Two air ambulances land in Smithills amid ‘medical emergency’

The helicopters were seen touching down on Oxford Grove playing fields in the early evening.

Ivy Road was closed as emergency crews responded to a suspected medical episode.

Paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) took the lead in treating the casualty.

Emergency crews worked together (Image: Phil Taylor)

A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Police confirmed the incident was in its early stages when officers were first called shortly before 5.30pm.

There was no further police role beyond assisting ambulance colleagues.

Ivy Road, where the incident took place, was blocked to drivers (Image: Phil Taylor)

Witnesses described a large emergency presence in the area, with multiple responders, police vehicles and an ambulance in attendance.

A crowd of residents gathered nearby as treatment was carried out, with reports that a dignity sheet was put in place.

An onlooker told The Bolton News that a child was seen assisting emergency crews at the scene.

A child helping the emergency team (Image: Phil Taylor)

At around 6.30pm, air ambulance crews were seen preparing to leave, with one aircraft departing shortly afterwards and a ground ambulance also leaving the area.

By 7pm, Ivy Road had reopened to traffic and the incident was reported to have been cleared.

The condition of the casualty has not been confirmed.

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has been contacted for comment.