Plymouth woman dies from helicopter downwash. Government considers new laws for hospital helipad safety nationwide.
This happened at Derriford Hospital in March 2022. She walked near the helipad with her niece when the helicopter landed. An investigation found safety problems nationwide. These issues existed not just at Derriford’s helipad.
Derriford now bars large helicopters from using its helipad. They now use Bickleigh Barracks. Ambulances then take patients to the hospital. The coroner sent a report to government officials. He shared his worries about ongoing risks.
A government official responded to the coroner. She said they will learn from Langan’s death. They aim to lower risks at hospital landing sites. She said hospitals are in charge of landing pad safety.
The government oversees licensed helipads only. Hospital helipads are currently unlicensed. They do not have to follow safety rules. Since 2020, there have been three similar incidents.
These events involved air ambulances away from hospitals. Two incidents caused injuries to the public. The government will keep trying to reduce these risks. They are working to support hospital landing sites.
The government is considering new laws for all sites. This project could take two to four years. It would need new laws passed. The government is also creating a landing pad database. This involves hospitals and the NHS.