SOFIA — The second helicopter designated for emergency medical assistance by air landed in Bulgaria today at 15:38, according to the Ministry of Health.
The aircraft will be stationed at the HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services) regional base in Sliven, marking a significant step forward for the country’s air rescue capabilities.
Eight air medical teams have already been formed to operate at the base, consisting of nine doctors and eight nurses.
These teams have successfully completed mandatory training and passed the required medical examinations in compliance with European Aviation Medical Class 2 standards, ensuring their readiness for high-stakes rescue missions.
The arrival of the second helicopter follows Bulgaria’s first air rescue mission, which took place in early June 2024.
Since then, the Air Emergency Medical Assistance Center has conducted a total of 49 missions, six of which have been carried out since the beginning of this year, the ministry’s report highlighted.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Health also disclosed that, according to preliminary information from the Italian manufacturer Leonardo S.p.A., a third helicopter is expected to be delivered by the end of March this year.
The addition of this aircraft will further enhance Bulgaria’s capacity to respond swiftly to medical emergencies, particularly in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
The ongoing expansion of Bulgaria’s air rescue fleet is part of a broader strategy to modernize emergency medical services and reduce response times.
The Health Ministry’s efforts have been met with widespread approval, as the enhanced capabilities are anticipated to save more lives across the country.