An Cosantóir

25 IRISH AIR CORPS NO 3 OPERATIONS WING to the Irish public. Today, No. 3 Operations Wing provides three major services: Garda Air Support, emergency medical services and military air mobility. Ireland's Óglaigh na hÉireann (Irish Defence Forces) have actively taken part in global peacekeeping efforts since 1958 — from Central America to Africa and Asia and when called upon by partner nations and allies. Apart from its local aid to the civil authority missions, No. 3 Operations Wing in 2018 was deployed to Northern Ireland to assist with putting out wildfires. Two AW139s, each equipped with a 1,200-liter (317-US gallon) Bambi Bucket, worked directly over the affected areas while an EC135 was used as an observation platform. While the Irish Air Corps has been used in cross-border operations before, this was the first time the helicopters were used to directly tackle fires. The Irish Air Corps' Helicopter Wing continues to develop and adjust its innovative training and staff retention programs, which makes this small force one of the most modern institutions of its kind in the world. While a pilot and staff shortage continue to be a global issue, in Ireland training is being adapted to attract not only new recruits and engineers, but most importantly to ensure that staff remain in service until retirement. As new training programs and technologies are continuously modernising helicopter operations, the Irish Air Corps constantly adapts to remain one step ahead of global aviation trends. Since its founding, no less than 14 Distinguished Service Medals were awarded to the members of the Helicopter Wing, who proudly adopted the international SAR motto: "That Others Might Live; in Irish: "Go Mairidís Beo" for an immediate departure. When airborne, the paramedic receives constant operational updates from the dispatch center. In many cases an ambulance team will be on the scene first and can confirm if an EAS response is needed. Upon arrival, the crew surveys the landing site, looking for any obstacles which could put the aircraft in danger. Several tight turns are made while every crew member checks the landing zone. With transition into hover and imminent landing, the Air Corps crewman becomes eyes and ears for the pilots. They will verbally confirm the aircraft's distance from the ground, possible debris and finally, contact with the ground. Immediately upon touchdown both a paramedic and an Air Corps medical technician will meet up with the ambulance team on the ground to assess the casualty. Within minutes of landing, usually with the aircraft awaiting with engines idling, the medical crew returns to the helicopter, which then takes off and routes for the nearest, most appropriate hospital. Sometimes, when more specialised assistance is needed — such as for neonatal care, the Air Corps' fixed-wing aircraft will fuel up to help. With the component's CASA CN-235 and PC-12 aircraft ready at Casement Aerodrome, a young patient can be immediately transferred and transported to an advanced care unit in the United Kingdom. And with full cooperation from all emergency services involved, the Athlone-based EAS unit has proven itself to be a major addition Pilot preparing for take off Men at work trying to clear the roads during the Big Freeze Ireland during the Big Freeze

• Cover