RAF Medical specialists provided urgent medical assistance to victims of the earthquake in Turkey.
The Critical Care Air Support Team embarked on an RAF C130 Hercules transported patients whilst providing life saving treatment.
As temperatures dropped below zero degrees and RAF C130J Hercules arrived at Adiyaman Airport, near to one of the worst affected regions affected by the earthquake. Injured persons, close family and medical staff were swiftly embarked onto the aircraft before commencing the 360km journey to Adana where continued medical support will be given on the ground. Whilst onboard the aircraft, treatment was provided by RAF Medical Specialists who are trained to provide lifesaving treatment in the most testing conditions.
The RAF’s Critical Care Air Support Team is always on standby to transfer the most critically ill or injured patients by air. We have a unique capability to rapidly deploy on any aircraft, to anywhere in the world and deliver the highest standards of critical care in the air. The team includes a consultant, two flight nurses, a medic and technical support, and we’re proud to deploy in support of the UK’s disaster response and provide care to the sickest patients needing care.
Wing Commander Hall
Lead Consultant
Demonstrating the versatility of the team, RAF personnel embarked on a Norwegian C130 earlier this week to assist with transporting and treating patients.
I felt humbled and privileged to work closely with the Norwegian team to move a large number of sick patients in really challenging circumstances.
Flight Sergeant McCaffrey
Specialist Aeromedical Nurse
Norway and the UK are part of 20 NATO nations are working together to provide support and assistance to Turkey, sending both emergency response personnel and aid to areas devastated by the earthquake.
I am pleased to be working together with our British allies to provide much needed aeromedical evacuation capability in this tragic situation.
Major Harald Grindheim
Norwegian C130 Detachment Commander
The UK military personnel supporting relief efforts in Turkey are commanded by Joint Force Headquarters – the UK’s specialist crisis response organisation. The headquarters has been working alongside the FCDO to deliver vital support to the people of Turkey. The operation is being led by Joint Force Headquarters’ commander – Brigadier Dan Reeve.
It was a real privilege seeing the Critical Care Air Support Team capability in action, with our world class doctors and capability on the back of this C130, helping the people of Turkey when they are most in need.
Brigadier Reeve
Read more about the RAF Hercules
