In a collaborative effort between key stakeholders, the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) training program took off on September 10, 2023, at the Alliance Française of Kathmandu, situated in Dhalko Bato, Pulchowk. This vital three-day training initiative was made possible through the partnership of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), Fondation De L'academie De Medecine of France, Airbus Foundation, Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) of Nepal, the Embassy of France, and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).

A total of 63 eager participants, comprising mountaineers, pilots, medical practitioners, and personnel from Nepali helicopter companies, actively engaged in this comprehensive training program. Renowned HEMS specialists, including Dr. Sandra Lantelme, a seasoned firefighter doctor; Professor Nicolas Peschanski, a distinguished figure in Emergency Medicine; Mr. Dipl-Ing Ralph Setz, an accomplished Helicopter Pilot; and Ps. Pascal Zellner, an esteemed Hospital Practitioner, skillfully facilitated the training sessions.

The inauguration ceremony of this noteworthy training event was attended by prominent individuals, including Mr. Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane, Joint Secretary of MoCTCA; His Excellency Ambassador of France to Nepal, Mr. Gilles Bourbao; Mr. Premnath Thakur, Deputy Director-General of CAAN; and Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa, the President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal played a pivotal role in overseeing the training program, with Captain Saileja Munakarmi, the Chief of the Flight Operation Department, and Captain Gunj Man Lama actively participating in the observation and evaluation of the training.

The initial two days of the training were dedicated to delving into the theoretical aspects of Helicopter Emergency Medical Service. On the final day, participants were immersed in a practical, hands-on session conducted at the International Mountaineers Memorial Park in Kakani, Nuwakot.

For the culminating day of training, participants journeyed to the Kakani International Scouts Center in Kakani, Nuwakot. On this day, they received practical training in helicopter rescue procedures and were treated to an emergency medical service demonstration by expert instructors. Altitude Heli provided helicopter services for the day to facilitate emergency rescue practice. After nearly two hours of training, participants were awarded certificates by the instructors and Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa, the President of NMA, marking the successful completion of the program.

This HEMS training program represents a significant step forward in enhancing emergency medical services in Nepal and underscores the commitment of various stakeholders to ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in challenging mountainous terrain.