The rapid transportation of patients by air is a capability enjoyed by many health care systems across the world. These services are often provided by charities, private companies and hospitals, but in the Republic of Ireland this task falls to the Irish Air Corps (IAC). Using rotary and fixed-wing platforms, patients are airlifted to hospital or, when required, transferred internationally for treatment. Long- to medium-range aeromedical evacuation is conducted by the IAC's sole Learjet 45, operated by 102 Squadron; two Casa CN 235 of 101 Squadron, and four Pilatus PC-12 of 104 Squadron - all based at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel. Although the Learjet 45's primary role is governmental airlift, it can be configured to carry a LifePort stretcher system in less than an hour. The CN 235 fleet and Learjet 45 are regularly tasked with the transfer of young children and infants to the UK, often landing at RAF Northolt for rapid delivery to London hospitals. Organ transport between Ireland and the UK is another key medical tasking for the IAC, as both nations share a grouped organ transplant agreement.
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