European HEMS and Air Ambulance Committee (EHAC) is the more than 20 years old professional umbrella organization that unites, represents, and works for the interests of the international aero-medical community. EHAC maintains a well developed network between members as well as between renowned experts, authorities (especially EASA), industry and other organisations (e.g. AAMS and ASA).
EHAC is devoted to further developing air rescue services and to maintaining high standards of service quality. The primary criteria include flight safety and medical efficacy.
The registration for Airmed World Congress 2026 is open!
Join the event in Munich, Germany, from 16–18 September 2026, where the AirMed World Congress, hosted by ADAC Luftrettung on behalf of EHAC, will gather over 800 international HEMS and Air Ambulance professionals for an inspiring exchange of knowledge, innovation, and collaboration.
Get your ticket here: Registration – Airmed Congress 2026
Discover an inspiring programme featuring:
Engage in expert-led sessions and training designed for:
More details can be found here: Programme & Workshop Overview – Airmed Congress 2026
During the last EHAC Board Meeting Bastiaan Kroes (ANWB) was elected as the newest EHAC Board Member.
Bastiaan Kroes is a versatile and experienced professional with an impressive career spanning both aviation and public safety. He began his professional journey as an officer in the Royal Netherlands Navy, where he served as an airborne observer and participated in several NATO operations, search and rescue and counter drugs operations. This formative experience laid the foundation for his commitment to safety, precision, and teamwork under pressure.
Following his military service, Bastiaan transitioned into the civil aviation sector, working for KLM and later at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. In these roles, he held various positions, gaining extensive experience in operational management, aviation safety, crisis management and strategic business operations.
His current role as Director and Accountable Manager at ANWB Medical Air Assistance is a natural progression in his career. With his operational background, leadership experience, and strong sense of public service, Bastiaan is exceptionally well-suited to lead a mission-driven organization focused on medical aviation. Being elected for the EHAC board will help in aligning joint interests for HEMS operators in Europe. The challenge will be in translating our high ambition into valuable results.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Bastiaan is an active volunteer firefighter, further demonstrating his dedication to serving the community. He is married and a proud father of three children. His personal and professional life are marked by integrity, commitment, and a deep sense of responsibility.
At the end of November, the EHAC Board Meeting and the Annual General Meeting of the European HEMS & Air Ambulance Committee (EHAC) was hosted by Leonardo Helicopters. Key topics included the harmonization of standards, technological innovation, cross-border collaboration in HEMS, and the planning of a study on the “Added Value of HEMS” – aiming to evaluate the benefits of HEMS operations and their impact on healthcare systems across Europe. During the meeting, Bastiaan Kroes of ANWB Medical Air Assistance (Netherlands) was newly elected to the EHAC Board, further strengthening the committee’s commitment to quality and safety in air rescue.
The EHAC Board is led by President Stefan Stefan Becker from Rega (Switzerland), together with Vice-President Krystian Dr. Krystian Pracz from DRF Luftrettung (Germany). They are joined by board members Fédéric Frédéric Bruder and Matthias Matthias Ruppert (both ADAC Luftrettung, Germany), Kjetil Kjetil Indrevik (Stiftelsen Norsk Luftambulanse, Norway), Bastiaan Kroes (ANWB, Netherlands), Peter Turi, MD (TrustAir Aviation Ltd., Hungary), and Marco Marco Trefanitz (ÖAMTC Flugrettung, Austria). EHAC remains committed to strengthening cooperation, advancing innovation, and ensuring safe and effective Helicopter Emergency Medical Services throughout Europe.
It is our honour and privilege to announce that EHAC has reached its 25th anniversary. The past 25 years have been successful, and our dedication to further supporting the development of air rescue services and maintaining high standards of service quality remains unwavering.
The upcoming AirMed 2026 is planned as the anniversary AirMed and therefore the celebration of 25 years of EHAC will take place at this prestigious event.
