Abruzzo health officials guarantee continuity of emergency helicopter services

Health officials in the Abruzzo region have assured the public that emergency helicopter rescue services (HEMS) remain fully operational despite recent administrative challenges. Camillo Odio, Director of the Health Department, stated that the regional emergency system remains one of the most solid in Italy and that service continuity is being maintained.

The current situation stems from difficulties in securing a new long-term contract. Following a 2025 tender that went deserted and unsuccessful negotiations involving the regions of Sicily and Calabria, officials cited unpredictable market dynamics as the cause for the lack of private operators.

To prevent service gaps, the Pescara HEMS base is currently utilizing support from the National Fire Corps. This collaboration involves using high-performance aircraft configured for medical equipment, integrated with specialized 118 emergency teams. An interim bridge contract is expected to be finalized soon to ensure service stability while a new multi-year tender is prepared.