Mr Jurgen Ruh1
1Manolos Aviation, 2Mountain Area Medical Airlift Foundation
Biography:
Biography to come
Abstract:
In 2009 when we started, we immediately saw the need for a dedicated retrieval system. However, we can only rely on ad-hoc solutions because, generally, there is a lack of funding and support for this service in the PNG health system. PNG has a unique and challenging environment for retrieval medicine due to its rugged terrain, remote communities, and limited healthcare infrastructure. The country’s mountainous landscape, vast rainforests, and scattered islands make ground transport difficult, thus making aeromedical retrieval a vital component of the healthcare system. We started with BO105’s, it was pilot and stretcher only. There was a need to retrieve a mother who is 2 hours walk away from a rundown health facility. She is about to experience an unsupervised delivery of her first child. No one cared to help. We were there; we had a helicopter, and we could help. Though funding constraints remain a major challenge in expanding this aeromedical retrieval service, after 5 years, we eventually employed a flight nurse. We have saved patients from some of the remotest communities, most of which are only accessible by air. In order for us to maintain this retrieval service, in 2020, we established Mountain Area Medical Airlift Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that currently operates the retrieval services, separate from the commercial activities of Manolos Aviation. Retrieval medicine in PNG remains a critical but challenging aspect of the healthcare system. While private operators like us fill key gaps, a dedicated retrieval system is much needed.