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Watch: Video shows dramatic helicopter rescue from York Minster

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The man is winched into the helicopter over York Minster. Photographs: YorkMix

These are the dramatic moments when a helicopter rescue team plucked a stricken man from the tower at York Minster.

The man, in his 20s, had been taken ill at the top of the central tower of the cathedral, and this was the only way to transport him to hospital.

Emergency services were called to the incident at about 11am on Thursday (October 5).

[arve url=”https://youtu.be/1Uh3pAegCTs” title=”Helicopter rescue at York Minster” /]

As well as the Coastguard helicopter, two rapid response vehicles, two ambulances and the hazardous area response team also attended.

Hundreds of people watched as a medic was lowered from the helicopter on to the tower. A stretcher was also lowered down.


The medic is lowered on to the Minster

The patient is winched to safety

Humberside coastguard scrambled

The helicopter moved a short distance away as the man was treated and secured to the stretcher.

Then he and the medic were winched into the helicopter and he was taken to York Hospital.

The helicopter over the central tower
The crew showed tremendous skill so close to the cathedral
The helicopter moved away from the central tower as the patient was secured to the stretcher
The helicopter seen from Low Petergate
The Yorkshire Ambulance Service incident response unit outside York Minster
Emergency teams were also on the ground

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency said:

Just after 11am today Yorkshire Ambulance Service requested assistance from the UK Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) after receiving a report that someone needed medical assistance at the top of York Minster Cathedral.

Due to the inaccessible nature of the steeple, the UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Humberside has been sent to assist with the medical evacuation.

York Minster tweeted: “Huge thanks to the emergency services for the swift response. Thanks to all for their support, patience & well wishes. We will pass these on.”