Croatia’s helicopter emergency medical service will continue operating in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County throughout 2026, ensuring rapid life-saving interventions across the region, including its most remote islands.
The continuation of the service was confirmed on Monday with the signing of the fifth annex to the cooperation agreement on air medical transport by Davor Božinović, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and Blaž Pezo.
With the agreement in place, the helicopter emergency medical service will remain fully operational in the county for another year. Speaking after the signing, Prefect Pezo said the service represents one of the most important pillars of healthcare safety in southern Croatia.
“I am extremely happy and proud that we are continuing this cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Health,” Pezo said. “We are particularly pleased that a new helicopter with significantly improved capabilities is now in service. It can operate in much more challenging weather conditions, which is vital for healthcare on our islands—especially Lastovo, our most remote inhabited island.”
Minister Božinović highlighted that the helicopter operating in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County is among the most advanced in the country. “We have placed two of the most modern helicopters in Croatia at the service of our citizens,” he said. “One is based here in Čilipi, while the other operates from Zagreb. Our aviation unit in this county alone carries out around 400 flights per year.”
Under the agreement, the Dubrovnik-Neretva County is responsible for providing accommodation and meals for flight crews and medical staff, as well as a helicopter hangar in cooperation with Zračna luka Ruđer Bošković.
The helicopter emergency medical service was first introduced in the county in 2016 as a seasonal operation, running from June to September. In April 2021, it became a year-round service—the first and, to date, the only such permanent helicopter emergency medical service in Croatia.
Since its launch in 2016 and up to January 30 this year, the service has carried out a total of 2,312 emergency interventions, underscoring its crucial role in safeguarding lives across one of Croatia’s most geographically demanding regions.