AIR AMBULANCE TRAINING UPGRADES SKILLS

Released on September 14, 1995

Health Minister Lorne Calvert today commended Saskatchewan's air
ambulance service and restated the government's commitment to ensure
people across the province have secure access to help when it is
needed.

Calvert attended a seminar in Saskatoon where emergency air medical
staff are receiving certification for new techniques in patient care.
The new course, the first of its kind in Saskatchewan, is offered by
the Canadian Association of Aeromedical Transportation Systems, and
upgrades important skills for those involved in the air transport of
patients.

"Our air medical crew members have a long track record of providing
rapid and high-quality transportation and care for Saskatchewan
people," Calvert said. "This new standard of training will make the
air ambulance service even more effective."

Approximately 40 health professionals, including paramedics and nurses
from Saskatchewan's air ambulance service, and physicians, nurses and
emergency medical technicians from several northern communities, are
attending the three-day seminar.

The seminar includes information on how high altitude affects a
patient's condition, minimizing the risks of air travel for the
critically ill or injured, emergency search and rescue, and a review of
equipment and supplies used in the air.

Calvert noted that the air ambulance service will celebrate its 50th
anniversary in early 1996. The service is the oldest of its kind in
the world and has flown approximately 35,000 patients since its
inception in 1946.

The air ambulance program is based at the Saskatoon airport. The
program is funded by Saskatchewan Health and administered by Saskatoon
District Health and St. Paul's Hospital.

Air medical flights are equipped with monitoring equipment and medical
supplies similar to those found in an intensive care unit. The air
ambulance service is made up of a team of pilots and registered nurses.
Physicians, paramedics and respiratory therapists would also travel as
required.

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For more information, contact:

Mark Seland
Communications and Public Information
Saskatchewan Health
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-3825