Air-rescue operatives operate on high-performance helicopters, often identified by the acronym "HH", which indicates"Hospital Helicopter"These means are ready for rapid interventions to rescue lives, both civilian and military.

How is a typical mission of the 15th Wing carried out? The flight crew of a Search and Rescue helicopter generally includes two pilots, a flight operator, a flight engineer and a rescue specialist (ARS). The latter, nicknamed “Jolly”, is capable of operating with a cool head at sea, in the mountains, in flooded areas and in other critical situations.

The 15th Wing equips the air rescuer with a wet suit for the summer and a dry isothermal suit for the winter, which are also essential for sea rescues.

The main equipment includes:

• Lockable basket, used to rescue vulnerable people such as children and the elderly
• Armpit Castaway Recovery Harness
• Stretcher and Evacuation Triangle

The flight crew of the helicopters involved in Search and Rescue operations generally consists of two pilots, a flight engineer, an aviation specialist and a rescue specialist (ARS). The latter in particular is essential in operations: they are able to operate at sea, in the mountains, in flooded areas and in difficult situations, all while maintaining a cool head and effectiveness. Indeed, it is no coincidence that this figure has historically earned the nickname “Jolly”. The rescue specialist of the 15th Wing wears a wet suit in summer - which is effective and also suitable for sea rescues - and a dry thermal suit during the winter season.