An ex- soldier who went missing near Tidworth was found in critical condition following a major search operation on Friday (5 September).
The police helicopter was deployed following reports of the 33-year-old man’s disappearance mid-afternoon, with serious concerns for his welfare.
Searches, from the sky and by officers on the ground, were carried out for some time. The focus of the hunt was land between Tidworth Camp and Sidbury Hill.
Wiltshire 999s understands that the police helicopter crew were first to locate the missing man. In a rare move, the aircraft was landed so officers on board could provide urgent support ahead of their colleagues.
The man was found to be in a life-threatening condition, with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance tasked to the incident.
Due to difficult terrain near Sidbury Hill, numerous Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) ambulance crews were sent alongside local paramedics.
Once stabilised by specially-trained critical care medics, he was put into the air ambulance and flown to the Major Trauma Centre at Southampton General Hospital.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police confirmed that officers “responded to reports of a 33-year-old man missing in the Tidworth area” on Friday.
Adding that he was located at around 5.30pm, and was in a “potentially life threatening condition”. He was taken to hospital for treatment.
