IAF conducts first casualty evacuation at night

By IANS

New Delhi : In a major boost to its capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully completed its first casualty evacuation at night using specialised equipment.


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The mission, using night vision goggles, was accomplished in a narrow valley close to the border in the northeastern region on Monday.

According to an IAF release here Tuesday, its Shillong-based Eastern Air Command received an emergency request at 4.30 p.m. from an operational division of the Indian Army for evacuating two casualties, one with a serious head injury.

“The helipad being located in a narrow valley close to the international border, the late hour of the day, marginal weather conditions and the deteriorating health of the casualty necessitated a prompt decision to undertake the evacuation in a helicopter using night vision goggles,” the IAF release said.

Darkness descends early in the northeastern region.

“Twelve minutes after the request was received the most qualified aircrew from Air Force Station, Mohanbari were launched using a Mi-17 helicopter after meticulous planning and co-ordination.

“Surmounting low visibility conditions and turbulent weather (caused by the monsoons), the patient was evacuated from Kibitoo helipad to Jorhat Air Force Hospital,” the release said.

The mission involved about four hours of flying time and “was courageously undertaken” by Wing Commander K. Allen and the crew of the Mi-17 helicopter.

“This enabled the saving of the lives of two critically injured soldiers. The professionalism and execution of this mission has been a morale booster for our troops deployed in difficult and inhospitable terrain,” the IAF release said.

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