Police deliver a donor liver to a patient driving from Stansted Airport, Essex to Cromwell Hospital, Kensington, London on 8th May 1987. Check out the SD1's.
The reason this wasn't flown in by helicopter was that there was no air ambulance and there had been a police helo crash that had caused the fleet to be grounded. Hence they could only go by road.
Those people who were involved in this, from pilots, policemen, doctors and scotland yard, did more in 35 minutes than all the politicians in 35 years, for much much much less money. World is cruel place to live.
I love the way the lead driver waved to fellow pedestrian officers as they raced to the destination, great camaraderie. British policing at its best. An amazing feat.
I remember this being on the news, i used to drive a Rover 3500, they were quick and handled really well, you see the driver lean on the car at the end, he must have been mentally exhausted, great job
I was Driving a football coach from Peterborough to Birmingham a few years ago. After the match the police motorcycles escorted the coach convoy out of town to the M42 with the instruction "follow the bike", (ignore traffic lights, where the bike goes you go.. stay with him..!! ).. he wasn't hanging about either.. and the other bikes would shoot forward to stop traffic at junctions etc.. IT WAS BRiLLIANT..!!
The liver had came from Hull , was driven to Humberside Airport across the Humber Bridge, along the A15. This takes about 20mins normally so on blue lights probably 10-15mins. Then flown immediately to Stansted airport in which we now join the run. I regularly drive from Hull to London and at normal motorway speed it takes me 3hrs 15mins .
@@Avetho Me too, some slate the police but they are a VERY professional bunch who care. They ultimately risked their lives so some unknown female could survive. Thank God for British police.
One of the best police videos I've ever seen! Amazing run, amazing sense of direction, great driver, car and organization... puts tear in my eye, really.
Yup! Quite a few American muscle cars got bought over to the UK during the 70s and early 80s, with a lot of them sticking around for a good few years afterwards. Weird seeing a clean early Trans-Am, though...
I can barely believe that I didn't notice that whatsoever, that's crazy😂! I absolutely love the Firebird, I guess I was so focused on the SD1 that I became oblivious to the other cars. Thanks for pointing it out👍!
I am. I thought it was a police chase at first, but it was wholesome instead. Bless the Rover SD1. When all else was failing, like her liver, the helicopter fleet, that motorcycle engine, the Rover still pushed on. Sacrificing its brakes and rear shocks to make it in time.
I only remembered the Rover SD1 from Top Gear which made it special but now seeing this makes it even more special... I'm going to go watch that episode of Top Gear now.
I did my blue light training for police then ambulance etc and these guys did well or great ! try that in a 5 ton ambulance its scary I feel part of driving test or training for normal drivers should be tested for how to respond when blue lights are behind you
This is a police traffic officers wet dream! Well done The Met. Would've liked to have heard the ongoing radio commentary, he'd have been as exhausted as the driver after! Bet it took a while to come down after that. Nice to see the patient at the end, I hope she's still with us.
Lol what? Police were even more hated back then and had zero accountability, didn't even have bodycams so did what they liked. I always laugh when people romanticise the past like it was a utopia, nostalgia deludes.
The Cromwell is a private hospital? I used to dispatch ride in the smoke back then, did 80 up the mall once, crazy days. The coppers were amazing drivers.
They did a cracking job, albeit with a lot of help from other officers, car and motorcycles closing junctions and clearing the way. They were doing what they were paid for out of taxpayers money and will have enjoyed a healthy final salary pension when they retired, 10 years earlier than most people do. Give them the respect they deserve but a promotion? Really?
The police officers involved make a very good point, you can plan what you think is the best possible route for the circumstances but you can't really legislate for any unforeseen events or accidents - life happens and they just have to try and deal with whatever arises given the time.
Getting out of Hull would have also been a nightmare at peak traffic hours - if they were lucky, Clive Sullivan Way should have been mostly empty to the Bridge.
Lol what? Police were even more hated back then and had zero accountability, didn't even have bodycams so did what they liked. I always laugh when people romanticise the past like it was a utopia, nostalgia deludes.
I’ve had to drive Police cars through London like this before & it’s very tiring. I can understand driver collapsing when they got to the hospital. Your brain is in overdrive.
