Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has launched an urgent public safety campaign following a dangerous incident in Rotherham where objects were thrown at a helicopter during a critical take-off.
The campaign was sparked by a recent emergency callout where an unsupervised child threw a stone that missed the aircraft’s rotor blades by only a few metres. As the helicopter lifted off, the same child ran directly underneath it, facing extreme danger from the aircraft’s powerful downwash. The charity has released a new film, How To Stay Safe Around Yorkshire Air Ambulance Helicopters, to educate the public on the risks associated with landing at roadsides, parks, and residential streets.
The film highlights several key dangers, including restricted pilot visibility, intense downwash, and the hazards posed by drones and lasers. Crew members are also asking the public to show respect when filming or photographing incidents, urging people to protect the privacy of patients receiving lifesaving care.
Pilot Paul Smith, who was involved in the Rotherham incident, said:
“People are naturally curious when they see the helicopter land, but these are highly controlled, dangerous and safety-critical operations. Something as small as a stone thrown towards the aircraft… can put our crew, patients and members of the public at significant risk.”
YAA CEO Kathryn Marsden OBE added:
“The best thing people can do is keep their distance, ensure children are supervised and keep them close, keep dogs on leads and never approach the helicopter unless instructed to do so by YAA crew members.”
