June the 30th, 2025 – A flight to a new life (quite literally) recently took place. The Croatian Air Force diligently and carefully transport a human heart from Split to Zagreb to begin beating in another chest.
As Morski writes, members of the 194th Multipurpose Helicopter Squadron of the 91st Wing of the Croatian Air Force were engaged in a very special mission this past Saturday. Using the Mi-171 Sh helicopter, they dealt with the emergency air medical transport of a four-member transplantation team and a transplanted organ – a human heart – on the Zagreb – Split – Zagreb route.
This commendable action was performed on a request from the Ministry of Health’s transplant coordinator for emergency medical transport. A medical helicopter transport of the transplantation team from Zagreb to Split, and of the same team and the transplanted organ – a heart from Split to Zagreb, was then successfully carried out.
The Mi-171 Sh helicopter of the Croatian Air Force took off from the Lučko barracks near Zagreb with the transplantation team at 12:50 and landed at the heliport of the Split Clinical Hospital Centre.
Following the successful completion of the medical operation, the Croatian Air Force carried the transplant team and the heart back to the Dubrava Clinical Hospital in Zagreb, where the Croatian Air Force helicopter landed at 18:15.
“Every single task carried out by the Croatian Air Force has its own importance, but when we know that our flight can directly save someone’s life, the feeling is very special. Today, we were part of the chain that connects the donor, the doctors and the patient who is waiting for a new chance at life with a new heart. This is something that deeply motivates us and of which we’re extremely proud. I’d like to thank all of the participants for their professionalism, readiness and dedication in the realisation of this vital medical task. This is an example of how together, we can all make a difference,” the Croatian Air Force pilot flying the helicopter carrying the heart stated.
The same helicopter pilot also noted that this is further proof that the Croatian Air Force is always ready to provide assistance and support to people – whenever and however necessary.
Such air interventions enable the timely implementation of transplantation procedures and confirm the high level of interdepartmental cooperation between Croatia’s healthcare and defence institutions.
