A busy 2008 for 22 Squadron, with 660 rescues carried out; this has been followed by a busy introduction to 2009, with 57 rescues in January alone.
The poor weather conditions have contributed to this. Ambulances have become stuck in snow and air ambulances grounded due to poor weather, leaving 22 Squadron (and 202 Squadron) to cover some of the shortfall.
Winter tends to be quieter, with comparatively few rescues conducted, compared with the summer months, but the jobs are technically more complex, with the aircraft being flown to the limit of its capability. The snow also impairs depth perception and can cause a 'whiteout', a snow cloud surrounding the aircraft, leaving the pilot unable to see outside during landing.
With blizzard conditions being forecast for today and for the rest of the week, the squadron is ready to respond where required to assist civil agencies and is anticipating a busy week.
The actual rescuing side of the Squadron has taken a back seat in the media following the news that Prince William is to train to become a Search And Rescue Pilot. There is no news on where he is to be posted yet, either to us or the other squadron. He is currently training at the Defence Helicopter Flying School, Royal Air Force Shawbury, and will be posted to 22 Squadron or 202 Squadron in 2010.
There has been some media coverage and I have included links below to some of the more recent stories from across the squadron.
http://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/
C Flight 22 Squadron Royal Air Force Valley
5 February 2009