RAF base responds to emergency call

RAF Northolt had to open their airfield in the early hours of the morning to receive an aircraft carrying a donor heart.

Last Wednesday (28) the base in West End Road, South Ruislip, responded to an emergency call at 1.30am to ask if the airfield could be opened.

Military and civilian staff responded immediately and the aircraft was diverted in mid flight to the base, landing at about 2.50am, with an ambulance ready and waiting to take the vital organ to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The emergency opening of the airfield resulted in a critical 17 minute time saving and made a real difference to the success of the subsequent transplant.

Station Commander Group Captain Tom Barrett said: "I commend my staff for reacting swiftly and intelligently to the request for an immediate opening of the airfield out of normal hours.

"Their willingness to come into work in the early hours of the morning made a real difference to the chances of a patient who was waiting for a heart transplant.

"RAF Northolt was in exactly the right location to support this medical emergency flight and I am delighted we were able to help."