SESCAM, the emergency service in the Castilla-La Mancha region, operates three EMS helicopters – an AS365 N1 Dauphin and two EC135s – respectively based in Ciudad Real, Cuenca and Albacete. Interview with Antonio Alvarez, the SESCAM Emergencies Director.

Why do the emergency services of Castilla-La-Mancha use helicopters?
Antonio Alvarez: The helicopter is the fastest way of getting EMS specialists to the scene of the emergency. Since 2001, when SESCAM’s aeromedical transport services w e relaunched , we have answered more than 2,300 calls in the region, including 713 in 2005 alone. Yet, the first thing we needed to do was to set up a ground support infrastructure, a network of helipads and heliports, which helps us bring medical care to every citizen in the region.

What measures have been taken to provide a 24 hour service?
A. A.: We are studying numerous actions, including the creation of a lighted helipad infrastructure, with beacons, in compliance with the IACO (International Civil Aviation Organization) annex. We also need to equip the helicopters with the necessary night flying systems, acquire the latestgeneration night vision goggles, and provide pilots with the right training. Furthermore, we must define and implement operating procedures. Finally, we must be able to quickly and continually inform pilots of the weather conditions in the local area, in terms of visibility and icing, in the take-off and landing phases, and during the flight.

Which rescue mission has left the most lasting impression upon you?
A. A.: Our aeromedical transport service is mainly there to respond to emergency situations like sickness or road and work accidents. I remember a bullfighter who had been gored by a bull, and his femoral artery was severed. Thanks to our quick response, effective evacuation, and excellent coordination of the resources with the surgeons, he was saved and he is still fighting bulls today. Without doubt, it can be said that the helicopter saved his life, and this is not the only case where use of the helicopter proved vital.

What are the future projects for SESCAM?
A. A.: From June 2006, we will be able to perform night flights in the regions of Cuenca and Guadalajara, and run a 24 hour service. We plan to extend this to the rest of the region next year and introduce, most likely at the end of 2007, a fourth helicopter in Toledo.