Patients in Limpopo in need of urgent distance-based healthcare can now breathe a sigh of relief with the health department’s aircraft at their disposal.

The helicopter, named Pride of Limpopo, Alpha 1, became operational on November 1 following a long procurement process by the health department earlier this year.

Acting departmental spokesperson Derick Kganyago says the helicopter will assist Emergency Medical Services personnel with transporting critically injured and ill patients.

“We can easily transport those suffering or might have suffered head injuries, stroke patients, hypertensive patients, respiratory distress, obstetric or neonatal emergencies, suspected spinal injury and threatened limb patients, among others.”

The service is also extended for primary rescue calls such as those involved in major accidents.

Its crew is made up of experienced pilots and Advanced Life Support personnel.

Kganyago says the helicopter is equipped with the latest advanced medical equipment.

“The aircraft has a twin-engine, is operational 24 hours a day and has the capacity to fly at night using the latest state-of-the-art night vision technology.”