Yorkshire Air Ambulance Launches Public Safety Campaign After Dangerous Rotherham Incident

Yorkshire Air Ambulance has launched a new public safety campaign following a serious incident in South Yorkshire in which objects were thrown towards one of its helicopters during a safety-critical take-off after an emergency callout.

The incident, which took place in Rotherham earlier this year, saw an unsupervised child throw a stone towards the aircraft as crews prepared to depart the scene. According to the Charity, the stone missed the helicopter’s rotor blades by only a few metres.

Moments later, as the helicopter lifted from the ground, the same child reportedly ran directly underneath the aircraft, exposing themselves to the powerful force of the helicopter’s downwash and placing themselves in significant danger.

The incident was formally reported through Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s aviation safety systems and referred to South Yorkshire Police because of the serious risks posed to the crew, members of the public and the aircraft itself.

In response, Yorkshire Air Ambulance has released a new public safety film titled How To Stay Safe Around Yorkshire Air Ambulance Helicopters, designed to educate the public on how to behave safely when helicopters land at incidents across the region.

The campaign film features members of the Charity’s aviation team and highlights the dangers associated with helicopters during take-off and landing, including powerful rotor blades, severe downwash, restricted cockpit visibility and hazards posed by drones, lasers and objects thrown near aircraft.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopters regularly land in unpredictable locations including roadsides, parks, school playing fields, residential streets and rural farmland while crews deliver lifesaving treatment in high-pressure environments. The Charity said that while helicopters naturally attract attention, these operations remain highly controlled and safety-critical.

Pilot Paul Smith, who was involved in the Rotherham incident and appears in the new film, 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, somebody entering the landing area unexpectedly, a drone flying nearby, or a laser being directed at the cockpit can put our crew, patients and members of the public at significant risk.”

Kathryn Marsden, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, added: “Most people are incredibly respectful when they see the helicopter land, but even seemingly small actions around an aircraft can be dangerous. 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.”

The campaign also urges people to remain mindful when taking photographs or videos at emergency scenes, asking the public to respect the privacy and dignity of patients and families during traumatic incidents.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance further warned about the increasing dangers posed by drones and lasers near helicopters, stressing that any airborne distraction or obstruction could delay crews from landing, treating patients or safely departing the scene.

Operating seven days a week throughout the year, Yorkshire Air Ambulance responds to thousands of incidents annually across the county. As an independent charity, it relies entirely on public donations to keep its helicopters operational.

The new safety film is available on the Charity’s YouTube channel and social media platforms.

Readers wishing to support the Charity’s lifesaving work can donate via Yorkshire Air Ambulance Donate Page