As of July 1st, ÖAMTC Air Rescue has expanded the operational scope of Christophorus 14. Initially on a one-year trial basis, the emergency helicopter stationed in Niederöblarn is now equipped with a state-of-the-art rescue winch, making it available for night rescue operations. The project is implemented in close coordination with mountain rescue services and regional emergency organizations, emphasizing teamwork in alpine emergency care.
A key component is the fixed four-person crew at the base: alongside the pilot, emergency physician, and technical crew member, a specially trained rescue specialist is now available around the clock. This ensures Christophorus 14 is ready for winch operations day and night, without additional alerting or delays.
After the first year, the project will be thoroughly evaluated for operational benefits, cost-effectiveness, and system suitability. A fleet-wide conversion to a rescue winch is not planned. Instead, ÖAMTC Air Rescue will use a combination of systems, deploying the rescue winch when tactically necessary, such as at night. Traditional HEC / Long Line rescues remain the preferred method at other alpine bases due to their flexibility and efficiency.
ADAC Luftrettung, in partnership with the European HEMS and Air Ambulance Committee (EHAC), is proud to announce the return of the AirMed World Congress to Munich.
From September 16 to 18, 2026, the event will bring back the world’s premier aeromedical conference to its birthplace 46 years after its inception in 1980.
More information can be found here: Link
EHAC proudly welcomes Panomax GmbH as an associate member as of January 1st this year.
Panomax – Elevating Flight Safety and Efficiency for HEMS Operators
Panomax is transforming HEMS operations across Europe with its interactive day and night webcam technology. Designed to enhance flight safety, operational efficiency, and response times, Panomax provides real-time insights at bases, along flight paths, landing zones, and hospitals. By reducing aborted flights caused by sudden weather changes and unforeseen microclimates, Panomax ensures that emergency teams can operate safely and with confidence.
A word from Pedro Boudreau, Executive Director of HEMS Innovation & Technology
“Our mission at Panomax is to empower HEMS operators with cutting-edge tools that directly impact operational success and save lives. By providing real-time data and visibility, our technology helps flight crews make informed decisions, minimizing risks from adverse weather conditions. Joining EHAC is a significant step in furthering our collaboration with the emergency healthcare sector and supporting critical missions across Europe.”
For EHAC Daan Remie, EHAC Head of Flight Operation Working Group
“Weather cameras have become an invaluable asset in augmenting flight safety and broadening the availability of HEMS Services under challenging weather conditions. By providing visual feedback on the prevailing weather at various critical locations, weather cameras assist in making informed decisions about flight routes and the feasibility of missions. Integration of cameras further assists in comprehensive weather assessment, thereby edging HEMS Services closer to achieving the aspirational goal of full-time, all-weather capabilities.”
Link: hems.panomax.com
The EHAC family continues to grow. We are proud to announce our newest Member:
ERC SYSTEM – DISCOVER THE FUTURE OF PATIENT TRANSPORTATION
ERC is transforming patient care with an electric aircraft that takes-off and lands vertically, offering a solution that is 3x faster than ambulances and at 1/3 the cost of helicopters. Our purpose-built aircraft is specifically engineered for patient transportation, providing fast, safe, and efficient medical response. Featuring the largest rear clamshell doors for patient stretchers among all aircraft, and a spacious cabin for doctors and medical equipment, ERC brings professional care closer to those in need.
We are revolutionizing emergency healthcare and pushing the boundaries of air mobility for a healthier tomorrow.
Link: ERC System
We are pleased to announce that the EHAC Annual General Assembly, which took place in the beautiful city of Oslo in 2024, was a landmark event for our organization. One highlight was the election of the new EHAC President Stefan Becker, who will lead EHAC into a future of continued excellence and dedication.
Further details of the new EHAC Board can be found here: Link.
EUROPEAN HEMS AND AIR AMBULANCE COMMITTEE E. V. (EHAC)
Postal address
ÖAMTC Flugrettung
c/o EHAC
Baumgasse 129
1030 Wien
Billing address
European HEMS & Air Ambulance Committee e.V.
Schillerstr. 53
80336 München
Impressum
European HEMS & Air Ambulance Committee e.V.
Schillerstr. 53
80336 München
Email: contact@ehac.eu
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