From 4 to 6 February 2025, EATC hosted the 10th annual National Patient Evacuation Coordination Centres (NPECC) Meeting at Eindhoven Air Base. This milestone event brought together 30 participants from all EATC member nations, including flight surgeons and nurses, many of whom were attending for the first time. The conference offered an invaluable opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss shared challenges, and enhance multinational cooperation in strategic aeromedical evacuation (StratAE).
Brigadier General Frank Best, EATC’s Chief of Staff, welcomed the participants, highlighting the importance of collaboration in this domain. In his opening remarks, he stated: “Strategic aeromedical evacuation is a cornerstone of our multinational cooperation. Forums like the NPECC conference foster the partnerships that enable us to deliver exceptional care to patients in need, even under challenging circumstances.”
Colonel Dr. Henning von Perbandt, Head of the Aeromedical Evacuation Control Centre (AECC), emphasized the conference’s focus on improving daily operations and exploring innovative solutions. “The diverse expertise and novel perspectives brought to this year’s conference underscore our collective strength. Together, we aim to address current and future challenges, develop pragmatic solutions, and ultimately enhance patient care across all nations involved,” he said.
A Comprehensive Program
The conference began with an introductory presentation on EATC and AECC, a key session for participants visiting Eindhoven for the first time. The program featured discussions on everyday operational topics, medical challenges such as thrombosis prophylaxis, and opportunities to streamline processes—particularly in scenarios involving high patient volumes. A standout session presented a new software system designed by the German NPECC to guide and follow up on patients during the MedEvac process, reflecting EATC’s commitment to leveraging technology for efficiency.
Participants also explored case reports of StratAE missions, which served as a springboard for identifying best practices and lessons learned. Another pivotal topic was the transport of infectious patients, featuring the EpiShuttle System, which enables the safe and efficient evacuation of contagious individuals.
Fostering Team Spirit
Beyond the formal sessions, the conference also provided opportunities for informal networking and team building. An “icebreaker” event on Tuesday evening at the ATMO Club helped participants connect in a relaxed atmosphere. On Wednesday evening, the group gathered for dinner at a local steakhouse, further strengthening the camaraderie among colleagues.
These informal moments were not merely social but served as a platform for participants to build, trust and foster deeper professional relationships. Conversations during these gatherings often touched on shared challenges and experiences, leading to valuable exchanges of ideas that complemented the formal sessions. By creating an environment where participants felt at ease, the conference reinforced the importance of personal connections in fostering collaboration across nations and roles, ultimately contributing to more cohesive and effective teamwork in future missions.
Building Bridges for the Future
As in previous years, the conference emphasized the need for closer collaboration to improve multinational operations. Discussions focused on practical measures to reduce paperwork and increase interoperability, ensuring that resources are used effectively to deliver timely and high-quality patient care. This focus is particularly relevant given the ongoing tensions along Europe’s eastern borders, where a military escalation could strain resources and complicate operational readiness. The wealth of new ideas and fresh perspectives at this year’s NPECC Meeting signalled a renewed energy and commitment to advancing the field of aeromedical evacuation.
The 10th annual NPECC Meeting concluded with optimism and a shared determination to continue improving multinational cooperation. With its focus on innovation and teamwork, the event reaffirmed EATC’s role as a leader in strategic aeromedical evacuation.