AN MAN who fell ill at the top of Worcester Cathedral during filming for a historical reenactment was rescued by helicopter.
The dramatic incident unfolded at 9.30am on Saturday, July 1, when a 53-year-old man fell ill at the top of the tower at Worcester Cathedral.
Paramedics provided immediate care to the man, whilst specialist fire service line rescue crews from Worcester, Droitwich and Malvern attended to carry out a rescue.
Fire crews are very familiar with the Cathedral and were able to quickly establish that due to the height of the tower, which is 170ft, and narrow internal staircase, the most effective rescue would be achieved through the use of a helicopter.
A UK search and rescue helicopter from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, based at St Athan, near Cardiff, was then called to the scene, which took just 36 minutes.
In spite of significant hazards including turrets, flagpoles, strong wind conditions and a small working area, the helicopter crew were able to skillfully winch the man onto the helicopter and transport him to an ambulance waiting in the playing fields opposite the Cathedral.
The man was then taken to hospital by West Midlands Ambulance Service at around 11.58am.
Phil Berry, station commander at Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Whilst there are significant challenges to this type of rescue, we work closely with the Cathedral and have pre-prepared plans in place for rescues from all levels of the tower.
“As such, we were quickly able to initiate the most effective rescue for the casualty who I’m pleased to report has responded well to treatment from ambulance personnel and will make a full recovery.
“All agencies involved should take an enormous amount of credit, not only for their effective working and professionalism on the day, but also for their meticulous pre-planning and regular exercising at this site.”
Picture by HWFire Droitwich.
