“This reinforcement follows the recent transition to 24-hour operations at the Évora and Loulé bases, completed on October 20, marking another step in expanding the aerial response capacity of INEM across mainland Portugal,” states INEM in a communiqué.
The institute explains that extending the nighttime coverage to Macedo de Cavaleiros was preceded by a “period of preparation and additional training for the pilot teams, considering the orographic specificities of the Northern region, which require enhanced safety conditions for night flights.”
With this expansion, INEM claims to be nearing the “completion of the implementation of the 24-hour regime at all bases of the SHEM [Emergency Medical Helicopter Service],” expected by November 1, operating four medium-type helicopters capable of transporting incubators.
According to the institute, this enhancement of SHEM represents “a significant increase in the readiness and effectiveness of INEM’s aerial response, allowing faster medical assistance in emergencies, regardless of time or location.”
Reaffirming its “commitment to the continuous improvement of the medical emergency system, ensuring that the available aerial means operate with the highest safety, quality, and efficiency standards,” the institute notes that the teams involved “have highlighted the positive performance of the aircraft, emphasizing the reliability, stability, and comfort that provide ideal conditions for delivering in-flight emergency care.”
SHEM is currently operated by Gulf Med Aviation Services, in an operation complemented by the Portuguese Air Force.
INEM is the body of the Ministry of Health responsible for coordinating the operation of an Integrated Medical Emergency System in mainland Portugal, to ensure the rapid provision of healthcare to accident victims or those suffering sudden illness.
Among the main responsibilities of INEM are providing on-site medical emergency care, assisted transport of victims to the appropriate hospital, and coordinating among different system participants.
