Military deploys helicopters to support NHS during coronavirus crisis

The government have announced that military are deploying helicopters across the UK to support the NHS during the coronavirus crisis.

The helicopters will be used to evacuate critically ill patients and to move medical personal and equipment around the country.

Chinooks and Wildcat helicopters normally based RAF Odiham and RNAS Yeovilton will now be available to provide support across the South of the UK.Chinooks and Wildcat based at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire are to provide assistance across Scotland and northern England. Three RAF Pumas are now stationed at Kinloss Barracks in Moray, Scotland.

Speaking at the daily No 10 press conference on Tuesday, Michael Gove said an RAF A400M transport plane has already been used to evacuate a critically ill patient from the Shetland Islands to Aberdeen.

Gove said, “These helicopter facilities are being set up to support medical transport across Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

“The task force is also available for general support such as moving equipment and personnel to where they are needed.”Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said, “The creation of these helicopter hubs is the next step in our Armed Forces’ contribution to tackling the coronavirus outbreak whenever it appears throughout the United Kingdom.

“Our aircraft are ready to support emergency services and local communities wherever needed across the highlands and islands of Scotland – the Armed Forces have always got your back.

“In addition, our superb military planners and logisticians are engaging with the governments and health services of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to support their efforts in responding to the virus.”