January / February 2021 issue out now

While temperatures plunge in the northern hemisphere and flu season forced countries back into various levels of lockdown, in Australia, temperatures are rising fast, prompting concerns about another dangerous fire season down under. Waterbombers were called into action as early as November to tackle a blaze threatening Sydney, and the summer has only really just started. Aerial firefighters will continue their vital life- and property-saving work no matter what. More of that to come in future issues.
 
Talking of life-saving work, we’ve got an illuminating article in this issue from Chris Sharpe – former British military pilot, now working as a SAR pilot in Central America. And wow – has he got some stories to tell! If the only SAR missions you’ve ever flown have been in developed nations, you’re going to have your eyes opened wide by some of the revelations in this article on the challenges of operating civilian SAR and HEMS in Latin America.
 
Rescues in high-rise urban environments are the topic under discussion, looking at the stresses, strains and logistical considerations of victim retrieval from buildings where space is tight, updrafts are a real and present danger, and landing zones are far away. Experts in different towns and cities in North America shared their insights with us.
 
As ever, AirMed&Rescue is formed as a result of the expert contributions made by our industry contacts from around the world, and this issue is no exception. From the effects Covid-19 has had on a UK HEMS charity’s operations, to how EURAMI is performing accreditation audits during the pandemic, Covid-19 still stalks the industry, and we are making sure you, our reader, are up to date.
 
Elsewhere, 1Lt Jamie Eastman shares his research into point of care data collection tools, and how they are aiding diagnosis and treatment for critical care patients.
 
Plus we have an interview with Medical Director of Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex in the UK to round off the content in this double January / February issue.