Medical Helicopter: Airmedic Ensures Safety at the 2024 Jackalope Challenge
Saint-Hubert, March 3 – Airmedic has partnered with Orientation Aventure RIKICO to ensure the safety of 96 athletes competing in the 2024 Jackalope Challenge. To achieve this, a fully equipped medical helicopter dedicated to prehospital emergency transport will be on standby, ready to intervene day or night in case of evacuation.
An Emergency Helicopter Ready for Takeoff from Saguenay
From May 17 to 19, 2024, nearly 100 athletes will take part in a multi-sport adventure race in the wilderness. Indeed, participants will navigate solely with a map and compass. To meet the safety requirements, Airmedic will deploy a medical helicopter stationed at Saint-Honoré, Saguenay (CYRC). Therefore, this air medical service ensures rapid intervention in a natural environment that is both vast and difficult to access.
“It is at the heart of our mission to support local organizations that help Québec shine internationally through major sporting events,” said Louis-Philippe Loiselle-Fortier, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Business Development at Airmedic. He added, “We are proud of the trust Orientation Aventure RIKICO has placed in us. Being selected for the Jackalope Challenge demonstrates the quality of our service and the expertise of our medical teams.”
A 150-Kilometer Endurance Challenge in the Wild
First of all, this 150 km endurance event will be completed in teams. In addition, the wilderness course aims to provide athletes with a memorable sporting and human adventure while showcasing the beauty of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. This year’s disciplines include mountain biking, trail running, and kayaking. The challenge will push even the most experienced athletes to their limits, yet it also offers new participants the chance to experience a long-distance race for the first time.
“During an adventure race like the Jackalope Challenge, participants push their limits and venture into remote areas. Our partnership with Airmedic greatly strengthens our safety plan. Indeed, our organization benefits from the support of a specialized and high-performing medical team ready to respond in case of an incident,” said Sébastien Sirois, Rikico Aventures.</p>
A Race on the Global Stage
Beyond promoting healthy lifestyles, the event also encourages perseverance and self-improvement, two values that Airmedic holds dear. Furthermore, the Jackalope Challenge is part of the Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS), a global circuit of 69 adventure races featuring the world’s top endurance athletes. Teams from Spain, Japan, Brazil, Australia, Canada, and many other countries will participate. These events serve as qualifiers for the Adventure Racing World Championship (ARWC), which will take place in Ecuador in 2024 and Canada in 2025.
At the same time, the Discovery Challenge will be held on May 18, 2024. This shorter, 4-to-6-hour version of the main event is designed to introduce newcomers to outdoor adventure sports. More accessible yet still demanding, it also highlights the importance of physical activity in a safe environment, thanks to Airmedic’s medical and logistical support.
About Airmedic
Airmedic is an innovative Québec-based company offering ground and air medical assistance and transport services across the province. It is the only company in Québec operating its own fleet of aircraft and helicopters dedicated exclusively to emergency medical evacuations and interhospital transfers. Airmedic obtained Accreditation Canada certification (2016) and holds Transport Canada authorization for the use of night vision goggles as well as IFR certification for its helicopter operations. These accreditations demonstrate Airmedic’s commitment to delivering high-quality care in a consistently safe environment.
About Orientation Aventure RIKICO
Orientation Aventure RIKICO is a non-profit organization (NPO) based in Bas-Saint-Laurent. Its mission is to promote and organize orienteering and adventure races in the region. Founded in 2021, RIKICO encourages physical activity among adults and youth through outdoor sporting events. Its passion for adventure racing and dedication to showcasing Québec’s natural landscapes lie at the heart of its mission.
Sources :
Raphaële Bourgault
Business Development and Strategic Communications Manager
[email protected]
514-709-9633
