NZAAS said the new clearance was a “game changer” when it came to critical patient care.
“The ability to dispatch international air ambulances directly from Napier to South Pacific nations significantly enhances aeromedical capability for the region,” NZAAS group chief executive Annabel Toogood said.
Not needing to clear Customs in Auckland helped create better access to specialised medical care and improved patient outcomes, she said.
Where the patient ended up depended on several factors, including their clinical needs, place of residence, and the availability of beds.
“If the patient requires intensive specialist care, they would be flown to a tertiary hospital.
“In this specific case, the patient, being a New Zealand citizen, required ongoing treatment and care in an Auckland Hospital. The decision is made with careful consideration of the patient’s medical requirements and the available healthcare resources.”
Toogood said this was just the start of the life-saving work that could go ahead as a result of the customs clearance in Napier.
“NZAAS remains committed to leveraging the new capabilities of Hawke’s Bay Airport’s Customs status to further enhance its services and contribute to improved emergency medical response across the South Pacific region.”
New Zealand Air Ambulance Service is the largest aeromedical provider in New Zealand, with headquarters located at Hawke’s Bay Airport and aircraft across six NZ bases.
Their largest jet, the citation sovereign, is based in Napier and has a range that allows aeromedical retrievals from as far away as Hawaii.
Mitchell Hageman joined Hawke’s Bay Today in late January. From his Napier base, he writes regularly on social issues, arts and culture, and the community. He has a particular love for stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
