Only from next Monday, September 9, will it be possible to restore the operation of the medical emergency helicopter based in Macedo de Cavaleiros, following the accident that occurred on September 2 in that municipality.
The information was provided by the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM), which stated in a press release that the aircraft “will operate 24 hours a day.”
“Starting tomorrow and until September 9, the Medical Emergency Helicopter Service operator, Avincis, will place pilot teams in Viseu to ensure 24/7 operation of the medical emergency helicopter based there,” they added.
According to the entity, “the operation of two aircraft during nighttime is ensured until the full restoration of the contracted service.”
The accident occurred at 12:55 PM on Monday, as the AW139 aircraft – based in Macedo de Cavaleiros – was preparing to land in Mondim de Basto to assist an injured person in a work accident at a quarry.
Four crew members were on board – pilot, co-pilot, doctor, and nurse – who, according to information provided after the accident by INEM, were transported to Vila Real Hospital as a precaution and have since been discharged.
On Tuesday, INEM revealed that the equipment had not yet been replaced, despite the leasing, management, and maintenance contract for aircraft with Avincis providing for such replacement within 24 hours.
The medical emergency device contracted between INEM and Avincis consists of two helicopters operating in 24-hour shifts – from the bases in Macedo de Cavaleiros and Loulé – and two other helicopters in 12-hour shifts, based in Viseu and Évora.
With this accident, INEM’s helicopter rescue service is reduced to three aircraft, with only one operating on a permanent basis, solely in the southern region of the country.
