The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has landed in Ryde in response to a medical emergency in the upper reaches of the High Street, which has been closed to pedestrians and motorists tonight (Monday).
It was at around 20:10 that the air ambulance was scrambled to assist blue light colleagues from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, touching down in the playing field of Ryde School at 20:35 having conducted a number of circles over the town.
Flying medics have since been picked up from Ryde School by a rapid response paramedic and rushed to the scene of the life-threatening emergency on the High Street.
2 ambulances, a critical care paramedic and a rapid response paramedic are all on scene, alongside a fire crew from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue responding on a medical turnout.
High Street – from the junction of St John’s Road to Hill Street – has been closed to all traffic. The road has also been cordoned off by firefighters.
UPDATE @ 21:50 – The casualty has been conveyed to St Mary’s Hospital by land, accompanied by the air ambulance medics.
The air ambulance itself has relocated from Ryde School to the helipad in Newport.
Is it normal for a single casualty to require an ambulance, two paramedic cars, and an air ambulance? I’d be genuinely grateful for this level of care, but I can’t help wondering if the response is proportionate.
Kind of a pointless comment really. More a personal thought
As is yours.
I’d imagine the best person to determine proportional response is the call handler and their supervisors in adherence to the guidelines and the limitations of St Mary’s.
They are obviously not overwhelmed at present.
Totally agree