Police now wouldnt care less about giving public consideration. You see too many videos of them on a power trip "rag dolling" people to the ground, often un provoked. Well done to all the officers involved in saving that womans life. Much respect. 👍
Magnificent. Could it be done today ? Increased traffic but aided by centrally controlled traffic lights with CCTV . Probably just use a helicopter now.
7:30 I'm amazed that the police would consider risking the safety of the public to save a life in a hospital. I've done advanced driver training and the general attitude is: if there's not enough time to anticipate a risk, don't risk it.
@@skylined5534and as they say on the video, they mitigate that risk by the two types of sirens (plus the dozens of supporting officers along the route). Bravo to all involved, I was knackered by the end of the video and I was only watching it!
So you're not a policeman then? Or someone with a wife or daughter with their chest open on an operating table, hoping for a miracle through preparation and professionalism? No, thought not. But don't worry. In today's Britain, no one will bother going to all this trouble for you any more.
The Essex car wouldnt have been fast enough, it looked like a Vauxhall Cavalier. The SD1 had a V8 under the bonnet which would have provided enough power and speed to do the job
@@jamesbarclay7951 It was a Ford Scorpio. And looking at the wheels, I think a 2.0, or a 2.3. - not the right car for this ride. The SD V8 was faster and had a much better acceleration.
Pleased to say, the Assistant Chief Constable survived the transplant operation, lived for another 24 years, and didn’t touch a drop of whisky post-op: strictly beer and wine only.
All met police helicopters were grounded because one of them a few days before this incident had an engine explode. No private ones could be sourced on time.
Good luck watching "The World's Wildest Police Chases"... that had WAY MORE sound effect dubbing than this, after all, it was a Fox show from like, 1998.
Reality check mate buddy, the darn BMW were setting themselves alight especially during high speed runs, it got to the point where they were decommissioned and will not be getting them.
He said at the start of the video that it was foggy. Also, nowadays almost all hospitals have helipads its not clear if that hospital had one. This was over 30 years ago.
@@KristofferEk Not known for reliability by people who'd never even sat in one. They were as reliable if not more so than contemporary stuff. Don't peddle an Internet myth.
The liver must’ve been for someone important and rich. Can’t imagine they’d go to so much trouble and risk if it was an ordinary member of the public who needed a liver.
Great! Risk hundreds of lives for one. Not the best police move. Exactly the excuse they the law on us for not speeding. Should have used a helicopter.
The sound of those rover V8s in the tunnel 👌
I love how he dropped a cog coming out of the tunnel!
@@adsyoffinch Dubbed over with a Manual SD1 these were 3 speed autos.
The reason this wasn't flown in by helicopter was that there was no air ambulance and there had been a police helo crash that had caused the fleet to be grounded. Hence they could only go by road.
I was wondering this.
Incredible how no accidents happened with two SD1s flying. Fantastic planning, driving and professionalism.
Very professional
Not incredible. Just professional. But idiots on the road, as ever.
Those people who were involved in this, from pilots, policemen, doctors and scotland yard, did more in 35 minutes than all the politicians in 35 years, for much much much less money. World is cruel place to live.
I love the way the lead driver waved to fellow pedestrian officers as they raced to the destination, great camaraderie. British policing at its best. An amazing feat.
The real reason the second car was chasing the one in front, was to tell him he had a brake light out.
Imagine seeing these two race down the streets with those V8 roar. Awesome.
I remember this being on the news, i used to drive a Rover 3500, they were quick and handled really well, you see the driver lean on the car at the end, he must have been mentally exhausted, great job
I was Driving a football coach from Peterborough to Birmingham a few years ago. After the match the police motorcycles escorted the coach convoy out of town to the M42 with the instruction "follow the bike", (ignore traffic lights, where the bike goes you go.. stay with him..!! ).. he wasn't hanging about either.. and the other bikes would shoot forward to stop traffic at junctions etc.. IT WAS BRiLLIANT..!!
The liver had came from Hull , was driven to Humberside Airport across the Humber Bridge, along the A15. This takes about 20mins normally so on blue lights probably 10-15mins. Then flown immediately to Stansted airport in which we now join the run. I regularly drive from Hull to London and at normal motorway speed it takes me 3hrs 15mins .
Lesson learned: mount flashing lights and a siren and do it in less than 40 minutes
@@Nightdare In 1987
When the UK was the best country. Bring it back!
It was definitely a can-do country back then. Today, no. Not so much.
