Making missions possible

Acute illnesses abroad, infectious diseases, and accidents, are among the most common reasons for air ambulance flights. Jetflite and EMA Finland have been working together since the turn of the millennium, now conducting 30–40 air ambulance flights annually.

EMA Finland provides medical, healthcare, and patient transfer services, and together with Jetflite, carries out air ambulance flights. "Our cooperation is recognised worldwide for its high-quality patient transfers," says Heini Piiroinen, Medical Director at EMA Finland.

On Jetflite and EMA Finland flights, unstable intensive care patients can receive critical care mid-flight or even be resuscitated. Jetflite and EMA have been awarded the EURAMI Full Accreditation, "Adult Critical Care and Paediatric Critical Care”. The Full Accreditation means that, in addition to substantial compliance, the service demonstrates proven capabilities in air transports of special high-risk patients, providing continued high-level care.

Thorough preparation ensures a safe flight for both the patient and the crew

Preparing the aircraft Flights and the required medical personnel are planned on a case-by-case basis. Thorough preparation ensures a safe flight for both the patient and the crew, with the process beginning by adapting Jetflite’s aircraft for medical use.

Jetflite has two 600-series Challengers and one Falcon 7X that can be transformed into air ambulances. To transform a business jet into an air ambulance, specialised medical equipment – such as stretchers and oxygen supply systems – is installed, and the cabin is reconfigured to accommodate medical personnel and ensure patient safety. Jetflite’s technical team ensures the aircraft is properly prepared, while the pilots are responsible for verifying everything is in order before departure.

Jetflite Captain and Fleet Captain Jean Juslin, who first piloted an air ambulance flight in 2007, has seen this sector evolve significantly. The demand for air ambulance services surged during the Covid-19 pandemic, bringing Jetflite’s expertise in this field to the forefront

Jetflite has two 600-series Challengers and one Falcon 7X that can be transformed into air ambulances

Effective communication

Seamless communication is at the heart of every successful medical flight. Both Jean Juslin from Jetflite and Heini Piiroinen from EMA emphasise how effortless and professional the collaboration between their teams is. Behind every flight there is careful planning and coordination, ensuring that every aspect is accounted for well before takeoff.

This behind-the-scenes work is what sets the foundation for success. All moving parts – logistics, ground handling, medical coordination, and flight operations – need to be in perfect sync. If unexpected challenges arise, the experience and effective communication between the EMA and Jetflite ground teams ensure swift and optimal resolution. This level of teamwork and trust is what enables flights to be carried out safely. The flight crew, medical team, and, most importantly, the patients, are experiencing a stable and reliable flight – exactly as it should be.

Working together for high-quality service

Aviation introduces unique challenges to patient care, highlighting the importance of effective teamwork. What really ensures a smooth air ambulance flight is the extensive behind-the-scenes work carried out by skilled professionals on both teams.

"Our collaboration with EMA has been excellent. It’s reassuring to embark on a mission knowing that skilled doctors and nurses are on board. Nothing is left unclear – everything is meticulously reviewed," praises Juslin.

Piiroinen shares similar sentiments: "On behalf of the entire EMA Finland team, I’d like to thank Jetflite’s highly skilled and consistently reliable staff. It is crucial that we can always provide top-quality service and care together on every mission."