RickInOz

I acheived another first today as it was not only my first helicopter retrieval “mission” with the MediFlight Retrieval Service but it was also my first ever trip in a helicopter. It was an unusual experience in many ways.

In a normal plane you can tell when we have taken off as the plane goes from horizontal to an angled climb and the loss of the rumble of wheels on tarmac. Whereas in a helicopter there is no sense of movement or acceleration but suddenly you notice the ground is dropping away. Another difference is the way turbulence affects the aircraft. Planes tend to lurch up and down with air currents since they are dependent on lift. The helicopter tends to move laterally and twists on a horizontal axis. This isn’t actually as disconcerting as you might think and preferable to the rollercoaster ride a plane can give. The final difference is that in the RFDS plane we sit facing forwards whereas in the helicopter we face backwards as it supposed to be safer in the event of a crash.

It was a good trip and we retrieved the patient safely from Berri to Adelaide. This was the last part of my orientation for the retrieval service and means I can now go “solo”. I did take some photos but unfortunately my mobile refuses to transfer them to the computer, so I’ll have to take our Cybershot next time.

While I’m on the subject of our digital camera you will be pleased to hear the underwater case has arrived. This means I can take the camera diving with me and hopefully take some photos to show you some of the beautiful flora and fauna off the South Australian coast.