3 minute read
Emergency Medical Response across Namibia
from FlyNamibia May 2022
Medical Rescue Africa (MRA) is not only Namibia’s leading fixed-wing aeromedical evacuation company but it has also partnered with innovative medical service company Macquarie Medical Care, whose flagship telemedicine offering Dr MacQ, is to offer even greater advantages and services to both companies' clients.
This exciting integrated healthcare model can coordinate and provide healthcare services in several instances to provide better medical and emergency care to patients across Namibia.
In an emergency response case the site paramedic and/ or nurse will typically see a patient as the first responder and determine the need for further telemedicine support from Dr MacQ Online Doctors as required. In a severe case, a medical evacuation will be activated as per Emergency Response Plan triage protocols. In the event of a medevac, Macquarie Medical Care will coordinate referral to the appropriate level of care.
The partnership also allows for onsite primary clinic care. Onsite staff can consult Dr MacQ Online Doctors for minor injuries or primary care illnesses through a video conference facility with diagnosis and care augmented by the onsite nurse or paramedic. Under the supervision of the nurse or paramedic, essential medication placed by Macquarie onsite allows for prompt dispensing to the patient. Medication is dispensed using a proprietary codified dispensing system which mitigates the risks of any dispensing errors.
Furthermore, occupational health-related services for pre and post-employment/deployment medicals, as well as annual or periodic medicals, are available as necessary. The determination of operational risks and occupational health requirements from a legislative and best-practice point of view can inform the appropriate level of occupational health and medical surveillance, all in an integrated evidence based manner.
Dr MacQ, powered by Macquarie Medical Care, is Namibia’s first telemedicine service offering, providing a much-needed resource for companies such as lodges or mines operating in remote locations. Having 24-hour access to online consultations with Dr MacQ Online Doctors as well as access to an onsite proprietary codified dispensing system allows immediate professional medical care to employees, optimising their onsite health and efficiency. The agreement with MRA extends Macquarie Medical Care’s clients access to emergency evacuations for critically ill and injured patients.
MRA is based at Eros Airport in Windhoek and focuses on the provision of innovative medical emergency evacuation solutions to various customers across the continent as well as aeromedical services through a network of skilled paramedics, nurses and emergency doctors.
Through Westair Aviation, MRA has a dedicated fleet of air ambulance aircraft on standby which can land on unimproved airstrips and operate at night as well as in bad weather conditions. Aircrews undergo regular refresher training, and all operations comply with the highest safety and quality standards.
