Medical Helicopter Transport Program: A Step Closer to a National Project
Saint-Hubert, September 8, 2022 — Airmedic’s Chief Executive Officer, Sophie Larochelle, welcomes the Coalition Avenir Québec’s promise. The party aims to create a national medical helicopter transport program (HMT). This program would include the construction of hospital heliports. Thus, a new step would be taken toward a prehospital and interfacility service accessible to all Quebec citizens.
A Need Identified for Over 20 Years
For more than 20 years, several analyses have supported creating an emergency prehospital and interfacility service. Indeed, according to the INESSS report published last June, medical helicopter transport is essential in many regions worldwide. For example, helicopters support primary transport from the accident scene to the hospital. They also support interfacility transfers.
“Despite its vast territory, Quebec remains the only Canadian province without a public medical helicopter transport program. However,only the infrastructure near emergency departments is missing to enhance an efficient and accessible service,” says Ms. Larochelle.
A Key Actor Already Ready to Collaborate
Airmedic is pleased to see private-sector expertise recognized in the operations of such a program. In reality, the company has positioned itself as a key player in air medical services since its creation. It supports some sectors of the public network. It has completed several thousand mission calls. With this experience, Airmedic is ready to contribute its expertise to the future medical helicopter transport program. Its goal is to serve all regions of Quebec.
“Moreover, for 10 years, we have developed our leadership in this field. Our objective is to offer fair, efficient, and safe service across the province. We have developed specialized expertise that we wish to share with the Government of Quebec,” adds Ms. Larochelle.
The current configuration of operations also avoids withdrawing healthcare personnel for long ambulance transfers. Therefore, this improves access to care for Indigenous communities while respecting cultural safety principles.
“We invite each political party to support a medical helicopter transport program in Quebec. This project will save lives and improve healthcare, especially in remote regions,” concludes Ms. Larochelle.
About Airmedic
Airmedic is an innovative private Quebec company. Indeed, it offers assistance and ground and air medical transport across Quebec. It is also the only company in Quebec that operates its own fleet of planes and helicopters. These aircraft are dedicated to emergency medical evacuations and interfacility transfers.
Since 2016, Airmedic has held Accreditation Canada certification. It is also accredited by Transport Canada for IFR flight and night-vision goggle operations. These certifications demonstrate its commitment to providing high-quality care in a safe environment, 24/7.
Learn more about Airmedic protection
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SOURCE: Airmedic Inc.
Contact:
Raphaële Bourgault
Business Development and Strategic Communications Manager
[email protected]
514-709-9633
