On Sunday 5 February 2023, EATC planned and executed an aeromedical evacuation of an Iraqi child of 20 months in need of specialized medical care.
This was an extraordinary mission for all actors involved. For Italy, who was contacted for medical support by a humanitarian organization operating in Iraq. For EATC’s Aeromedical Evacuation Control Center (AECC) who coordinated this urgent evacuation mission on behalf of Italy. And for the Luxembourg Air Rescue who executed the mission on behalf of Luxembourg.
When Italy contacted EATC for support, AECC took action without delay. Together with the Italian National Patient Evacuation Coordination Cell, AECC decided to have the mission executed by a dedicated air ambulance offered by Luxembourg to EATC partners. A specialized medical team from Luxembourg Air Rescue ensured that the child, accompanied by the mother, was safely transported from Sulaymaniyah International Airport (Iraq) to Bologna Airport in Italy.
Immediate planning and close coordination with all involved actors was key to success of the mission. AECC and EATC’s Mission Control monitored constantly the mission until the infant was handed over safely to the Italian authorities to be transported by road to S’Orsola Hospital where the necessary care facilities are available.