Chinook grabs the attention – but it's only for training

As with the British Army and the Royal Navy, the RAF has a responsibility to provide resilience in the case of an emergency in the UK, a responsibility which also extends to Guernsey.

The Plan C training exercise took place with the Emergency Planning team, Ambulance and Rescue, and the Fire & Rescue Service loading a simulated casualty onto the Boeing helicopter.

Plan C is in place to allow the RAF to fly a casualty to the UK if emergency services, including the coastguard, were not able to, as is the primary arrangement.

Guernsey Civil Protection volunteers and police secured a 100ft boundary for the Chinook to land, while gravel and sand were blown up on its approach to the coastal car park at Port Soif.

It landed at about 6.45pm and took off again about 20 minutes later, to the amazement of onlookers. People were evacuated from the beach due to the downdraught, while nearby walkers and residents were asked to keep their distance.

Assistant emergency planning officer Derek Howlett said that the exercise was an essential part in ensuring local emergency services were prepared for a range of eventualities.

‘We are fortunate to have a good relationship with our military liaison officers, and when we heard the RAF would be flying a Chinook to the Bailiwick we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to practice the backup plan for a medevac from Guernsey.

‘The whole exercise went very smoothly and on a personal note, was very interesting to hold. A number of members of the public also got to enjoy the spectacle,’ he said.

The RAF regularly trains around the island, gets involved in air displays, and treats local air cadets to flight experiences.