Video: Coast Guard Lands With Injured Patient
[Updated with video] Shortly after 5.00am this morning [Feb 15], a US Coast Guard helicopter landed at LF Wade International Airport after executing an emergency medical evacuation some miles off Bermuda’s coast.
A Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre spokesperson confirmed that on Saturday February 13th, officials from the Singapore flagged chemical tanker Nordic Amy, which was located approximately 515 miles east of Bermuda, made contact to report a crew member suffering with an abdominal disorder and requested to evacuate the crewman in Bermuda.
The spokesperson said, “The man reported pain that was gradually worsening. After consultation with a US Coast Guard flight surgeon and others on Sunday [Feb 14], it was decided to speed up the evacuation when the patient’s condition considerably worsened.
“At 1.20am Monday morning, a US Coast Guard helicopter H-60 left Bermuda after refueling, flying under the cover of a US Coast Guard C-130 transport aircraft, to evacuate the crewman. The crewman was airlifted at 3.45am and the helicopter arrived in Bermuda at 5.10am.”
The Coast Guard helicopter was met by airport officials, Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service personnel and Police. The crewman was transferred to an ambulance and transported to King Edward Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Update 11.06am: A Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre spokesperson said, “Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre is glad to report the successful overnight helicopter evacuation of an ill crew member from the 23224 GRT, Singapore flagged motor tanker, ‘NORDIC AMY’.
“On Saturday 13th February at 10:50pm. Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre received a call from the Captain of ‘M/T NORDIC AMY’, reporting that a crew-member was suffering from abdominal pain and following medical advice from Radio Medical Services in Rome, the ship was diverting from its current position, 515 miles east of Bermuda, to land the patient ashore via pilot boat on Monday afternoon [15th Feb].
“On Sunday evening [14th Feb] the crew-member’s condition continued to deteriorate and following medical advice from Radio Medical Services in Rome and consultation with the U.S. Coast Guard flight surgeon, it was decided to dispatch a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter to bring the casualty ashore.
“RCC Bermuda and RCC Norfolk coordinated the launch of a U.S. Coast Guard C-130 fixed wing aircraft and H-60 helicopter with both aircraft landing in Bermuda around 11pm. last night for refuel and onward transit to the vessel.
“At 3:45am. today, the casualty was successfully airlifted by helicopter, and taken to L.F. Wade International Airport for onward transit by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. Both SAR [Search & Rescue] aircraft remain in Bermuda pending crew rest and eventual return to the U.S.”
Bernews always on de scene!
Thankyou USCG for being there. A huge operation anytime a helicopter has to operate so far from land involving what must be at least 2 inflight refuelings & no potty breaks for the crew.
Incredible!!! Some f@@l clicks dislike on that comment. Should be 50 likes. Shows how appreciative we are.
seems like the hospital should have a helipad, could have landed right at the hospital instead of way down st Georges.
Bermuda needs to get a coast guard station so that the U.S. don’t have to fly in every time!
Much cheaper to fly out of Moorhead & burn the fuel than to maintain a station here less than a dozen times a year. The USCG did have a presence here 50 years ago. During the USN days the locally based helicopter would land in the AG station arena or Prospect. That was a much smaller machine.
Mark.
We have enough on our plate. New airport et al comes to mind.
Where the monies coming from (millions) for a ” coast guard station”. You got $30 million for one chopper?
Crew, maintenance, parts, fuel…………………………..
Stay on land. Least we roads to get you there if you need KEMH
It picked up the patient 515 miles east of Bermuda. Wouldn’t it have been closer to transport the victim somewhere along the east coast than Bermuda? I mean, for instance, Bermuda is roughly 660 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras. Perhaps I’m missing something?
You’re missing math and geography…the EAST coast is WEST of Bermuda