Today the UK is Fooked!
What a car those things were. And what a driver that guy is. Well done.
Rover triumph .. I thought it was a late 80s cavaler Sri but just looking it's the rover
@@davidmccann2633 rover sd1
While the current BMW patrol cars have been catching fire on high speed runs.
This made me cry. God bless those policemen
Amen
@@Avetho Me too, some slate the police but they are a VERY professional bunch who care. They ultimately risked their lives so some unknown female could survive. Thank God for British police.
SD1 was very much suited for the job and I was crying as well mate
Bless the police and the rover sdi 😊🙏👌
You mean SD1, right?
@@EmptyCheetosBag Rover V8 SDI, vw swapped special edition monster, 64 PS ...
@@LedCROwbar2
VW? 64ps? What are you imbibing?
And the Woke brigade wants to de-fund the Police!
The Police driver in the Rover SD1 was superb
Furious driving!
Brought me here too...
One of the best police videos I've ever seen! Amazing run, amazing sense of direction, great driver, car and organization... puts tear in my eye, really.
and me
14:10 Pontiac Firebird in London?
Yup! Quite a few American muscle cars got bought over to the UK during the 70s and early 80s, with a lot of them sticking around for a good few years afterwards. Weird seeing a clean early Trans-Am, though...
I can barely believe that I didn't notice that whatsoever, that's crazy😂! I absolutely love the Firebird, I guess I was so focused on the SD1 that I became oblivious to the other cars. Thanks for pointing it out👍!
my dads work mate had one here in the UK, he worked on the oil rigs
@@Ryan-lh8wp I wonder could it be possible that his Trans-Am is the one in the video. That would be cool!
There's always a very occasional import to be seen wherever you go in the UK.
Great effort, well done the police
Amazing. I remember this when it was first broadcast.
Who here after that ar12 vid
I am. I thought it was a police chase at first, but it was wholesome instead. Bless the Rover SD1. When all else was failing, like her liver, the helicopter fleet, that motorcycle engine, the Rover still pushed on. Sacrificing its brakes and rear shocks to make it in time.
Me
Me
I only remembered the Rover SD1 from Top Gear which made it special but now seeing this makes it even more special... I'm going to go watch that episode of Top Gear now.
Me
I remember this! Best Police camera action episode ever. I wonder how the recipient of the liver is doing today
My granddad had an SD1 V8, Jumped it on a bridge down a country land at 120 mph. took him 3 weeks to realise he’d bent the frame on the landing 🤣
I did my blue light training for police then ambulance etc and these guys did well or great ! try that in a 5 ton ambulance its scary I feel part of driving test or training for normal drivers should be tested for how to respond when blue lights are behind you
Wow, what a watch. This really makes you think if they'd of made it on time in today's circumstances...
This is a police traffic officers wet dream! Well done The Met. Would've liked to have heard the ongoing radio commentary, he'd have been as exhausted as the driver after! Bet it took a while to come down after that. Nice to see the patient at the end, I hope she's still with us.
This is when the British police were the best in the world. How far we’ve fallen
Lol what? Police were even more hated back then and had zero accountability, didn't even have bodycams so did what they liked. I always laugh when people romanticise the past like it was a utopia, nostalgia deludes.
The Cromwell is a private hospital? I used to dispatch ride in the smoke back then, did 80 up the mall once, crazy days. The coppers were amazing drivers.
Superb skill , great driving from both drivers ,, hats off to you
Nice one lads, major respect to ya all,
That's definitely the car you need a big Rover V8.
Proud to be a member of the MET.
I love these old police camera action clips!
Great skill to the police, i would hate them to got through that again now, with the way the traffic is.
Great demonstration of road skills by all the Police Officers involved
Furious Driving brought me here, but I actually remember watching this on the TV years ago.
Those cops should have been handed automatic promotion
They did a cracking job, albeit with a lot of help from other officers, car and motorcycles closing junctions and clearing the way.
They were doing what they were paid for out of taxpayers money and will have enjoyed a healthy final salary pension when they retired, 10 years earlier than most people do.
Give them the respect they deserve but a promotion? Really?
@@neilwalsh4058
Sour tits.
Imagine being in the backseat and holding on to a cooler containing a liver during that ride
This is the greatest run across London I have ever seen teamwork just awesome
I had “Magical Sound Shower” playing in my head throughout that(Outrun).
