Business & GA

New Zealand has proposed centralising its emergency air ambulance service in a move that would see the number of bases and helicopters used reduced. The draft national air ambulance strategy has received a mixed response, welcomed by some, while others expressed concerns that parts of the country will not be adequately served.

New Zealand has 23 fixed-wing and 27 rotary-wing aircraft operated by 18 companies providing services in 18 regions. The proposed strategy, released for public comment by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), has been developed by an intra-agency steering group, including the Ministry of Health, Ambulance New Zealand and the air rescue/air ambulance division of the Aviation Industry Association. The strategy covers the long-term future for air ambulances and is in response to the growing numbers of air ambulances in operation, low use and rising costs. Existing air ambulance contracts awarded by the ACC run to October 2006.

The strategy aims to improve operational co-ordination and the funding and contracting process, and result in improved coverage and closer integration with hospitals. It proposes that emergency medical service helicopters should be in seven centres - Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton or Tauranga, Hastings, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Rescue services need to be retained at New Plymouth, Greymouth, Gisborne, Queenstown and Invercargill, says the strategy. Intensive-care fixed-wing air ambulances should be based at the larger centres of Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.