Issue 175 | October 2026

AMR 175 Cover

The latest edition of AirMed&Rescue is packed full of content to keep you occupied in October. We have features on the challenges that swiftwater presents when trying to rescue someone; how sensor technology is affecting and improving aerial firefighting missions; why operators choose to have a varied fleet of aircraft to perform special missions; and what can be done to improve the accessibility and awareness of mental health assistance programs for safer and sustainable working conditions.

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In this issue

Paramedic hoisting out of helicopter

Saving lives in swiftwater scenarios

Worldwide training in swiftwater rescue is a deep well of knowledge regarding safety, environmental conditions, equipment, and risk, reports Jennifer Ferrero

Jennifer Ferrero

Plane mid-air

Fire intelligence aircraft: eyes in the sky that never blink

Barry D Smith explores how the aerial firefighting sector is adapting its processes to incorporate better sensor technology and increase the value gained from the data available

Paramedic in the zone, in helicopter with hands together

Mental wellbeing and care for special missions crews

Continual high-stress, time-critical environments where decisions can be a matter of life or death can result in psychological harm, either as a result of a single mission outcome or as...

Firefighter helicopter picking up water

Mixing bowl

Some operators have mission requirements that demand a mix of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft in their fleet. Ian Harbison learns how differing operations affect equipment choice

Bill Long graphic

Interview: High-performance HEMS

Bill Long, Aviation Director for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, tells Mandy Langfield about the challenges facing the UK charity and the priorities and goals of the organization going forward

Mandy Langfield

Helicopter landing in Africa countryside

Industry voices: Bridging the distance: Why South Africa needs the Diploma in Retrieval and Transfer Medicine

Dr Neville Vlok, Specialist Emergency Physician, and Kaleb Lachenicht, Emergency Care Practitioner, detail the complexity of retrieval medicine and the subsequent value of a qualification that demonstrates clinical competence and...

Dr Neville Vlok & Kaleb Lachenicht

Helicopter pulling off

Industry voice: When wearable tech knows more than your roster

W Sander Starreveld, Principal of SIG Aviation, highlights the key indicators, monitors, and outcomes associated with fatigue risk in airborne medical, SAR, and special missions

W Sander Starreveld

Helicopter mid-flight with rescuer hoisting out

Gallery: HEMS in Piedmont: training and qualification of new doctors and nurses

Dino Marcellino reports on and photographs the training of a new tranche of doctors and nurses for the Piedmont Regional Helicopter Rescue Service

Dino Marcellino