I HAVE recently returned from an incredible and inspiring work experience week at RMB Chivenor.

This is mainly a Marines base but it is also home to 'A' Flight, 22 Squadron, RAF, where two search and rescue Sea King helicopters are based. I applied for the work experience position last summer and fortunately, with my position of Lance Corporal in the Army Cadets, my application was successful and the position was duly arranged for one week, starting on July 5.

My main aim for the week was to see what life in the RAF would be like and hopefully, to find out what it is like to fly in a Sea King helicopter. By 3 o'clock on the first day, I found out. The siren sounded and I was invited to sit-in on a real search and rescue mission where a farmer had trapped himself under his own tractor. Coincidentally, a cameraman from the local news team (BBC Spotlight) was on the flight and managed to get the story onto the news that evening.

During the course of the week, I was able to spend an afternoon with the engineers, who explained the workings of the aircraft and demonstrated the checks needed to allow the aircraft to become airworthy again. I also further enhanced my knowledge of first aid, including resuscitation on a very clever, computer-controlled dummy which could be programmed to have coughing fits and even hyperactive bowels!

The week ended spectacularly for me as I was used as a 'casualty' for an exercise off the cliffs, where I was lowered from the helicopter on the winch before being recovered by a paramedic-qualified winchman and winched back up into the helicopter supported by 'strops' under my arms and knees. During this exercise, the helicopter was tasked to another job. An ill sailor from a French trawler, 30 miles off Padstow, needed to be winched up and taken to Truro hospital.

Returning from the hospital, we were tasked to yet another job in South Wales – however just before we reached Bude, the team was stood down. As we returned to Chivenor, we flew right over my house and I was able to get a few photos. Several of my friends and family saw the helicopter go over Bude and guessed that it was me inside!

The week gave me an amazing insight into the search and rescue aspect of the RAF. The experience has motivated me to do well at school in the hope that I will be able to join the RAF in the future. I would like to publicly thank everyone at 'A' Flight for a fabulous week and for making me feel so welcome.

By Jack Martindale, Year 10, Budehaven Community School.