MEDEVAC
MEDEVAC (medical evacuation) refers to a flight conducted to transport a medical patient or obtain urgent medical assistance. In ATC, a MEDEVAC flight receives priority handling — ATC will expedite the flight and provide the most direct routing and efficient handling possible.
Requesting MEDEVAC Priority
To request MEDEVAC priority, advise ATC: “requesting priority, MEDEVAC, [callsign].” Include the nature of the medical emergency briefly if it assists ATC in determining the level of priority. ATC will typically clear the route and expedite ground handling at the destination. MEDEVAC does not automatically constitute a Mayday unless there is also a threat to the aircraft or crew.
Helicopter MEDEVAC
Air ambulance (HEMS — Helicopter Emergency Medical Services) operations in Canada are conducted by provincially funded services. These operations have specific training requirements and may be granted lower weather minima and operational exceptions under their Air Operator Certificates.