Why ICARUS?

ICARUS is essential for pioneering real research in aeromedical transport medicine, producing evidence-based guidelines, and establishing best clinical practices. Here’s why ICARUS is crucial:

1.   Evidence-Based Medicine:

ICARUS is dedicated to initiating and advancing research specifically focused on aeromedical transport. This research will provide the evidence needed to develop robust medical guidelines and best medical practices tailored to the unique environment of air transport, ensuring patient care is grounded in scientific evidence.

2.   Reframing the Industry:

Our goal is to transform the perspective of the aeromedical transport industry from a business-centric model to a patient-centric medical discipline. By recognizing and promoting what we do in the back of an aircraft as a distinct medical field—aeromedical transport medicine—we emphasize that this is a specialized form of medical practice focused on patient outcomes, not business profits.

3.   Specialized Training and Certification:

ICARUS advocates for aeromedical transport medicine to be recognized as a medical subspecialty. This includes developing and implementing accredited and certified training and education programs for physicians and nurses, building on their existing medical degrees. These programs will ensure that medical professionals are fully equipped with the specialized knowledge and skills needed for providing high-quality care in the air.

4.   Patient Safety and Outcomes:

At the core of ICARUS’s mission is the patient. We recognize that anyone could be the next patient in need of aeromedical transport. To ensure the highest level of care, we need specialized medical crews and dedicated aircraft. These components are critical for saving lives and improving patient outcomes during air transport.

In summary, ICARUS is driven by the imperative to advance aeromedical transport medicine through research, education, and the development of best practices. Our focus on patient care over business, combined with our commitment to specialized training, will lead to safer, more effective aeromedical transport, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.

Founding members

  • Ina Schmidt,MD
  • Andreas Specht
  • Prof.Dr. Terry Martin
  • Dr.Ralph Vermeltfoort
  • Dr. Doug Stevens
  • Dr.Nicolai Schäfer

Contact - Let's talk

ICARUS e.V.