“HEMS or helicopter ambulances are basically mobile life-saving systems. They can create wonders if introduced in Indian cities, especially in grid-locked metros like Bangalore and Mumbai,” said air vice-marshal Sridharan VM, president, RWSI.
The concept of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) was very much necessary in Indian cities, experts said at the fourth ‘National seminar on helicopter emergency medical services and development of heliports and helipads’ held in the city on Tuesday. The seminar was organised by the state-run Rotary Wings Society of India (RWSI).
“HEMS or helicopter ambulances are basically mobile life-saving systems. They can create wonders if introduced in Indian cities, especially in grid-locked metros like Bangalore and Mumbai,” said air vice-marshal Sridharan VM, president, RWSI.
“Helicopters will be used to rush patients to nearby hospitals, and as such services provide faster transportation it can be much effective in saving accident victims’ lives during the golden hour,” he said.
“Also such service can provide mid-air life support to serious patients as they have the facility of in-flight medical services. They can also work as hospitals for patients in remote areas where there is no proper medical facility or good transport system,” he added.
Many a time army or air force helicopters are called during emergency situations.
“In the past we have successfully used army helicopters for medical emergencies, the recent event being the Ladak flash floods. But most of the time the copters are called after the problem becomes uncontrollable. There is no helicopter units in the country dedicated for the purpose,” he said.
Speaking at the event Sitaram Yechury, chairman, parliamentary standing committee on transport, tourism and culture, said that the country had the potential to implement such a system.
“The committee has submitted a proposal regarding this in the parliament. There are more than 98 private helicopter service providers operating in the country. These services are mostly used during the elections. They are out of work once the elections are over. We can avail their service during emergencies,” he said.
However, finding suitable places to construct helipads and heliports in the country is the biggest obstacle to start such a service.
“This problem is worse in urban India. But the Union government is looking into the issue,” said Yechury.
Apart from the lack of availability of space, the country also requires more trained pilots.
“We don’t have many pilot training institutes in the country. This also contributes to the problem,” said RP Sahi, joint DG, Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
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