Emergency Helicopter Crisis in Portugal
In a recent statement to the press, INEM (the National Institute of Medical Emergency) has revealed a troubling situation regarding its emergency air services. Following an accident involving one of its helicopters in Mondim de Basto, the organization has highlighted that the damaged aircraft should have been replaced within 24 hours, but this has yet to occur.
"The contract for aerial leasing and operational services with operator Avincis stipulates that the aircraft should be replaced within 24 hours. However, this substitution has not happened yet," the statement reads.
More than a day after the accident, INEM has confirmed that it is in constant contact with Avincis to restore services as quickly as possible. If immediate replacement isn’t feasible, INEM is requesting the deployment of pilot teams in Viseu to enable nighttime operations of the remaining helicopter, pending response from the operator.
Currently, only two helicopters in Portugal operate both day and night. Following the Mondim de Basto incident, there is now just one helicopter providing 24-hour service across the country. This operational helicopter is based in Loulé, while the one involved in the accident was stationed in Macedo de Cavaleiros.
Additionally, there are two helicopters located in Viseu and Évora, but they only operate during the day for 12 hours.
In statements to RTP, Paulo Paço, president of the National Association of Medical Emergency Technicians, emphasized that the situation was already precarious before the accident. He noted that the country previously had four helicopters available around the clock, but this changed after a new protocol was established with Avincis.
According to Paço, the cost of the current service has increased exponentially, yet the operational capacity has been reduced from four to two helicopters available 24/7. "This situation jeopardizes timely assistance to victims across the country," he warned.
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