Three new Augusta Westland 139 helicopters have been inducted into the HMC’s LifeFlight air ambulance service.
The new state-of-the-art helicopters have taken to the skies and have already been involved in lifesaving rescue operations.
The helicopters are flown by highly trained pilots from the Qatar Emiri Air Force.
“LifeFlight is used for fast transit from emergency scenes to our hospitals,” said Brendon Morris, chief operations officer at the ambulance service. “Each of the new helicopters can carry two patients and the new additions will enable LifeFlight to be in operation 24-hour-a-day.
“All of our helicopters are equipped with the latest life support equipment and carry two medical crew and two pilots. The efficiency of the ambulance service is an important element in providing critical care to patients, especially those who are not in the vicinity of the city,” he added.
This expansion of the ambulance service’s capacity comes after 100 additional ambulance vehicles were added to the fleet over the past 12 months.
“The enhanced services will be especially in need as the country heads into the busy camping season, which often necessitates responding to emergencies in remote locations,” said Morris.
The ambulance service has sought the help and support of the public to provide the best possible service.
“By following five simple steps you will help the ambulance service provide the best possible response to every incident,” the official said.
lDial 999 immediately - the sooner you call the sooner the ambulance can get to you.
lKnow your location - as soon as we know where you are the ambulance can be sent.
lAnswer all questions - the extra details you can provide are critically important to helping save a life. Remember the ambulance is already on its way.
lFollow all instructions - important instructions can be given over the phone to help you save a life. Sometime this is as simple as going out to wave the ambulance down.
lGive way to ambulances - remember, an ambulance stuck behind you in traffic may well be going to your home.
One of the three Augusta Westland 139 helicopters that has joined the HMC’s LifeFlight air ambulance service.
