Air Ambulance NI (AANI) has been confirmed as the charity partner for the North’s first Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).
Confirming the partnership, Health Minister Michelle said the announcement “moves us one step closer to the first HEMS becoming operational in the north of Ireland.”
She added: “The charity will work in partnership with the Ambulance Service to provide the aviation side of the service and fund the non-medical costs of HEMS.
“The medical staff and equipment will be provided and funded by Health and Social Care services.”
Ms O’Neill added: “The charity will work in partnership with the Ambulance Service to provide the aviation side of the service and fund the non-medical costs of HEMS.
“The medical staff and equipment will be provided and funded by Health and Social Care services.”
Speaking about the medical model for staffing the HEMS, the Minister said: “Ultimately there will be a doctor and paramedic on board the aircraft to administer emergency medical services, in line with the outcome of our recent consultation.
“I want to stress that the safety of patients across the system remains my primary focus in overseeing the smooth implementation of this new service.
“The staffing model requires careful planning and for this reason I have listened to representatives from the clinical community, and will be advised by my Chief Medical Officer on the most clinically appropriate means for delivering this.
“I will therefore make a further decision about the initial operating model, and timeframe for implementing it, in the weeks ahead.”
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