Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity has launched a new public safety campaign after a dangerous incident in South Yorkshire saw objects thrown towards one of its helicopters during a safety-critical take-off following an emergency callout.
During the incident in Rotherham earlier this year, an unsupervised child threw a stone towards the aircraft as crews prepared to depart the scene, missing the helicopter’s rotor blades by just a few metres. Moments later, as the helicopter lifted from the ground, the same child ran directly underneath the aircraft, placing themselves in extreme danger from the force of the downwash.
The incident was formally reported through the Charity’s aviation safety systems and to South Yorkshire Police due to the serious safety risks posed to crew, members of the public and the aircraft itself.
In response, Yorkshire Air Ambulance has released a new public safety film, How To Stay Safe Around Yorkshire Air Ambulance Helicopters, aimed at educating the public on how to act safely when helicopters land at incidents across the region.
Featuring members of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s aviation team, the campaign highlights the real dangers surrounding helicopters during take-off and landing, including powerful rotor blades, intense downwash, restricted crew visibility and the growing risk posed by drones and objects being operated or thrown near aircraft.
While the Charity understands that seeing a helicopter land can be exciting and attract attention, crews are reminding the public that these are highly controlled and safety-critical operations where a split-second distraction or unsafe behaviour could have devastating consequences.
Pilot Paul Smith, who was involved in the incident in Rotherham and features in the new public safety film, said, “People are naturally curious when they see the helicopter land, but these are highly controlled, dangerous and safety-critical operations. Something as small as a stone thrown towards the aircraft, somebody entering the landing area unexpectedly, a drone flying nearby, or a laser being directed at the cockpit can put our crew, patients and members of the public at significant risk.”
YAA CEO Kathryn Marsden OBE added, “Most people are incredibly respectful when they see the helicopter land, but even seemingly small actions around an aircraft can be dangerous. The best thing people can do is keep their distance, ensure children are supervised and keep them close, keep dogs on leads and never approach the helicopter unless instructed to do so by YAA crew members.”
The new campaign film also urges members of the public to be mindful when taking photographs or videos at incidents, asking people to respect the privacy and dignity of patients and families who may be experiencing some of the worst moments of their lives.
The campaign also highlights the dangers posed by drones and lasers near helicopters, warning that any airborne distraction or obstruction could delay crews from landing, treating patients or safely departing the scene.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance hopes the campaign will help improve public understanding of helicopter safety and prevent future incidents from placing crews, patients or members of the public at unnecessary risk.
As an independent Charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance relies entirely on public donations to keep its helicopters flying and responding to incidents across the region. Operating seven days a week, 365 days a year, the Charity’s crews are dispatched to thousands of incidents annually across Yorkshire, often landing in complex and unpredictable locations to deliver lifesaving critical care. The public safety film is now available to watch on Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s YouTube channel, alongside the Charity’s social media channels and website.