Query from a sailor as to why the RAF used an A400M for a life-saving aeromed yesterday. I'll try to answer [Thread] https://twitter.com/Royal_Mariner/status/1246530687701848067

The Aeromedical Evacuation Co-ordination Cell at RAF Brize Norton organises patient moves and determines the 'how, what & when', drawing on both clinical and aviation expertise to make these decisions.

Aircraft size is rarely limiting as it's (thankfully) unusual to fill an aircraft with patients. However for the most ill, a larger aircraft provides a Critical Care Air Support Team (CCAST) with a spacious, light and a stable platform to provide the highest level of care.

Larger transport aircraft also fly faster than helicopters, reducing the transfer time (which can be when the patient is at most risk). The C-17, A400M & C-130J are all cleared for CCAST.

The tasking cell also considers any performance restrictions e.g. the size/strength of the runway and (often the main consideration) availability.

In this case an A400M made perfect sense. It can operate in and out of Kirkwall, is fast, smooth (compared with a helicopter) and allows the CCAST to provide the care required by a very ill patient. BZ to all concerned.
More info here: https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/a-critically-ill-patient-has-been-evacuated-from-the-orkney-islands-by-the-royal-air-force/