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Abruzzo emergency air rescue service safety and legal battle
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2026-09-26 17:53 UTC → 2026-10-05 11:11 UTC ·
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Abruzzo emergency air rescue service continuity and safety and legal battle
The Abruzzo region continues to manage its 118 emergency air rescue services following failed tender procedures. While health officials, including Health Department Director Camillo Odio, have maintained that the emergency system remains “one of the most solid in Italy,” the transition to new service providers has sparked technical and legal disputes. Following a deserted 2025 tender and unsuccessful negotiations involving Sicily and Calabria, the region utilized interim measures such as support from the National Fire Corps at the Pescara base. However, a A new phase of service began on September 17 with the operator Elitaliana. This transition has led to a safety dispute raised by Regional Councilor Pierpaolo Pietrucci, who expressed concerns that replacing Aw139 helicopters with Aw109 models at the L’Aquila and Pescara bases could jeopardize lives. Pietrucci argued that the new equipment might lack the capability for specialized operations, such as winch rescues in mountainous terrain, potentially delaying responses to critical emergencies like strokes or heart attacks. In response, HEMS 118 base managers Franco Marinangeli and Aurelio Soldano dismissed these claims as lacking a “technical foundation,” noting that Elitaliana is a highly experienced company. They further highlighted that the National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) issued a positive assessment regarding the operator’s suitability on September 24. On October 5, the situation escalated as Regional Councilors from the Democratic Party (PD) filed a formal complaint with prosecutors regarding the contract. The complaint follows the concerns raised by Pietrucci, alleging that the aircraft models could compromise specialized interventions. Base officials have characterized these legal actions as “unjustified alarmism.”
Versions
- 2026-10-05 11:11 UTC Abruzzo emergency air rescue service safety and legal battle
- 2026-09-26 17:53 UTC Abruzzo emergency air rescue service continuity and safety
- 2026-09-20 09:09 UTC Abruzzo emergency air rescue service continuity
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