GNAAS paramedic Jamie Walsh was joined by Richard Browning, founder and chief test pilot for Gravity Industries, in the Lake District. They successfully flew a short, steep ascent in adverse weather conditions.
This demonstrated the first flight up a slope by a GNAAS medic.
The research program, funded by Ørsted, is helping all three organisations understand how new technology like the Jet Suit may play a part in remote medical response. The project represents a true world first where the concept of improved human mobility is explored in the medical response world.
Richard Mccrilley, external consultant for Ørsted, said: “This project has been a great way to support a worthy charity and a unique opportunity to learn about the Jet Suit technology and understand how it might be used in future to help deliver lifesaving care.
“We pride ourselves on being an innovative business and this collaboration is a great way to look at future technologies and help us assess their maturity, what risks there might be and the potential practical applications on our wind farms.”
Andy Mawson, director of operations and paramedic at GNAAS, said: “It has been a huge privilege working with both Ørsted, and Gravity to deliver a true world-first piece of research. We know that improving emergency response times is of benefit, therefore improving human mobility has a huge part to play in the delivery of care, especially in a remote environment.
“Our three organisations show a commonality to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what is possible. We’d like to thank Ørsted and Gravity Industries for all the valuable work so far in this journey. We look forward to what the future holds in emergency response and will continue exploring new possibilities.”
Richard Browning, founder and chief test pilot at Gravity Industries, said: “It is fantastic to see the progress we have delivered since the proof of concept back in 2020. It was a true privilege to fly, literally, alongside Jamie, noting how far we have come in applying Jet Suit technology in the world of medical response.”
Timeline of the trial so far:
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Initial proof of concept. Richard Browning flew the Jet Suit for the first time in the mountainous region of the Lake District, showing this was possible.
Ørsted sponsored the research project.
Richard Browning tested the endurance of the Jet Suit at Scafell Pike and Sharp Edge in the Lake District.
Browning ascended Helvellyn in 3 minutes 30 seconds in the Jet Suit, compared to 1 hour 15-minute on-foot response. Overall distance covered was 1.8km with a climb of 750m.
Throughout 2022 Jamie has attended training sessions at Gravity HQ based in Goodwood, and in the Lake District once competent off-tether. Jamie has undergone 10 days of training altogether.
