Medical evacuations by search and rescue helicopters in the Barents Sea

The Barents Sea, characterized by remote locations, vast distances, harsh weather conditions and seasonal polar night, presents significant challenges for search and rescue (SAR) operations. In emergencies involving illness, injury, or other rescue needs, helicopters are often the only feasible response resource. Rescue helicopters are critical for both SAR operations and medical evacuations (medevacs) to meet the region's urgent demands. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of SAR helicopter medevacs in the Barents Sea, with a focus on patient presentations, medical interventions, mission profiles, and operational challenges encountered over a 22-year period.

A retrospective cohort study reviewed all requests for medevacs involving the SAR helicopter at Banak, operated by the 330 Squadron between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2022.

A total of 418 requests for medevacs were received, resulting in 283 completed missions. Among the patients 96.5% were male with a median age of 41 years. Most (84%) had a National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) score of 3 or 4 on a severity scale from 0 to 7. Wounds and fractures of the upper extremities were the most common injuries, whereas gastrointestinal and cardiovascular conditions were the most frequently reported medical emergencies. Among the trauma cases, 81% were related to the fishing industry. Blunt injuries, including crushing, compression, and pressure-related trauma, were the most common mechanisms. Twenty-five patients (18%) sustained injuries affecting more than one body region.

This study highlights the year-round importance of SAR helicopters in evacuating ill and injured patients from the Barents Sea. Many patients presented with serious but not immediately life-threatening conditions that could deteriorate without timely intervention. These findings reinforce the need for regular and comprehensive training of the entire SAR crew to maintain readiness for patient evacuations in demanding maritime environments.