Aviation glossary
HEMS
Helicopter Emergency Medical Service. Helicopters staffed with a physician and paramedic for urgent medical missions.
HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) is a specific type of commercial operation governed by EASA CAT.POL.H.HEMS. The crew is usually made up of a pilot (in daytime a CPL(H) or ATPL(H) with dedicated HEMS training), a physician and a paramedic. HEMS helicopters must meet stricter performance requirements, use dedicated off-airfield landing sites (HEMS operating sites) and be equipped for night operations (often with NVG). Read our guide on becoming a HEMS pilot on the HEMS pilot page.
Related terms
- CPL(H)Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopter) — a professional licence for commercial helicopter operations. Allows flying for hire and reward.
- ATPL(H)Airline Transport Pilot Licence (Helicopter) — the highest helicopter pilot licence. Allows acting as pilot-in-command in multi-pilot commercial operations.