Training underway for Gozo medics running new air ambulance service

A number of Gozo General Hospital medics are currently receiving training in preparation for the launch of Gozo’s first dedicated air ambulance service set to be launched within the coming weeks.

The air ambulance, which will be based in Gozo, will provide a life-saving service which ensures that critically injured and patients with life threatening conditions are tended to as quickly as possible.

Through this new service, patients will be transported to receive care at the hospital which is best equipped to do so.

“Currently patients in Gozo are airlifted to Malta via an AFM helicopter which is based in Malta. This helicopter might not always be available since the AFM might have other missions and work to carry out,” VGH CEO Dr. Armin Ernst said. “Having such a service in Gozo ensures availability and decreases wait times for transport. Although under normal circumstances a 15 minute wait is almost insignificant, when it comes to trauma and injury, a minute could make the difference between life, death, and a full recovery.”

VGH will be investing heavily in Gozo General Hospital, turning it into a state of the art hospital which will offer patients in Gozo highest quality care.

Works on the Gozo General Hospital will commence this year and are to be completed by 2018.

The helicopter will be manned by two full time pilots who will be based in Gozo and a number of medics from the Gozo General Hospital including anesthetists, nurses, and doctors who are all receiving specialized training to be well prepared for any eventualities once the service is launched.

“This is another tangible improvement for the Gozo General Hospital, its patients and its staff. Such a service offers our patients timely and efficient care and helps our staff to further develop their skills and save more lives,” said Gozo General Hospital CEO Nadine Delicata.

VGH aims to build and evolve a sustainable and integrated healthcare system which delivers comprehensive, high quality, and patient centered health services to the Maltese and Gozitan communities.

VGH said that, throughout the coming months, it will continue to invest in both infrastructure and its people to ensure that the public receives the quality of care it deserves.