THEY have assisted the local authorities in their search and rescue operations and they work with the Ministry of Health in medical evacuations, with plans to continue investing in the already multi-million dollar investment.
Helipro Fiji Ltd started operations in 2012 with operations in all areas of commercial helicopter operations including medevac and search and rescue.
Company chief executive officer and country manager Grahame Hedge said the business had been a multi-million dollar investment so far and they planned to continue investing to improve and expand their services.
He said over the years the company identified the need for national fully equipped and dedicated emergency air ambulance service.
The company moved its operations from Kadavu House in Suva to the old hangar at the Nausori International Airport in 2016.
Mr Hedge said the Airports Fiji Ltd supported the company and they managed to carry out renovations to the old hangar and set it up as a medical response base.
“We were in general aviation emergency services but our board members had discussed being an emergency only service and medical evacuation operation so that’s our business and our focus,” said Mr Hedge.
Helipro operates from the hangar at the Nausori International Airport and has 15 staff members — three medical, two pilots, two engineers and the rest as support staff members.
Today Helipro Fiji has a fully equipped high speed dedicated air ambulance helicopter supported by its medical emergency response team, the company has its own fully equipped land ambulance and private medevac triage centre.
According to Mr Hedge their current plans were well advanced in the areas of night emergency operations, full time advance lifesaving (ALS) paramedics to further enhance to the company’s emergency capabilities.
According to Mr Hedge they had the only fully qualified flight nurse in Fiji who had more than 20 years experience.
He said they usually flew about three to four times a week with patients and they worked under the various government departments and global travel insurance organisations.
“Our whole goal for what we do is to provide a world standard of air medical services and paramedical services for Fiji and the tourists that come in.”
He said their base had a Medevac Centre which would be used by doctors in cases where the patient could not be taken to the hospital at night.
As most companies do, Helipro Fiji also carries out regular training for their staff members in a bid to improve their services.
Mr Hedge said the company had air ambulance, land ambulance and support staff to transport the patients to the hospital in emergency cases.
“As of the end of February we will have two full time paramedics here which would also lead to more trainings in paramedics for local paramedics.”
He said their helicopter was also well equipped with medical supplies and facilities to ensure the patient gets perfect care during their medical evacuations.
