Innovation that saves lives. How air rescue is changing

Events

The Aerospace Operations Command has developed a new model for supporting persons with sensory and cognitive disabilities during SAR missions. It is set to become a reference point internationally as well

By Massimiliano Pierucci

Lieutenant Colonel, Pilot, Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC), Aerospace Operations Command (COA), Poggio Renatico

The evolution of air rescue is driven by a new and fundamental awareness: operational inclusiveness. At the Aerospace Operations Command (COA) in Poggio Renatico, in the province of Ferrara, and specifically within the Italian Air Force Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC), a pioneering project has been created to fill a long-standing procedural gap and make the difference between life and death in complex emergency scenarios.

The insight: moving beyond the equation 'person with a disability = injured person'

It all began about four years ago during a real search and rescue (SAR) mission in Tuscany. Two Deaf people were among those missing in a wooded area. On that occasion, the situation was resolved successfully only thanks to the initiative and fortunate circumstance of a rescuer who happened to have paper and a pen with him. The episode, however, revealed an undeniable reality: when the person to be rescued has a disability, especially a non-motor disability, the chances of a successful outcome may be dramatically reduced.

Historically, SAR missions treated a person with a disability much like an injured person. While the physical approach can be standardised for a motor disability, psychological and communication management changes radically in the case of sensory or cognitive disabilities, such as autism or Down syndrome. Social change and greater personal autonomy have also significantly increased the likelihood of encountering such situations in the field. A qualitative step forward was needed.

From research to round tables: how the guidelines were developed

The COA team therefore launched an in-depth analysis based on three pillars: a search for existing regulations, which revealed a complete absence of them at global level, dialogue with other organisations, and the inclusion of dedicated scenarios in training exercises.

To give the project a sound scientific basis, the Health Service of the Italian Air Force Logistics Command was involved through its Psychology Centre. The process then accelerated decisively through a number of key stages:

18 July 2024, First Round Table: a crucial meeting at the COA brought together civilian and military organisations, including the local health authorities, the Italian Red Cross and emergency medical services in Ferrara and Bologna, the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps, and the Universities of Pisa and Ferrara, to share experiences and work as a team. The official working group was established there and the first checklists and operational guidelines were outlined.
5 November 2025, Second Round Table: after a year of intensive testing during flights operated by the 15th Wing, the guidelines were formally adopted. For the first time, training actively involved persons with real non-motor disabilities.

Communication innovation: among the most valuable tools introduced are the 'experimental augmentative communication cards'. Using clear images, rescuers can visually explain to the person how the rescue will take place, overcoming language barriers at moments of extremely high stress.

Success in the field: the 'Grifone 2026' exercise

The protocol proved its full value on 27 May 2026 in Tortolì, Sardinia, during the international SAR exercise 'Grifone 2026'. In a simulated mountain scenario, a group of missing persons included two people with real non-motor disabilities. Thanks to the new techniques learned and embarkation and recovery tests on SAR helicopters, the rescue was completed with outstanding success. The event also received the appreciation and recognition of Minister for Disabilities Alessandra Locatelli, whose personal participation added further significance to an event unique of its kind worldwide.

A new culture of rescue

The Italian Air Force confirms its pioneering role in this field. The ultimate goal is for these procedures to become a permanent part of air-rescue crews' technical training, with the prospect of extending the standards to joint-service and international contexts as well.

The project demonstrates that inclusion is not an abstract concept, but an operational requirement. As the motto guiding the team reminds us, the goal is to give those working in the field one more tool, in order to save one more life.

Massimiliano Pierucci, Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC), Aerospace Operations Command (COA), Poggio Renatico, Ferrara