The conference HELIMED and HELICOPTER SHOW 2007, already the 9th in its history, took part in Hradec Králové 18 – 19 May 2007. Saturday’s programme at the Hradec Králové airport was observed by about 25 000 spectators. They were able to watch and appreciate displays by individual units of the IZS (Integrated Rescue System) intervening in a simulated multiple car crash, mastery of piloting many different types of aircraft and the latest types of the Czech Armed Forces’ helicopters, as well as other displays by aeromedical crews. In the morning, two JAS-39 Gripen supersonic fighters from the Czech Armed Forces fleet performed a fly-by.

“This year, 20 types of helicopter and 20 types of classic planes took part in the event,” said Daniel Tuček from the HEMS Association, who organised the event together with Gemini PORT, the operators of Hradec Králové airport.

The event is a showcase of active and static displays by the IZS (Integrated Rescue System). The general public can see the artful mastery of piloting many different types of helicopters and planes, and practical displays of cooperation in simulated incidents from all units of the IZS (Integrated Rescue System). The Helicopter Show is of great importance for experts, and is also a great asset to the work of paramedics and their cooperation with the public.

On Friday 18th May an expert international congress took place at Hradec Králové airport under the name of HELIMED 2007, which, as it does every year, preceded Saturday’s HELICOPTER SHOW. The Congress was opened by the Minister of Health, Tomáš Julínek, and Přemysl Sobotka, the Chairman of the Senate of the Czech Republic. Attending the congress were experts from the aeromedical services, not only from the Czech Republic but also from thirteen other European countries as well as the United States.

Last year, the organisers launched a project in schools in East Bohemia with an aim to increasing First Aid knowledge. Two instructional First Aid films ‘Let’s Help to Help’ and ‘Rafťáci’ (Rafters) along with printed materials were distributed in the schools. The films outlined the rules for making an emergency call, the basic rules of First Aid and summoning the Emergency Services. 8th grade pupils responded to a competition with questions focussing on First Aid. 1st grade pupils took part in an art competition with the theme ‘What rescue workers do.’ All grades took part in an appealing art project. Three of the best entries were auctioned for charity with the proceeds going to the “Help the Children” Foundation, which is supported by the organisers.

One project continuing this year - ‘Military Day’ was again held at Hradec Králové airport for children from Elementary Schools. On Thursday 10th May from 8:00 - 12:00 children could watch units from the Integrated Rescue System (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services, voluntary firefighting units, the Czech Police Force, Military units – medical battalions, and the Red Cross). At 10:00 there was a flight demonstration of rescue workers’ work in underslung load operations. Entry was free for the 15 schools taking part and more than 1000 children attended.

The organisers are sponsors of the “Help the Children” Foundation and so, like every year, they welcomed Czech Television’s nationwide charity mascot, ‘Chicken’ to the airport, and donated 20,000 Czech Crowns to the charity’s account.

Once again, like last year, the officials invited Children’s Homes from the Hradec Králové region. Over 400 children attended the event, with their transport provided free of charge by the organisers.

The event was held under the auspices of Přemysl Sobotka, Chairman of the Czech Senate, Pavel Bradík, Governor of the Hradec Králové region and Otakar Divíšek, Mayor of Hradec Králové.

The Main Partner of the event was ČEZ, a. s.

For the HEMS Association:
Jitka Donátová