28 August 2015

S.A Red Cross Air Mercy congratulate six graduates

Submitted by: MyPressportal Team

Minister Nomafrench Mbombo recognised aero-medical development in the Western Cape after six candidates successfully completed the aero-medical external load operator programme and received their 'wings'.

They were honoured at a cocktail event hosted at the Cape Town base of SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS).

External Load Operators (ELO) are crucial members of the helicopter rescue crew. The crew consists of the ELO, command pilot, paramedic, technical rescuer or rescue swimmer. The ELO is trained to assist the pilot to identify and avoid hazards in flight, communicate instructions and crucial information to the pilot, monitor the safety of rescuers and the patient when on board the aircraft or connected to the rescue systems. They are trained in the operation of the cargo hooks, helicopter hoist, helicopter rescue systems, in-flight emergencies, rescue techniques, confined space landings, pattering aircraft in mountainous terrains and over sea.

ELOs utilise the helicopter platform and require special training in order to insert rescuers to extricate patients in life threatening emergencies that is limited by confined spaces, rough terrains and surf swells etcetera. The stringent training programme for external load operators are focussed around safety and efficiency and have been developed taking the international and local (military) best practices into account.

Western Cape Government (WCG) Department of Health Emergency Medical Services, in partnership with the SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service Trust (AMS) provides an emergency rescue and air ambulance service to the community of the Western Cape via a fleet of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. The Western Cape Department of Health is privileged to have this longstanding partnership with the AMS to ensure that all citizens have access to equitable acute specialised care at all levels.

The AMS provides air-sea and air-mountain rescue services by helicopter with more than 15 years of experience working with the Western Cape Department of Health, Wilderness Search & Rescue (WSAR) and its many affiliates, Surf-Life saving South Africa and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).

The Western Cape has two bases from which AMS operates; in the Metro and in Oudtshoorn in the Eden district. Through this partnership with AMS, they are able to reach the far corners of this province in an event where aero medics are required.

Over the last three years the AMS conducted 229 rescues with 711 hoist and 33 short-haul operations. 76% of these have been mountain rescues with 41% of the rescues that took place on Table Mountain. The largest group of people rescued in one operation during the last three years was 20 people who were trapped in a cove by an incoming tide in the Overberg area.

The combined rescue efforts between the Emergency Medical Sector and WSAR has seen much higher survival and recovery rates due to quick access using helicopters, advances in communication technology and advances in medical care.

"The WCG commends the work emergency medical workers do to save the lives of many. They often work in high risk situations in order to get to an emergency situation. We are proud of the relationship with the AMS, this proves that through partnership we can achieve our mutual goal of providing high quality medical services to all in the Western Cape. We support and encourage the development programme. Skills development plays a key role in ensuring that we provide improved services to our clients. I congratulate all six crew members for successfully completing the programme. We are especially proud of Lindsey, the first ever female ELO trained from the private sector," says Minister Mbombo.

“Together with the Western Cape Department of Health and other affiliated rescue organisations the AMS’ approach to the development of people and addressing the current shortage of skills within the specialised aero-medical field has seen the AMS successfully train six full time AMS paramedics as external load operators (ELO); of which one ELO is a young vibrant female, Lindsey Cyster,” says Dr Philip Erasmus, AMS CEO.

For more information, visit www.ams.org.za. Alternatively connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.

Published in Science and Education