Well done, Great job
Gotta love your Buick V8!
Rover V8. By the time Rover re-engineered it it shared little commonality with the Skylark motor.
The ultimate spare parts delivery service.
The police officers involved make a very good point, you can plan what you think is the best possible route for the circumstances but you can't really legislate for any unforeseen events or accidents - life happens and they just have to try and deal with whatever arises given the time.
That liver got there in the most comfortable manner ever.
Getting out of Hull would have also been a nightmare at peak traffic hours - if they were lucky, Clive Sullivan Way should have been mostly empty to the Bridge.
This is my favourite episode.
Back when they actually where the people's hero's.
Lol what? Police were even more hated back then and had zero accountability, didn't even have bodycams so did what they liked. I always laugh when people romanticise the past like it was a utopia, nostalgia deludes.
If I had the money,I'd buy one of these Rover SD1 V8 rover...then do it up...
Here from Collecting addicts Podcast
I do this for a living now we can’t even drive with blue lights
If the plane had landed at RAF Northolt, the journey would have been much shorter.
Nope motorway is further away at northolt
People commenting on helicopters. They had been grounded after one explosion. Perhaps pinning this would help.
1987....was that Tim Harvey and Dennis Leech in disguise in those SD1s? ;)
Fantastic
I’ve had to drive Police cars through London like this before & it’s very tiring. I can understand driver collapsing when they got to the hospital. Your brain is in overdrive.
These operations are done on motorcycles now so it's easier to get through traffic.
Beautiful memories! What an Epic.
Thought this happened in the 90s but actually longer ago.
Police now wouldnt care less about giving public consideration. You see too many videos of them on a power trip "rag dolling" people to the ground, often un provoked. Well done to all the officers involved in saving that womans life. Much respect. 👍
Usually 'rag-dolling' a violent, confrontational arsehole on coke these days.
You see a lot more of them being assaulted these days too. Last one standing wins, is now how it is.
I hope someone upgrades the footage (maybe using AI) at some point, I would love to see this at least in HD, great driving
Magnificent.
Could it be done today ?
Increased traffic but aided by centrally controlled traffic lights with CCTV .
Probably just use a helicopter now.
This was before the police got Vauxhall senator 3 litre injection 24 valve
That's where motorcycles have the distinct advantage. Cars simply cannot go faster than the vehicles in front.
Meanwhile it Central London...
These two did.
21:14 Consultant Surgeon's Rolls Royce parked outside the operating theatre.
It would have been a lot easier if everybody wasn't driving on the wrong side of the road! lol
Roads were way quieter back then, try that now.
Sorry mate i ordered a Pizza !
He didn't even like liver! lol
Wonder if the patient is still around today?
Thank our country 🙏 we have advanced air ambulance now days
7:30 I'm amazed that the police would consider risking the safety of the public to save a life in a hospital. I've done advanced driver training and the general attitude is: if there's not enough time to anticipate a risk, don't risk it.
So you're not an officer who's ever been charged with the duty of transporting a live organ to a critical patient?
@@skylined5534and as they say on the video, they mitigate that risk by the two types of sirens (plus the dozens of supporting officers along the route). Bravo to all involved, I was knackered by the end of the video and I was only watching it!
So you're not a policeman then? Or someone with a wife or daughter with their chest open on an operating table, hoping for a miracle through preparation and professionalism? No, thought not. But don't worry. In today's Britain, no one will bother going to all this trouble for you any more.
@@SampleTracks2224 But why would you save one life at the expense of hundreds of others?
Blue Lens front fog lights that's Essex for you
Why didn’t they just continue with the Essex car?
the SD1 is a quicker car
The Essex police men may not know London city roads? Or radio communication issues?
The Essex car wouldnt have been fast enough, it looked like a Vauxhall Cavalier. The SD1 had a V8 under the bonnet which would have provided enough power and speed to do the job
@@jamesbarclay7951 It was a Ford Scorpio. And looking at the wheels, I think a 2.0, or a 2.3. - not the right car for this ride. The SD V8 was faster and had a much better acceleration.
It's was a 2.8i Granada quite a lame car compared to a 3500 V8 sdi. That's why they swopped cars
Unfortunately there's no real legislating for foolishness or just plain simple ignorance of other road users.
