On Air The Afternoon Show Chris Quirk | 3:00pm - 5:30pm

Air ambulance is year-round lifeline

Nurse Becky Norrey aboard the air ambulance during an intensive care unit transfer

Dedicated team ensure swift transfers

The head of the Island's air ambulance team has described the operation as a state-of-the-art mobile intensive care unit.

A fixed-wing plane contracted to the health service, transfers around 500 patients for treatment in the UK every year, staffed by an on-call team of specialist medics and nurses, 24/7, every day of the year. 

During TT the service is put under intense pressure - this year taking 25 patients to specialist centres, 11 with trauma injuries.

A new monitor and defibrillator have enhanced facilities, which  include a portable ventilator, an incubator for special care babies and the means to carry out blood transfusions. 

Medical lead for the air ambulance service Kate Teare says a coordinator based at Noble's, masterminds transfers:

 

More from Isle of Man News