Rescued boy and parents visit the Transport Helicopter Squadron crew
The family Butorac from Split on 5 September 2014 visited the Transport Helicopter Squadron of the 93 Air Force Base (in the Knez Trpimir at Divulje near Split) to express their gratitude to the crew for rescuing their 9-year son following the bite by a horned viper in the island of Hvar on 13 Augus
Recalling the intervention, the crew captain Major Stjepan Stepić emphasised that the operation was highly demanding and that despite the adverse conditions (strong wind) the crew managed to reach the hospital in Split within 10 minutes. “I am happy that my crew helped the child to be rescued in time, and his family’s gratitude is the most precious reward the emergency personnel can get” said Major Stepić in reply to the warm expressions of gratitude of the boy’s parents.
The rest of the crew were 1st Lieutenant Sebastijan Trepšić as co-pilot, and flying technicians 1st Sergeant Velimir Bešić and Staff Sergeant Zdenko Kaćanić, while the medical team on duty from the Split unit of the Croatian Institute of Emergency Medicine Institute was composed on Dr. Nikica Tole and medical technician Joško Bilić.