Ambulance service important, says firm

 AN ambulance service is an important part of health service by providing immediate professional care within the hour to ensure the patient is stable.

International SOS (ISOS) has been at the forefront of medical and security assistance in the country including medical evacuation by air ambulance.

“There are two parts to an evacuation. 

“The first part is stabilising the patient,” ISOS public relations manager (Australasia) Sara Duddy explained. 

“In PNG this would involve a ground ambulance to our International SOS Port Moresby clinic where we have a stabilisation room.

“Once the patient is stabilised the secondary part of the evacuation comes into play.

“If the patient and client choose we may take them to another country such as Australia for further care.”

She said should the patient require medical evacuation, ISOS Sydney assistance centre in conjunction with the Port Moresby team would arrange appropriate transportation for the patient and a medical team to escort him or her. 

She said it could be an air ambulance or a commercial flight based on the medical requirements. 

“Clients of International SOS have access to the most rapid and professional air ambulance services available.

“Our in-house team of flight doctors and nurses are ready to take off to assist members in the event of an emergency or crisis.

“We often receive calls for assistance from the local community around sites, where we operate medical facilities or have paramedics stationed, and in partnership with our clients we endeavor to assist where possible.”

ISOS resources in PNG include a medical clinic, a medical evacuation and response team, an emergency medical facility for stabilising patients and air and road ambulance services. 

The services are provided 24/7 by a regional assistance centre in Sydney, Australia.