Description

The Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Health in partnership with the SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) established an aero-medical service, operating from the Old Nelspruit Airport, in August 2007. The EC130 B4 helicopter provides an emergency aero-medical service to the metropolitan and rural communities throughout Mpumalanga. The aircraft is fully equipped with a dedicated, mobile intensive care-type interior; with sling operations only and has the capacity for two pilots, two crew members and one stretcher. The aircraft has been upgraded from a B3 ‘squirrel' for enhanced capabilities to accommodate two pilots when necessary. This service will improve on the existing provincial healthcare network.

Apart from the aircraft providing access to life-saving treatment and rapid transport to patients, the AMS helicopter has been utilised by the Provincial Department of Health to provide orthopaedic outreach visits to rural hospitals. Recent studies undertaken in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape have shown that these health initiative programmes greatly improved delivery of health care in the province. This service rendered by the AMS is unique. Since the inception of the service, the aero-medical programme provided 101 patients access to definitive care and the outreach programme provided access to specialist care to 14 hospitals within the province. 

The aircraft is staffed by highly trained crew members and is available for emergencies seven days a week during daylight hours. Our crew works closely with local emergency personnel to ensure prompt activation of services. Anyone requiring the medical or rescue service in the province can contact the provincial emergency control room on 10177 (alternatively - 0861 267 267). The emergency calls are screened and is only dispatched according to strict flight criteria. The aero-medical helicopter has the capacity to service any call within the provincial borders and frequently transports patients beyond the provincial borders to specialist tertiary hospitals.

Team Members

	Petrus Nel	Acting Base Supervisor / Snr Flight Paramedic
	Goldrick Nkosi	Hangar Attendant
	Lee Anne Niemand	Rotor Wing Pilot
	Greg Jonsson	Rotor Wing Pilot
	Nokubonga Krewentela	Flight Paramedic