Press Release

Issued by Babcock Mission Critical Services Espana.

October 29, 2014

The Provincial Firefighter Consortium of Valencia has launched a rescue service to operate in difficult terrain such as ravines, reservoirs and mountainous regions which require helicopter support from the Valencian Government.

The Helicopter Transport Rescue Unit, formed of professionals from the Valencian Government and the Firefighter Consortium, was officially launched on the football field of the Betera Psychiatric Hospital. The ceremony was attended by the regional president Alfonso Rus, as well as counsellor Luis Santamaria, amongst others.

Following the presentation, the crew carried out a simulation of the rescue of an injured person from a mountain environment, where they used a winch to transport the patient onto the aircraft.
The counsellor recognised the important work and collaboration of all the professionals involved in emergency rescue work, noting that “the effective coordination between different emergency services is key in risky situations, allowing for a rapid response and ensuring the safety and welfare of citizens.”

So far this year, Valencia's emergency and coordination helicopter, operated by INAER Spain, has carried out 18 rescue missions in Valencia, five of which were carried out by the new Helicopter Transport Rescue Unit.