How you can help us land

If you spot the helicopter coming to land nearby, please keep clear and make as much space as possible. That could be by moving to the edge of a field, or vacating a school playing field, or potentially even returning to your home if we are looking to land in a residential area.

The helicopter’s rotors produces over four tonnes of downwash to the surrounding area and has lots of moving parts, so the further you are from the aircraft, the better. Think about items like picnic blankets, chairs and handbags. Look after children and animals. You may also want to cover your eyes in case of any dust, debris or cut grass that may be displaced as we land, or take off.

Please ensure no one approaches the helicopter until the blades have stopped turning and the pilot has left the aircraft. You will see the paramedics and doctors leave to carry out their lifesaving work, while the pilot will need to complete some essential paperwork. Please refrain from approaching them at this time. 

The pilot will remain with the helicopter whilst the critical care team carry out their work. Once they have finished the necessary paperwork, and if time permits, this is usually the opportunity to approach and meet the pilot, possibly even an opportunity to take a look around the aircraft and take pictures. Just be aware that at any point the pilot may be called back into action to convey a patient to a nearby hospital or return the crew to base. We understand offers of cups of tea, coffee, biscuits or other treats also go down really well with pilots! 

The helicopter is an expensive commodity and an essential part of the community for the people of Wiltshire, Bath and surrounding areas. It carries fuel, so smoking (or even vaping) around the aircraft is not allowed. Please be mindful of this and keep clear if that is your intention. We’ve already had more than one occurrence this year of people lighting up cigarettes close to the helicopter.

When our team are called out, it’s likely to be the worst day of someone’s life. It’s also going to have an impact on friends and family. If you see work being undertaken by the critical care team, please give them as much space as possible and respect the privacy of the patient and their family too. This includes the use of mobile phones for photos and videos. Also remember that it could be traumatic, especially for young people, so move away from the area if it affects you in any way. 

Similar to when the aircraft lands, as much space as possible is required. If directed, please move as far as possible away from the helicopter and repeat the advice for steps 1, 2 and 3. Do not approach the area that has been vacated until you see the helicopter making a forward motion and being fully clear from the area. This is essential in case something happens which requires the pilot to take evasive action or to abort a take-off and return to the ground.  

As long as it is safe to do so, feel free to take pictures and videos of our helicopter landing, taking off or when it’s on the ground (remembering the privacy advice in step 6). We love to share your photos and videos on our social media channels, so find us and tag us on Facebook, X and Instagram, or email us via hello@wiltshireairambulance.co.uk.  

Hopefully these eight tips will help ensure an excellent experience for you, but most importantly, a safe experience for everyone, including our aircrew and patients.  

Your help and continued support is truly appreciated.