Tue 29 September 2020:
A jet suit for paramedics has been tested out by teams from the Great North Air Ambulance service.
In what is believed to be a world first, the test ‘flight’ was carried out in the hills surrounding the Lake District.
Developed by UK-based Gravity Industries, the technology drastically reduces response times in rough terrain, potentially saving lives.
“The potential is just huge,” said helicopter paramedic Andy Mawson. “The first flight in Cumbria from a jet suit that is going to save lives and ease suffering – an incredible moment.
“It’s absolutely astounding how quickly we’re going to be at somebody’s side that needs us.”
Andy Mawson, director of operations at the Teesside based Great North Air Ambulance, said if the trials are successful it could mean medics can get to fell tops in 90 seconds rather than taking 30 minutes on foot – time that could be the difference between life and death.
“In a time in healthcare when we are exhausted with Covid and its effects, it’s important to still push the boundaries.
“Our aircraft will remain a vital part of the emergency response in this terrain, as will the fantastic mountain rescue teams. But this is about looking at supplementing those resources with something completely new,” said Andy.
“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 suit has a record speed of 32 miles per hour (51 kph) and a maximum altitude of 12,000 feet (3,658 metres).
The Lake District in northern England is an area popular with novice hikers, despite its harsh terrain and fast-changing weather systems.
According to the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association, the number of incidents requiring emergency responses in 2019 was 584.
