
"I’d like to thank our colleagues at Transport Scotland, Loganair and the RAF who have offered fantastic assistance to us through aircraft and staff.
"It has been a real team effort and means we have the full range of resources available to us to enable us to react to any situation as we continue to help communities across Scotland in the months ahead."
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