The National Mountain Rescue Corps (CNSAS) and the Italian company Aersud Elicotteri have signed an important collaboration agreement aimed at increasing the safety of helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) and search-and-rescue (SAR) missions, with particular reference to the improvement of on-board helicopter equipment and staff training.
The Alpine Rescue, since the ’70s, has introduced the use of helicopters to solve the most complex cases of technical-health emergency in extreme environments, while Aersud Elicotteri, for over 40 years, is present in the Italian helicopter sector gaining a great deal of experience in the specific helicopter rescue activity, in particular with Airbus helicopters.
One of the most significant activities will be the synergy in training. The CNSAS will provide the technical experience, while Aersud will be able to engage in flight crew training in relation to “non-technical skills” developed with the support of the University of Verona (Department of Human Sciences).
Aersud and the CNSAS will also jointly promote the improvement of helicopter regulations with the European and Italian Aviation Authorities, in particular regarding the new operations using Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), now operating in several Italian regions.
“Aersud has always been engaged in the development of helicopter rescue and, with this agreement, we will activate an important collaboration to improve a rescue activity already internationally recognized,” said Riccardo Aichner, president of Aersud Elicotteri.
“The Alpine and Speleological Rescue has always played a leading role in the study and application of innovative techniques in helicopter rescue,” said Maurizio Dellantonio, the national president of CNSAS. “With a partner as Aersud, we start a joint effort to make the HEMS and SAR service ever more efficient and safe.”
