Achi news desk-
A new plane is transporting hundreds of non-critical patients to Halifax, saving time and keeping ambulances in their communities.
The Air Medical Transport Service (AMTS) was launched in August 2023 and transfers patients from Yarmouth and Sydney to the state capital for tests and treatments.
“It was approved with the concept that we would be able to keep more ambulances in their home communities, saving the long transport times for paramedics and patients, (and) using less resources,” said Colin Flynn, senior manager with EHS LifeFlight .
According to Flynn, Nova Scotia’s regular LifeFlight program includes two helicopters, two fixed-wing aircraft, two ground ambulances and now, the non-essential aircraft.
“This is a new fixed wing aircraft that has been added to the program to accommodate these multi-patient transports,” he explained.
The flight time in the new plane will take around an hour each way, compared to around five hours by ambulance.
The new aircraft can carry two to four patients per trip and makes three round trips a day.
“From August when we launched to the present day, we have moved 852 patients and that has resulted in over 8,000 hours of ambulances back in communities where they can support local patient movements and 911 calls,” said Flynn.
“A big benefit for our paramedic staff too, where they can start and finish their shifts in their home communities.”
Loren Pearce is an advanced care paramedic who works in the new non-critical patient plane. He says not only does it help paramedics on the ground but it makes a big difference to their patients too.
“Everyone has such a positive experience. It sure beats the heck out of a five-hour drive from Sydney. It’s made a huge difference,” Pearce said.
“With patients being able to get up in the morning, have their breakfast, jump on a plane, get to Halifax and then be home for dinner is definitely heartbreaking,” Flynn said.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
