Wednesday, August 15, 2012

British National Evacuated by IAF Cheetal from Zanskar Ranges in Padam Valley :Third Copybook Rescue by ‘Siachen Pioneers’ in Ladakh Within Ten Days

            In continuation with the tradition of daring and responsiveness, pilots of Leh based Helicopter Unit evacuated foreign national Mrs. Lorna Wilson (British) from the higher reaches of Padam valley from TangzeYogma in Zanskar ranges of Ladakh.
            One senior member of the Doctor Field Trip, suffered from acute mountain sickness while on trip to higher Zanskar ranges. A condition that could have easily deteriorated into High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema(HAPO), a life threatening condition which can be averted only by early evacuation to lower altitudes and medical aid. Following this, the British team requested Air HQ for emergency air rescue through their embassy.
            The Leh based IAF Unit  nicknamed “Siachen Pioneers”, received  message at 2100 hrs on the night of 14 Aug 12 for evacuation of the  foreign national. This being third such reuest in the past ten days following successful evacuation of Czech brothers on the 5th August and  a French national on the 12th August, just three days ago. The Commanding Officer called for a briefing for the mission at night, planned for safe conduct of the mission and rehearsed a well-established SOP.
             A two helicopter rescue team got airborne at 0550h on 15 August (INDEPENDENCE DAY). The rescue team comprised of Wg Cdr PS Babu, Flt Lt Prateek Gupta and Flt Lt Ashish Kumar Nim, led by Wg Cdr Ajay SinghRajput. After assessing the landing site which was unprepared and the slope gradient was just within the limits of the helicopter, Wg Cdr Ajay Singh Rajput manoeuvered his helicopter to land in the restricted area with marginal reserve of power. Without wasting any time Flt Lt Ashish Kumar Nim got down from the helicopter and assisted in getting the casualty onboard, while the second helicopter captained by Wg Cdr PS Babu maintained a close vigil from the top and continued orbiting overhead to ensure the safety of both the casualty and the machine.  The “Siachen Pioneers” displayed highest level of professionalism, planning and courage without fearing for their own life resulting in the successful execution of the mercy mission. Reward for the rescue team, upon landing at Air Force Station Leh, like always, was the convincing smile of the patient, Mrs Lorna Wilson.
            Apart from the challenges of the topography, high altitude of Ladakh region compounds the challenges for trekkers and mountaineers from across the world. In such remote and harsh snow-clad region, timely support of the IAF helicopters ensures that tragedies are averted /minimized. Responsiveness of the “Siachen Pioneers” and their professionalism is like folklore in the region for the trekkers, mountaineers and local inhabitants. On this independence day these WINGED AMBASSADORS of the nation; Air Force Station Leh, the “Siachen Pioneers”, once again lived up to their motto “WE DO THE DIFFICULT AS A ROUTINE, THE IMPOSSIBLE (MAY) TAKE A BIT LONGER”.  The Air Officer Commanding AFS Leh Air Cmde S P Wagle VM and the Commanding Officer of “Siachen Pioneers”,  Wg Cdr UKS Bhadauria received special compliments from AOC in C WAC, Air MarshalArup Raha, AVSM VM  on the occasion of the independence day for high order of professionalism shown in undertaking these rescue missions ///.

No comments: