A search and rescue helicopter was used to transfer a patient from Noble’s Hospital to the UK this evening (Wednesday).

A post on the Douglas Coastguard’s Facebook page confirmed they were involved in the operation. It said: ’At 5.04pm Douglas coastguards were paged to crew the ELS [Emergency Landing Site] at Noble’s Hospital to help with an incoming helicopter for a medical transfer out to a UK hospital.

’The patient was ’hot loaded’ to enable them to get away in better time.’The term 'hot loaded' or 'hot loading' is used when the helicopter's engines remain running and its rotors turning as the patient is transferred into it.