The helicopter based in Loulé became inoperable around 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 1, due to maintenance and logistical reasons, with an expectation to resume operation tomorrow [Tuesday], according to the National Institute for Medical Emergency (INEM).
The situation arose from the transportation on Saturday of a critically ill infant between the hospitals of Faro and Dona Estefânia in Lisbon by ambulance, after the INEM helicopter failed to conduct the newborn’s transfer.
The INEM stated that transportation between these hospitals “could not have been carried out by air from any base, Évora or Loulé, due to adverse weather conditions prevailing at the time of the request, also in Lisbon.”
“In other words, even had the Loulé helicopter been operational, the transport could not be executed using this air vehicle,” the institute added, noting that it ensured the response to the request via a pediatric inter-hospital transport ambulance, “guaranteeing transport and medical accompaniment for the infant with maximum safety.”
The pediatric inter-hospital transport (TIP) is specifically dedicated to the transportation of critically ill newborns and pediatric patients between healthcare units, utilizing ambulances manned by a crew consisting of a doctor, a nurse, and a pre-hospital emergency technician.
According to INEM, these ambulances are equipped with “all necessary materials” for the stabilization of patients from 0 to 18 years, enabling their transport to hospitals with specialized units capable of treating them.
Following this incident, the Health Activity General Inspectorate (IGAS) initiated an inquiry today, requesting INEM and the Algarve Local Health Unit to provide information.
The Health Regulatory Entity (ERS) also stated that it “initiated an evaluation process for the case” to analyze the facts.
On Saturday, INEM announced that all four new medical emergency helicopters had begun full operation, 24 hours daily, after a four-month delay.
In a statement, the institute mentioned that the new emergency helicopter transport contract guaranteed “permanent availability” of the four aircraft from Saturday, based in Macedo de Cavaleiros, Viseu, Évora, and Loulé, “ensuring air coverage throughout the continental territory” on a “24/7 basis.”
