ACE Air and Ambulance launched their Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) and a helipad at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospital.
By Kudakwashe Pembere
Officiating the launch, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo lauded the company for coming up with such an initiative previously offered by the Air Force of Zimbabwe.
“The introduction of a helicopter emergency remote and high way patient rescue service by ACE is a clear testimony of a working public private partnership as this service was only provided by the Airforce of Zimbabwe,” Dr Moyo said.
Dr Moyo also made a plea to the firm to have similar services outside Harare.
“I would like to encourage ACE to position another helicopter at Mpilo Hospital which caters for the Matebeleland Regions with vast tourist destinations.
“Do not stop there, please station another at Mutare Provincial Hospital to cater for the Manicaland province,” he said.
He also lauded ACE for their role in assisting the victims of Cyclone Idai.
The organisation’s managing director Mr James Halsted said they want to have more helicopters that they will station across the country’s hospitals.
“ACE began with just two modernized ICU ground ambulances in service. Today, we are proud to boast a fleet of 15 ground ambulances countrywide and two permanently configured air ambulances.
“With the launch of our HEMS service, we are confident that we will grow from strength to strength. We plan to strategically position more units to complement our existing countrywide fleet. Our highly skilled and trained dedicated doctors, nurses and paramedics are equipped to provide international standards of operation, bringing the best pre-hospital care for all who are in need.
“Our partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe during the Cyclone Idai rescue operation earlier this year is testament to ACE’s mission as a company. In a collaborative effort, we worked tirelessly to rescue more than 300 individuals,” he said.
ACE in their second year of operation was internationally accredited by the European Aeromedical Institute (EURAMI), the international gold standard of air ambulance service excellence.
They are the first company in Zimbabwe to achieve this high standard and one of only three companies on the African continent,and 44th in the world to claim this accolade.
