Despite the adverse weather conditions, the rescue mission concluded successfully, saving an elderly woman.
The mission, commanded by the Air Operations Command (COA) of Poggio Renatico (FE), at the request of the local prefecture, involved the immediate take-off of a helicopter with suitable equipment and medical personnel to transport the patient from the Lazio island to an appropriate hospital facility.
The adverse weather conditions along the route, poor visibility, strong winds and high turbulence, in addition to precluding any other form of transport, made the aerial rescue mission particularly challenging.
The emergency medical transport concluded at 1.00 AM on Sunday, 20 January, with the helicopter landing at Latina airport where an ambulance and medical personnel from the local hospital were awaiting the patient for the necessary treatment. Once the transport was complete, the crew returned to Pratica di Mare at 1.30 AM.
The 85th Combat Search and Rescue Centre is part of the 15th Wing of the Italian Air Force in Cervia and ensures 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the search and rescue of aircrews in distress. It also contributes to public utility activities such as searching for missing persons at sea or in the mountains, the emergency medical transport of patients in life-threatening conditions, and the rescue of severely injured individuals. Since its establishment to date, the crews of the 15th Wing have saved over 7,000 people in life-threatening situations.
The HH-3F, belonging to the Italian Air Force's 15th Wing, are twin-engine amphibian helicopters with high multi-role capabilities.
Having served in the Armed Forces for approximately thirty years, they have been constantly updated to ensure adequate operational capabilities for both national deployment and crisis theatres, as well as the ability to operate successfully in all weather conditions, both day and night.
The HH-3F fleet is being progressively replaced by modern HH-139s, latest-generation helicopters with increased operational capabilities that will guarantee search and rescue services across the entire national territory for decades to come.
