Flying doctors scheme set to be expanded
APIONEERING “flying doctors” scheme which sees consultants being sent to the scene of emergencies via helicopter is set to be expanded.
The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS Cymru), which was launched in 2015, has been described as “taking the emergency room to the patients”.
It is made up of Welsh Government-funded NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who are flown across the country to treat patients in often life-threatening situations.
These medics are able to conduct blood transfusions, administer anaesthetics, offer strong painkillers, and conduct a range of medical procedures – all of which were previously only available in hospitals.
Over the past two years, the “flying doctors” have become operational on Wales Air Ambulance helicopters based in Dafen and in Welshpool.
Now the service will also work from the Wales Air Ambulance Charity’s base in Caernarfon.
As well as the introduction of the medics, the charity has also unveiled a newer, more advanced aircraft for north Wales.
The service also has access to a fleet of Rapid Response Vehicles, and an RRV will be based in Caernarfon along with the advanced helicopter.
The medical equipment has been designed to be interchangeable between the charity’s helicopters and the RRVs.
Dr Ami Jones, EMRTS Cymru interim national director, said: “Wales can pride itself on having established and consistent platinum-standard critical care across all of the country, via the WAA’s bases in north, mid and south Wales.
“The service is already supporting the work of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board but this next stage in our development can only enhance the benefits that we bring, not just in north Wales, but in Powys and parts of Ceredigion.”
Angela Hughes, Wales Air Ambulance Charity chief executive, said: “The innovative equipment and treatments that we have introduced have attracted international attention, with many Helimed services across the world looking to adopt the Welsh model.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to the people of Wales for raising the £6.5m each year needed to keep the four helicopters flying. We are serving Wales and saving lives.”
The enhanced service is officially being launched today at Caernarfon Airport by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Vaughan Gething.
He said: “I welcome this initiative that will enhance the existing service from Caernarfon and bring it in line with the rest of the EMRTS cover enjoyed elsewhere.
“It will bring access to critical care and emergency medicine much closer for people living in North Wales and ensure that they can get the best care more quickly.
“The new helicopter and rapid response vehicle available at the airbase will protect the existing WAA service and make the area more attractive to the very best clinicians and critical care practitioners.
“It will play a vital role in the provision of high-quality unscheduled care across north Wales.”