Priorat and Ribera d'Ebre fight to keep SEM emergency helicopter

Local authorities demand urgent land solutions to prevent the medical helicopter from leaving the region.

A medical emergency helicopter stationed at a rural helipad.
IA

A medical emergency helicopter stationed at a rural helipad.

The president of the Ribera d'Ebre County Council, Francesc Barbero, called on local municipalities this February 2026 to provide land for the new SEM helicopter base.

Concerns are rising in Priorat and neighboring counties that the current medical helicopter might be relocated to the 112 facilities, significantly increasing emergency response times for local residents.

"We cannot allow the base to leave the region and jeopardize the care of our citizens."

Francesc Barbero · President of the Ribera d'Ebre County Council
The political group Esquerra Republicana will take the issue to the Catalan Parliament to secure a public commitment for the service's return once the new infrastructure in Móra d'Ebre is completed.