Oldham Mountain Rescue Team issue warning after drone delays rescue op

The team received a call from North West Ambulance Service to help with a casualty who had fallen 30ft from Indians Head in Greenfield.

Team members were dispatched to the area, and as they we were preparing to set off on foot, they received a message from North West Air Ambulance Charity, who had landed at the top, to say the casualty was able to walk to the helicopter.

The team prepared and secured a landing area for the helicopter and once it landed, the casualty was transferred to one of the team vehicles for the short drive to a waiting ambulance.

But there was a delay before the air ambulance could take off due to a drone flying nearby.

An OMRT spokesperson said: ”If you are flying a drone and notice an air ambulance (or any other emergency services helicopter) then please land it immediately.

"It could have severe consequences for a casualty and the crew if the helicopter cannot fly or there is an accident while flying.”

Twelve team members were involved in the incident for an hour.