Medical Emergency Helicopter Unit (SEAB)

Mission

The Hellenic Air Force in the frame of its mission among others conducts public service operations with the purpose of supporting the civil sector.

History

The acquisition of the AGUSTA A-109 POWER helicopters started as an attempt to relieve the most remote and isolated areas of the country, transporting medical emergency patients to Athens or other large hospitals with the appropriate facilities.

The helicopters, were at first commissioned to private enterprise, operating under the National Centre for Emergency Care (EKAB).

Unfortunately the early service of these helicopters was marked by three accidents and the equivalent loss of helicopters, from the total of a fleet of five.

After these incidents, the remaining helicopters were integrated to the 358 Search and Rescue Squadron since May 2003. At the same time, one more helicopter was added to the fleet.

The flight personnel, who crew the A-109Es, came from 358 SAR Squadron either as officers in active service or reservists.

Since November 2004, after a HAFGS decision, the SEAB is organized as an independent flight with 3 A-109E helicopters, its flight personnel and technicians.

Manning

The SEAV is manned as follows:

• Commander
• Operations Officer
• Fifteen pilots
• Twelve technicians
• Two conscripts

Flight Mission

SEAB is asked to carry out the important task of MEDEVAC, a role familiar to the air force from way back. 

The first patient transport was accomplished on 25-8-2003, on behalf of the National Centre for Emergency Care (EKAB), when the public service of the A-109E helicopter starts in the Hellenic Air Force.

From the incorporation of the A-109E helicopter into the Hellenic Air Force until today, a total of 524 MEDEVAC missions were carried out (46 in 2003, 276 in 2004 and 202 in 2005), a huge project for just only 3 helicopters.

Description of the ΑGUSTA Α-109Ε ΡOWER hellicopter

The AGUSTA A-109E is an Italian-built high speed and high performance multi purpose helicopter. It has two engines, a four blade main rotor, a two blade tail rotor and retractable landing gear with EMS (EMERGENCY MEDICAL SYSTEM) configuration.

It is fully equipped with electronic systems, which ensure the safety and accuracy of the flight, such as radar, auto pilot, GPS and other modern avionics.

The helicopter’s crew is a pilot and a co-pilot. When used as a flying ambulance, it also carries a doctor and a paramedic.

The helicopter cabin is configured as a modern Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with Cardiac Monitor-Defibrillator, oxygen supply, fluid suction device and infusion pump. It has the capability of transferring one patient on a stretcher. Also, two patients can be transferred, provided that one of them could be transferred sitting.