Bengaluru to have air ambulance by December

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Feb 18, 2015, DHNS: Bengaluru is likely to get air ambulance facility at ‘affordable’ cost by December 2015.

Global players Turbomeca (Safran), Airbus helicopters (Airbus Group), Air Medical Holdings Group, in association with Indian operator Aviators Air Rescue, have come together to provide the facility. To begin with, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad will get the dedicated air ambulance facility.

On the eve of Aero India-2015, Capt Arun Sharma, Managing Director, Aviators India Private Limited, told reporters on Tuesday that ground work would be co-ordinated by GVK EMRI, which manages the ‘108’ ambulances across the country.

The facility will be subsequently extended to Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. The country will have a total of 50 such ambulances and three to begin with during the launch. As per the agreement, Turbomeca will power a fleet of EC135 T3 helicopters with Arrius 2B2 engine.

The service would operate on a subscription-based model where an individual would be entitled unlimited access to the service. For individual subscription, the cost would be Rs 18,000 per year, while that for couples and family, it would be Rs 30,000 a year. Special package rates have been made available for hospitals across Bengaluru.

“The facility can be used to airlift patients from one place to another in case of an emergency, transport organs faster and get drugs from one place to another in times of need,” said Capt Sharma.

Explaining how the service functions, Sharma said that the GVK EMRI group, which has 9,300 ambulances across the country, would provide the first mile and last mile connectivity.

“We have sought that the norms for plying be relaxed. Representations have been made and we have requested the Director General of Civil Aviation to look into the same. In the present situation, there is a need to get clearance even to land at a particular place. It will be ideal if the choice is given to the pilot himself,” he added.

Abhilash Kamti, vice president, Aviators India Private Limited, explained that the facility would ensure fast hospital-to-hospital transport.

“The patient will be stabilised on air if need be. It will be an ICU in air in simple terms,” he said.

Besides, he said that there would be two doctors on board the aircraft with a minimum of three paramedics.

“The pilot himself will be a trained paramedic who is aware of handling emergency cases. Basic drugs that are necessary will be kept ready in a dedicated medical compartment,” Kamti said. 

 How it works

Individuals will have to subscribe to the service. At the time of registration, basic details on an individual’s health will be sought. A call centre will be set up to take calls. To reach the nearest pick-up point of the air ambulance, GVK EMRI or any other ground ambulance facility will provide connectivity.

Paramedics on board will co-ordinate with doctors in the nearest hospital where the patient can be taken. Last mile connectivity will be provided on road in cases where no facility is available to land the helicopter.