Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Tuesday unveiled the country’s first integrated air ambulance service jointly launched by the International Critical Air Transfer Team (ICATT) and Kyathi in Bengaluru.
ICATT, a team comprising of emergency medical service experts, and Kyathi, an aviation technology firm, have come together to start the country’s first integrated air-ambulance service.
ICATT-Kyathi’s fixed wing aircraft is capable of long-distance emergency medical transportation, combined with helicopter and land ambulance services providing last-mile connectivity.
The ambulance is equipped with state-of-the-art German Isolation Pod. ICATT-Kyathi will also enable safe transportation for critical COVID-19 patients.
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Speaking at the inaugural event, Mr Yediyurappa said that at times of emergency, providing timely and speedy medical care and treatment is of paramount importance.
“The introduction of ICATT-Kyathi’s integrated air ambulance service will ensure not only quick medical assistance but also high-quality care delivered by senior doctors and paramedics trained in critical care while in flight.”
The CM also added, “I am happy that ICATT-Kyathi chose to station the air ambulance in Bengaluru, catering better not only to the city but to the whole of South India. I am also glad that we have taken this initiative at a time such as the Covid-19 pandemic when healthcare concerns are higher than normal”.
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Speaking after the formal launch, Co-founder and Director of ICATT India, Rahul Singh Sardar, said that the key aspect in choosing the right air ambulance is to understand the importance and criticality of the service.
“ICATT has a comprehensive medevac team of doctors, intensivists, perfusionists and paramedics. The doctors and paramedics are certified in Fellowship in Aero Medicine (FAM) to handle critical care,” he explained.
According to the note released by ICATT, it claimed to have completed 63 domestic transfers, 10 international transfers and seven organ transfers this year alone.
“ICATT Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) played a significant role during the Kerala disaster and has been instrumental in saving many lives,” the note added.