In the dark

[KeithL]

I thought this might be of interest, as something somewhat different.

We had a serious incident in the village last Sunday night, which involved police, ambulances, first responders, fire brigade, and the air ambulance. I took a number of photos, two of which were used by our local paper.

This one is of the air ambulance starting to lift off in the dark (about 8 pm) from the village green, with a very sick patient indeed on board. I had to use the trusty old 75-300R II again, this time on the M1, and using ISO 20,000. Even then, terribly difficult to hold it steady. Couldn't get any closer, the police wouldn't permit.

[IMG][/IMG]

I don't want to say too much; the patient had collapsed due to working in a petrol fume-filled garage, and now we are told has possibly less than a 50% chance of survival. The air ambulance personnel did a fantastic job, and it is a charity that I am very happy to support every month.

If anyone is interested in my doing so, I can post a second shot of the helicopter just after landing, around 6:30 pm.

Hope you find this of interest. Thanks for looking and any comments.

[iso]

Re: In the dark

Perspective is deceptive but that looks like a tight operating space. Obviously not 'a brilliant pic', but it stands as a social record of your village - as such it is photography.

[KeithL]

Re: In the dark

It is quite a tight space. But it was essential to get the air ambulance close to the incident.

With shots like this, you have to get what you can; you can't hang about looking for an ideal composition! It's rare to see the air ambulance actually in operation (as opposed to visiting some local air shows).

It was pitch dark, other than the light from the landing lights, and even at 20,000 ISO, the exposure was around 1/4 second at f5.6. Extremely difficult to get a half decent shot at all, with the aircraft being at an awkward angle to the only viable shooting position. It had started to lift off as I took the shot; you can see that the skids are above the ground at the front, also the sides were visibly vibrating as the power went on. I was amazed that the autofocus worked! Quite a plaudit for the camera itself.

[Bikie John]

Re: In the dark

Very low light and very high contrast - well done for getting anything at all. You certainly like to take on challenges, Keith!

John

[Beagletorque]

Re: In the dark

Tricky conditions for photography but a superb result.

[KeithL]

Re: In the dark

We found out more about the accident this morning. He collapsed into a pit in his garage, that had several inches of petrol in the bottom of it. So it soaked into his clothes. He has 90% chemical burns from the petrol. He is in a very bad way indeed.

[Beagletorque]

Re: In the dark

Shame, good job he did not blow himself and the emergency services all up.

[KeithL]

Re: In the dark

An update.

We learned yesterday that he has in fact died in hospital.

This should be a salient warning NOT to underestimate the dangers of petrol.

[Bikie John]

Re: In the dark

Very sad. I didn't realise that petrol was nasty in that way.

John

[Guest]

Re: In the dark

You were ready and took advantage of a great photo op, Keith.

[KeithL]

Re: In the dark

Very sad. I didn't realise that petrol was nasty in that way.

John

Unfortunately, many people don't. They take chances with it. That's why I thought it worth putting the photo on here - warn people of the risks.