Pleased to say, the Assistant Chief Constable survived the transplant operation, lived for another 24 years, and didn’t touch a drop of whisky post-op: strictly beer and wine only.
?
I am guessing that you didn't watch it til the end?
They use powerful motorbikes now and you can see why
We going back 34 years ago. I hope those officers are still alive are enjoying their retirement now.
Surely a police motorbike would have been quicker?
But like... why didn't they just helicopter it? Did England not have helicopters at their hospitals???
where would they land it?
The hospital helipad? All the ones here have them
All met police helicopters were grounded because one of them a few days before this incident had an engine explode. No private ones could be sourced on time.
Bri D... do you k own how Google works?
Why not use a Heeliocopter
Tak for tip NP! #BilklubbenPodcast
Thumbs down for the dubbed audio. Watch the "police stop!" version, which has the proper audio.
Good luck watching "The World's Wildest Police Chases"... that had WAY MORE sound effect dubbing than this, after all, it was a Fox show from like, 1998.
Proper coppers well done 👍🏻
It's a 'delivery'
the Cromwell hospital, patient most likely very wealthy. would 3 police bikes been a bit faster.
Nope.
Change it to a 530d BMW with a good remap. Add in a team of escort motorbike escorts to allow a better flow through traffic and it would great fun
Reality check mate buddy, the darn BMW were setting themselves alight especially during high speed runs, it got to the point where they were decommissioned and will not be getting them.
E39's ....not a chance in hell @@Salman-sc8gr
Was this before helicopters were invented?
He said at the start of the video that it was foggy. Also, nowadays almost all hospitals have helipads its not clear if that hospital had one. This was over 30 years ago.
All police choppers were grounded and London didn’t get ambulance choppers until 1988.
Helicopters did exist before WW2 although experimental.
Jesus christ, Google it you dimwit. Due to an air traffic crash all helicopters were grounded.
Americans...
Delivery.
it's insane to belive the run was made by A ROVER a Car brand not especially known for reliability and it held up the entire way.
It was a 30 min drive, youd hope it would hold for atleast that long haha
@@zaphodbeeblebrox9109 30 min with or with out the trafic?
@@KristofferEk
Not known for reliability by people who'd never even sat in one.
They were as reliable if not more so than contemporary stuff. Don't peddle an Internet myth.
@@zaphodbeeblebrox9109
Reliability wouldn't have been an issue. The Met didn't stockpile these post production for a laugh.
@@skylined5534 internet myth? dude blame top gear for what I know about British cars.
Motorbike would have been a quicker choice surely,theres blood donor bikes after all
Didnt you see the Police bike blow up after only driving a bit in London. Would have needed a full relay team..
This was 1987, things weren't as progressive as they are in 2020.
They needed something fast, with presence and large carrying capability with AC. So no, a bike would have been a terrible choice.
I like my liver with a bottle of ciante
Couldn't do it now: ubiquitous tax payer expense road works and 'hard' cycle lanes.
I going to geta v8 rover sdi
Pulled into the hospital at "12 : 25" aka 777 gtfoh
Looks like they’re taking their sweet time
Are you mental? Rush-hour in Central London can see you take up to 45 minutes to cover three miles.
@@skylined5534 it’s called SARCASM buddy
Great car. Red Robbo Ruined BL!
no one had a helicopter ?
scrolled farther down
helicopters grounded due to prior crash
The liver must’ve been for someone important and rich. Can’t imagine they’d go to so much trouble and risk if it was an ordinary member of the public who needed a liver.
Having said that, well done to the police for doing such a good job under difficult circumstances.
@@a.tanner8524 Helicopters were grounded due to an air crash.
a wealthy Jewess,i believe
@@animal79thecat
Oh dear. Are you OK, little 'un?
@@animal79thecat
Mate,what difference does her ethnicity make?
Not heard of a helicopter? Risking multiple peoples lives for 1 life 🤷♂️🤷♂️
Helicopters were grounded due to an air crash. Maybe you should have been in charge?
@TheHoipoloi what aircraft crash Mr police controller?
Great! Risk hundreds of lives for one. Not the best police move.
Exactly the excuse they the law on us for not speeding.
Should have used a helicopter.
Their was no air ambulance and a police helicopter had crashed recently causing the whole fleet to be grounded.
There was no other option.
That is like saying ambulances shouldn't bother rushing to an emergency.
Great job lads