When five year old Jake from the Isles of Scilly needed medical assistance at the weekend, he was very pleased that not only was he helped to feel better, but he also got the chance to fly in a Royal Navy helicopter.

A Search and Rescue Sea King helicopter from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose was scrambled to the Isles of Scilly on Saturday morning (8th March) to transfer a young boy to the Royal Cornwall Hospital. On the way to St Mary’s, the duty crew from 771 Naval Air Squadron picked up a South West Ambulance Paramedic from Penzance.

Five year old Jake, who was suffering from respiratory difficulties, was waiting for them to arrive at St Mary’s airport. The young boy was being looked after by SWASFT and regular 771 Squadron paramedic Wayne Davey.

Petty Officer Craig Gabraitis (Aircrewman and trainee paramedic) took over the care of Jake and then the Culdrose crew took him and his mother to Treliske by helicopter. Whilst being monitored closely by the crew and Paramedic Sean Gray, Jake very much enjoyed his first flight in a Search and Rescue helicopter.

The duty crew were: • 1st Pilot and SAR (Search and Rescue) Commander – Commander Martin Shepherd • 2nd Pilot – Lieutenant Teddy Thurston • Observer and trainee Paramedic – Lieutenant Commander Guy “Chuck” Norris • Aircrewman and trainee Paramedic – Petty Officer Aircrewman Craig Gabraitis • SWASFT Paramedic Sean Grey.