Flying Paramedic trialled in simulated emergency response
Paramedics could be flying by jet pack to injured persons to bring immediate aid
The 1050 brake horsepower jet suit system underwent a test flight in the Lake District, UK (above video) as a demonstration of possibilities to deliver critical care services in remote areas. The test was run by the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) and Gravity Industries, the company behind the technology. They have been cooperating on this project for a year.
Chief test pilot Richard Browning flew from the valley bottom in Langdale, Cumbria, to a simulated casualty site on The Band, near Bowfell. The site would have taken around 25 minutes to reach by foot but Mr Browning arrived in his jet pack in 90 seconds.
Andy Mawson, Operations Director at GNAAS, said, “We could see the need. What we didn’t know for sure is how this would work in practice. Well, we’ve seen it now and it is, quite honestly, awesome. We think this technology could enable our team to reach some patients much quicker than ever before. In many cases this would ease the patient’s suffering. In some cases, it would save their lives.”
The jet pack has an engine on the back and a mini engine on each arm, allowing the medic to steer with their arms. It uses micro-jets powered by jet fuel (or diesel). The suit has a display showing data such as fuel remaining. Flying the jet requires training and reasonable fitness level. The flight time is currently limited to 10 minutes. The medics would fly close to the ground just in case of a mechanical failure.
Reaching a patient quickly to provide first response, stabilise the patient and to call for an air ambulance where necessary could make the difference between life and death.
“Who knows what the future holds but this is a start we are very proud of”
Gravity Industries
For more information contact Gravity Industries
