We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
IT’S SUNDAY AFTERNOON and this Irish Coast Guard helicopter crew are getting ready to take to the sky for a training exercise.
After a quick cup of tea and a full briefing on flight conditions, the crew of four hopped on board the Sikorsky S92 helicopter and, on this particular Sunday, they were kind enough to let us on tag along too.
The Dublin S92 was officially launched in January this year, completing the overhaul of the Coast Guard fleet with state-of-the-art aircraft.
The new technology in this chopper far exceeds its predecessor, with a long range heat seeking camera on the front to locate people in the water and a light for searches that we were told was so strong that it would start to melt the tarmac on the runway almost instantly. It can also fly in temperatures as low as minus 40.
Inside, there is enough space for 22 people – and of course all of the necessary medical equipment to assist the crew when they have a casualty on board.
In the cockpit, there are lots of very appealing buttons and levers that we were told politely not to touch or fall on top of. The screens you can see in the cockpit provide the pilots with detailed information, helping them decide, among other things where it’s safe to land.
The equipment in the cabin, operated by one of the winchmen, allows the crew to search for people in the water from a great distance and the pilots can toggle between these different screens which show heat sources, colour images and live night vision footage.
We flew along the coast, passing Howth and Bray and then over the Wicklow Mountains – some of the main areas where this crew would be called in to assist people.
It’s hard not to be envious of their daily access to incredibly stunning views of the Irish landscape. Here are just a few we captured:
After the training exercise was complete, it was back to the base at Dublin Airport where the crew agreed to winch this TheJournal.ie reporter out of the helicopter.
They take safety very seriously in the Coast Guard so, unfortunately, this is the only shot we got of it but you can use your imagination:
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Good article..best of luck with your recovery
Can relate to all of that. It’s invisible. Having someone change plans all of a sudden is a nightmare, having planned every step of the journey for ages beforehand!
I can relate a lot to this having a TBI 11 years ago and a stroke all at 19. At the start was a very traumatic time for me and my family having to learn to walk talk dealing with serious bursts of aggression from frustration and adapt to daily living. I have a successful business now for 8 years but everyday day still has its obstacles be it the chronic fatigue that comes with a TBI to the chronic headaches or your mind just blanking out it’s not easy and as Linda says it’s invisible and very hard for people to understand what’s going on with you. I now am married and have a beautiful 19 month son that brings so much joy to my wife and I everyday and it kills me to come home some days after a bad day and he’s there just waiting for your undivided attention but your just not able.
Very interesting article. I know from experience how difficult it can be when often the slightest thing is a trigger. You certainly have given yourself every opportunity to recovery and to live life well.
Well done on your recovery!
Jigsaws are a great therapy for any person recouping from brain injury and/or brain surgery. Have been there and done that many moons ago.
Ah – I know it well – my wife had ABI – Acquired Brain Injury as a result of a stroke.
It takes time but eventually heals -
It’s very hard when symptoms are invisible . I know that feeling . People are so fast to judge you also…. I wish you well in your recovery … x
Good on ya, Linda.
have your say