On September 8th, 2020, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa launched the Country’s First Integrated Air Ambulance Services at Jakkur Aerodrome, Bangalore.It is the first air ambulance operating from South India to provide services for medical emergencies.
Air ambulance firm International Critical Air Transfer Team (ICATT) will run the services in collaboration with aviation technology firm Kyathi from the HAL airport in Bengaluru.
ICATT-Kyathi’s fixed wing aircraft is capable of long distance emergency medical transportation. It is combined with helicopter and land ambulance services which will provide last mile connectivity.
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, Minister for Health and Family Welfare Department, B. Sriramulu, ICATT co-founder Dr Shalini Nalwad and others were present during the launch.
Key Points:
i.The air ambulance will be stationed at HAL airport in Bengaluru. It will help in overcoming the challenge of heavy road traffic.
ii.It is equipped with state-of-the-art German Isolation Pod, which will enable safe transportation for critical COVID-19 patients.
iii.ICATT will consist of a team of doctors, intensivists, perfusionists and paramedics. The doctors and paramedics are certified in Fellowship in Aero Medicine (FAM) to handle critical care.
iv.ICATT has completed 63 domestic transfers, 10 international transfers and seven organ transfers in 2020.
Recent Related News:
i.The State of Karnataka observed 18th June 2020, as “Mask Day” to create awareness to the general public on the importance of wearing a mask, using sanitisers, washing hands ii.and maintaining social distancing against COVID-19.
ii.Karnataka is all set to roll out the first of its kind in the country a “State Health Register” that will maintain the health records of all 6.5 crore citizens of the state.
About Karnataka:
Chief Minister – B S Yediyurappa
Capital – Bangalore
