The Isle of Man air ambulance service has entered a new era partnering with a new operator.
A three year contract for provision of a 24/7, year-round air ambulance link between the Island and the United Kingdom has been awarded to IAS Medical, a UK-based operator of air ambulance services worldwide.
The firm commenced its service on 1 October 2020 deploying a Beechcraft KingAir 200 aircraft. IAS Medical succeeds Woodgate Aviation which previously served the Island for three and half years.
Terms were agreed with the operator following a tender exercise and detailed negotiations to secure an assured level and quality of service for the Island’s population.
Health and Social care Minister David Ashford said:
’I am delighted that we have agreed this contract with IAS Medical, and look forward to forging a strong working relationship. It has taken some time to finalise all the details, but this is a critical service for the Island which meant securing the best possible service for patients and staff.
‘I am confident our new operator will provide a modern, high quality, robust and above all, reliable emergency transfer service year round. The agreement is good news for the Isle of Man, as we all rely on the air ambulance service being there when we need it.
The Minister added:
‘I would like to thank our previous operator Woodgate Aviation for their service to the Isle of Man, providing an air link during some difficult times.’
The principal air ambulance aircraft is based at Isle of Man Airport with local support contracts in place, and additional aircraft will be made available by the contractor when required. The aircraft is fully pressurised with a maximum operating altitude 35,000 feet and is configured to accommodate one patient on a Lifeport system with seating for four other people passengers
Two flight crews reside close to the airport, and as key workers are subject to tests for Covid-19 and a modified self-isolation regime. This means the pilots travel to Ronaldsway when called to transport a patient to the UK but must otherwise remain at their accommodation.
Operations director George Ditchburn said:
‘We are grateful for the opportunity to provide the Isle of Man Government, Noble’s Hospital and the citizens of the Isle of Man with a modern, efficient and dedicated air Ambulance Service and we look forward to working closely together to proactively deliver this essential service.
‘This is a service for the Island, so we believe that wherever feasible, and where the pandemic permits, - it should be staffed and administered from the Isle of Man, therefore, it is IAS Medical’s strategy to seek to invest in local people and, where possible, provide local job opportunities.’
The Air Ambulance medical team based at Noble’s coordinates the transfer of between 400 and 500 patients each year to the United Kingdom for treatment, and stands by to mobilise 365 days a year – whenever the call comes.
Pictured:
Captain Simon Robinson, First Officer Jonathan Smailes, IOM Lead Captain Marcin Kopcznski, Captain Saleem Ali
