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Jet-suit paramedics could soon take to the skies after successful test flight in the Lake District

3 min read

Inspiring People
Source: greatnorthairambulance.co.uk

If the idea “takes off”, flying paramedics will be armed with a medical kit, strong pain relief for walkers who may have sustained fractures, and a defibrillator for those who may have suffered a heart attack.

Jet-suit paramedics could soon fly to the rescue

A collaboration between Gravity Industries and the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) has resulted in an unparalleled test of human flight in the heart of the UK’s Lake District, pushing the boundaries of emergency response. On Tuesday 8 September, a year of discussion between GNAAS and Gravity Industries culminated in a jet-suit test flight. 

The flight took 90 seconds; by foot, it would have been an arduous 25-minute climb, laden with medial equipment. The exercise demonstrated the considerable potential of utilising jet suits to deliver critical care services.
Taking place at Langdale Pikes in the Lake District, Gravity Industries founder Richard Browning flew from the valley bottom to a simulated casualty site on The Band, near Bowfell. The flight took 90 seconds; by foot, it would have been an arduous 25-minute climb, laden with medial equipment. The exercise demonstrated the considerable potential of utilising jet suits to deliver critical care services. Source: GNAAS

What if there was a way for a first responder to locate and stabilise a patient within minutes?

The Lake District is by far the UK’s most famous national park, and it’s not hard to see why. The picturesque panorama of craggy hilltops, mountain tarns and shimmering lakes draw some 15 million people each year. 

But this wild terrain can be treacherous, resulting in several incidents requiring the medical expertise of the Great North Air Ambulance Service critical care team. The undulating peaks and valleys can often mean the helicopter is unable to safely land close to the casualty, forcing travel by vehicle or foot.

But what if there was another way for the critical care first responder to locate and stabilise the patient within minutes? Watch the simulated rescue operation below.

Source: GNAAS

British inventor Richard Browning founded the pioneering aeronautical company Gravity Industries in March 2017. The 1,050-horsepower system relies on five mini jet engines – two each built into units attached to the hands and one built into a backpack.
The Jet Suit British inventor Richard Browning founded the pioneering aeronautical company Gravity Industries in March 2017. The 1,050-horsepower system relies on five mini jet engines – two each built into units attached to the hands and one built into a backpack. Source: GNAAS
said Andy Mawson, GNAAS director of operations and paramedic. “In many cases, this would ease the patient’s suffering. In some cases, it would save their lives.”
“We think this technology could enable our team to reach some patients much quicker than ever before.” said Andy Mawson, GNAAS director of operations and paramedic. “In many cases, this would ease the patient’s suffering. In some cases, it would save their lives.” Source: GNAAS
Having delivered over 60 events in 20 countries in the 18 months since launch, including four TED Talks and two Wired events, Gravity has been viewed by millions across the globe. Gravity Industries has a growing portfolio of cutting-edge, patent pending technology across search & rescue, tactical mobility and entertainment.
The Jet-Suit and Gravity Industries — Having delivered over 60 events in 20 countries in the 18 months since launch, including four TED Talks and two Wired events, Gravity has been viewed by millions across the globe. Gravity Industries has a growing portfolio of cutting-edge, patent pending technology across search & rescue, tactical mobility and entertainment. Source: gravity.co
Jet-Suit Paramedic Mountain Response! A fantastic couple of days in the Lake District testing out how extreme Jet Suit mobility can support emergency paramedic response in the mountains. The Great North Air Ambulance reached out and constructed a typical rescue scenario. Calling in helicopter support for each and every case isn't possible or practical which leaves vehicle & foot approach. What if the Critical Care first responder could locate and stabilise the casualty within minutes of vehicle arrival. Well in this exercise we did it in 90 seconds vs the 25 minutes of arduous climb! Source: YouTube/Gravity Industries
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