Image: Helicopter emergency medical services in Croatia/MZ
Helicopter and maritime emergency medical services in Croatia have carried out more than 5,600 interventions since becoming operational, providing urgent care to patients on islands and in remote parts of the country.
The Helicopter Emergency Medical Services in Croatia known as HHMS, completed 4,368 interventions. Of these, 1,817 were carried out from the Split base, 1,490 from Rijeka, 712 from Zagreb and 349 from Osijek.
At the same time, fast boats operated by the Maritime Emergency Medical Services in Croatia, or PHMS, completed 1,282 interventions. This included 575 in the Brač area, 255 around Šibenik, 190 near Zadar, 116 in the Mali Lošinj area, 97 around Rab and 49 near Dubrovnik.
Several demanding operations carried out in recent days have highlighted the importance of coordinated emergency medical care, particularly in areas where distance and transport connections can delay access to hospitals.
Unconscious patient transported from Brač
In Supetar on the island of Brač, a PHMS fast boat transported an unconscious patient experiencing convulsions.
Medical staff provided continuous care during the journey. After reaching the mainland, the patient was taken to Split University Hospital Centre.
The entire operation was completed in 69 minutes.
Injured 13-year-old airlifted from Poreč
A helicopter from the Rijeka HHMS base was dispatched to Poreč to assist a 13-year-old girl injured in a bicycle accident.
The girl and her mother were urgently transported to Rijeka University Hospital Centre. The intervention lasted 63 minutes.
Patient transported from Soljani to Osijek
A helicopter from the Osijek HHMS base was also deployed to Soljani after a patient experienced an altered state of consciousness.
Following initial treatment, the patient was urgently transported to Osijek University Hospital Centre for further diagnostic tests and medical care.
The operation was completed in 56 minutes.
Continued investment in emergency medical services in Croatia
“Fast and effective action in emergencies can be crucial in saving lives. We thank all helicopter and maritime emergency medical service staff for their expertise, dedication and daily work, which ensures that every patient can receive assistance regardless of their location,” Health Minister Irena Hrstić said.
She added that continued investment in modern emergency medical services was strengthening the resilience and accessibility of Croatia’s healthcare system while improving safety for residents and the many visitors staying in the country during the tourist season.
Croatia’s emergency services are regularly involved in demanding operations at sea. In a recent case, three sailors were rescued near Cape Kamenjak after severe weather caused numerous maritime incidents across the northern Adriatic.
