The Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service (HMCAS) fulfills an essential, lifesaving role for the people of Qatar. Every incident that the Ambulance Service attends offers different challenges, in terms of the injuries faced, the number of people affected, the location and the support required. The HMCAS receives more than 100,000 calls each year; calls which 1,500 staff, 170 ambulances, 20 rapid response vehicles and a fleet of helicopters and other specialized vehicles are ready to respond to.
Delegates of the ICEP-Q 2016 had an opportunity to witness a scheduled landing and takeoff of HMC’s AW139 Life Flight helicopter. The demonstration took place at the QNCC. Live commentary covered landing zone preparation, the approach, vehicle and people movement around the aircraft. Delegates also had an opportunity to see how a patient is transferred into, and unloaded from, the aircraft. All delegates were accompanied to the helicopter exercise location by HMCAS personnel.
The delegates who witnessed the display were impressed by the amount of planning and coordination it takes to execute a patient transport exercise. All delegates appreciated the opportunity to witness such an exercise live, in close but safe proximity. Post event feedback has been extremely positive.
