The helicopter used by the service is a McDonnell Douglas 902 Explorer, which draws the crowds whenever it turns up at events. It’s a twin-engine helicopter that has no tail rotor, cutting down the noise produced in flight.

It is capable of a ground speed of around 140mph and can fly, in its current configuration, for an average of one-and-a-half hours. It can seat six people in the rear and two in the cockpit, although it normally only has two seats in the rear to make room for a permanent stretcher.

The aircraft is leased from a company called Police Aviation Services. The arrangement works well with PAS responsible for sending pilots to cover for sickness and providing a replacement helicopter if the Explorer needs repairs.