Privatising Search and Rescue: Profit, Cost Cutting, Political Dogma and savings lives are diametrically opposed

As we have seen in the Health Service, cutting front line nursing staff directly impacts on patient care and well-being.

Out-souring Search and Rescue (SAR) has the potential to cost lives because of political dogma.

We believe that SAR should continue to be run by the military. We cannot see how a contracted crew will have the dedication to saving lives that our military colleagues do. Whatever will be privatised next, the ambulance service, the fire service! Lives are going to be put at risk because the ConDem government are wedded to a slash and burn policy of all public sector functions.

There has been an e-petition running on stopping this ludicrous idea for a while, so please, if you feel same as we do, sign it.

Bristow Helicopters says:

“Bristow Helicopters Ltd knows the responsibilities that go with providing this service and we are committed to working in full partnership with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and ensuring a smooth transition process and the long-term continued delivery of a world class SAR operation in the UK.”

What is not mentioned though is that in 2010 following the Bristow Helicopter accident of 2006 where a Super Puma carried out an emergency landing in the North Sea, the company was urged to improve pilot training after the Dutch Safety Board said “shortcomings” were found in the company’s provision of simulator training.

http://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/Article.aspx/1621387?UserKey=

Four years before this accident, a Sikorsky S-76A helicopter operated by Bristow crashed in the North Sea, leaving 11 people dead. Mechanical failure was blamed.

Between 2010 and 2012, the Bristow training academy in Florida USA had five accidents.

There are other examples we could give, but you are getting picture.

So, who would you prefer to be running this countries Search and Rescue, our military personnel who have a proven track record or a company who's aim in simply to make money.