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CHILD MEDICAL EVACUATION

Pristina, November 21st , 2016. Today, a KFOR helicopter conducted a medical evacuation from Pristina to Belgrade of a newborn baby from Gracanica.

The child was born with a serious heart infection that quickly spread to his lungs. After the family had contacted MSU (Multinational Specialized Unit) CIMIC (Civil and Military Cooperation) section for help a few days ago, KFOR machine of solidarity set in motion and the child was brought to the Kosovo University Clinical Center, Clinic of Neonatology. Following medical tests, Pristina’s doctors managed to stabilize the young patient. Saturday 19 h , the family asked to carry the son to Belgrade at the Institute of Mother and Child. Due to unforeseen medical issues, the evacuation had to be carried out Monday, when a U.S. helicopter MEDEVAC UH 60 of MNBG- E (Multinational Battle Group - East) took off from Pristina and landed in Belgrade at 15.10 hours.

Unity of effort among different actors made the evacuation successful. The excellent bilateral relations between Serbian authorities and KFOR, developed through periodic meetings, speeded up the procedures for KFOR assets to fly to Belgrade.

KFOR JOC Director, who coordinated the overall activity in KFOR, highlighted that "when the life of a child is in danger, KFOR will always be there”. He also added that "the success of this event must be attributed to the entire KFOR community, which pooled together with generosity and enthusiasm”.