The heat is on in new RAF training simulator
7 Jan 09
The newest RAF helicopter simulator, which helps train specialist medical personnel for front line operations, is so realistic it even recreates the heat of Afghanistan, as Defence Minister Kevan Jones discovered in Wiltshire yesterday.
Defence Minister Kevan Jones (back, centre) looks on as troops train using the new facility at RAF Lyneham
[Picture: Andrew Linnett]
The £42,000 simulator is a detailed replica of the inside of a Chinook helicopter and is being used to train the RAF's Medical Emergency Response Teams (MERTs).
Each MERT is made up of highly specialist medical personnel who provide Forward Aeromedical Evacuation using Chinook and Merlin helicopters and who often rescue wounded troops from the battlefield.
Under Secretary of State and Minister for Veterans Kevan Jones visited the simulator at its home at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire yesterday, 6 January 2009.
Realism is key to effective training and as well as sound and light effects the simulator can even be fitted with giant hot air blowers to recreate the scorching heat of the Afghan summer.
MERTs provide the highest standard of care to critically injured personnel as they transfer them from the front line (point of wounding) to field hospitals in some of the most challenging conditions found anywhere in the world.
During his visit Mr Jones said:
MERT members train for front line operations using the facility which is a replica of the inside of a Chinook
[Picture: Andrew Linnett]
"These medical teams operate in very challenging and dangerous conditions, their skills and professionalism are vital in saving lives in theatre. Top class training is very important and I very much welcome this new facility which will help ensure our personnel get the very best medical attention."
Run by the RAF's Tactical Medical Wing the facility realistically recreates the working environment of a Chinook helicopter and has since been utilised to provide a realistic training environment for tri-Service medical personnel attending the MERT training course at Lyneham.
Opened last month this is only the second Rotary Wing Training Facilitator of its kind, the first one being at Strensall Army Base in Yorkshire. The facility at Lyneham is used as a vital part of the MERT course to allow medics to become familiar with the difficulties and challenges dealing with casualties in the air.
During his visit to the facility Mr Jones watched a demonstration with RAF personnel disembarking the 'Chinook' and securing the area around the 'casualties'. Medics then disembarked before stabilising the patients and moving them into the helicopter. Once the casualties were on board they were treated 'in the air' before being taken to a 'field hospital'.