Norwegian military aircraft supporting earthquake victims
The Norwegian Armed Forces are currently providing emergency care to people affected by the earthquake in Türkyie. On one flight, the Norwegian C-130J Hercules evacuated a record-breaking 38 patients.
On Saturday 11 February, the Norwegian Armed Forces sent a C-130J Hercules transport aircraft and an aeromedical team to the region. Their mission is to support the medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and transportation of those affected by the earthquake in Türkyie.
Two days later, the Norwegian contribution completed its first medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) mission in Türkyie. The Norwegian C-130J Hercules transported 38 patients – of these 27 were in beds.
“This mission surpasses everything we have done in previous resembling flights, regarding the numbers and extent of damage. I am incredibly proud of what we, together with our British allies, deliver, says force commander, Major Harald Grindheim, adding:
“This flight demonstrates what exceptional capacity Norway has in terms of providing medical evacuation in an extremely demanding situation”, says Grindheim.
The Norwegian aircraft on place in Türkyie. Photo by Torstein Eikås, Norwegian Armed Forces 
The Norwegian aircraft on place in Türkyie. Photo by Torstein Eikås, Norwegian Armed Forces 
The Norwegian aircraft on place in Türkyie. Photo by Torstein Eikås, Norwegian Armed Forces
The patients were flown from Adana to Ankara. During transportation, they received medical treatment by British and Norwegian healthcare workers. All patients were victims of the earthquake that struck Türkyie and Syria on Monday 6 February. Ten days later, the death toll has surpassed 40,000 and the need for aid and transport is massive.
The Norwegian crew consists of both flight operation specialists and staff from the Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, as well as healthcare workers on standby.
“Our aeromedical team have had several experiences with evacuation missions lately. This Monday’s mission proves that we are well equipped to carry out evacuation missions like these”, says Lieutenant Colonel Håkon Asak, medical manager for the aeromedical team.
