Centre Médical Héliporté (CMH)

Centre Médical Héliporté (CMH) is a Belgian emergency medical helicopter service based in Bra-sur-Lienne. Founded in December 1986 by Dr. Luc Maquoi, it operates as a non-profit association providing rapid medical and resuscitation interventions by air. CMH is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is activated exclusively through the 112 emergency number.

The service chiefly covers eastern Belgium, including the provinces of Liège, Luxembourg, and Namur. CMH has a particular focus on providing fast medical aid to rural areas that lack ground emergency medical units. Its base in Bra-sur-Lienne is geographically well placed to reach these regions efficiently.

CMH operates a modern Airbus H145 D3 helicopter, introduced in 2021, which was the first of its kind in Europe for emergency medical missions. The aircraft features five rotor blades and a new fenestron tail rotor that reduce noise and vibrations, improving conditions for medical personnel. Previous aircraft included the Sikorsky S-76, Dauphin N2, and EC145 C2 helicopters.

The flight team consists of 39 members, ensuring rapid response times. CMH typically completes four missions per day, with activity increasing in warmer seasons due to tourism and outdoor activities. In 2025, the target is to complete over 1400 missions and to have 200,000 affiliated members. The affiliation cards offer free medical transport during emergency helicopter interventions.

Funding is independent of state subsidies. CMH relies mainly on membership fees, donations, and financial support from over 30 municipalities across the Liège and Luxembourg provinces. Members pay an annual fee of 35 euros for individuals or 57 euros for families. Donations over 40 euros are tax deductible up to 30 percent.

The organization maintains a high priority on up-to-date logistical and technological equipment to ensure the best medical emergency service. CMH stresses that it responds only to calls made through the official 112 emergency system and does not take direct emergency calls from the public.

CMH also offers a range of public services, including individual and family membership affiliations, donations, legacies, and a small online shop. The association publishes an FAQ and keeps the community informed through news updates and a YouTube channel.

Services

• 24/7 Emergency Medical Helicopter Response
• Medical Resuscitation by Air
• Rapid Rural Area Intervention
• Individual Membership
• Family Membership
• Donations Management
• Medical Transport Coverage
• Emergency Missions Activated by 112
• Public Information and FAQ
• Online Member Shop