This year, the European Helicopter Air Medical Committee (EHAC) Annual Board meeting and Symposium was held in Brno, Czech Republic. The annual meeting included a changing of the guard. Pavel Muller, President of Alfa Helicopter, Air Rescue Service in the Czech Republic, has presided over EHAC for the past 3 years. Pavel who is well respected by his colleagues within EHAC and throughout the international Air Medical community has been an inspirational leader for the organization. Pavel completed his term as president and Stefan Becker, Head of Corporate Development at Swiss Air- Ambulance Rega, has been elected as the new President. Stefan, also a well known and respected colleague within the international Air Medical community, accepted the position with enthusiasm and has great plans for the future.

During the meeting several Board members gave reports regarding their individual areas of responsibility including organizational finances, membership, regulatory activity, legislative issues, and medical and aviation topics of interest. In closing, Stefan Becker recognized AAMS as being an active participant, a supporter of EHAC, and thanked AAMS for providing representation at the meeting and the EHAC Symposium which followed the Board Meeting.

The EHAC symposium, themed “Patient First, Safety Always,” is a scientific assembly during which a select group of speakers discuss topics of interest and generally related to the theme. There were several presentations on “bringing the hospital to the patient” to ensure better outcomes to the critically in or injured in the most timely fashion. Many of the European Country representatives gave updates on what they were doing and what changes may occur in the future. Other individuals presented on significant issues such as technological advances in medicine, equipment, training, and recent activities concerning pilot mental health.

There were also discussions on recent regulatory changes and compliance required of the member countries by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). In the days preceding the EHAC Symposium the members met in Brno with representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) from several countries in an effort to resolve issues with regulatory requirements. Those involved in the meetings between the regulators and EHAC representatives in each of the member countries were pleased with the open dialog and interaction.

And finally, on the day before my return to the US, I had the opportunity to standby with the on-duty flight crew at Alfa Helicopter’s Brno base and observe a flight crew and operations at the facility. I was impressed with the professionalism and all aspects of the operation, and I commend the crew and managers for the well run and maintained facilities and aircraft at the base. Friday was a holiday in the Czech Republic during which Alfa hosted a table tennis tournament between the employees of all four of their bases. This event was meant to build and maintain camaraderie among the team members within the organization and it seemed to do just that. Everyone had a great time! If I can provide any other information of interest please contact me at gpagano@mindsping.com.