SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service

The SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service Trust (AMS) a non-profit aero-medical rescue organisation working in partnership with the various Provincial Departments of Health in South Africa to ensure that the National Health System is strengthened through the provision of rescue, air ambulance and rural health outreach services. The mission of AMS is to facilitate access to healthcare to those rendered most vulnerable by geographical, social or economic inequity and in so doing, reduce vulnerability of at-risk communities and judiciously improve the quality of life. The AMS was established in 1966 by The South African Red Cross Society and formed into an Independent Trust in 1994. The AMS has grown into a comprehensive aero-medical service with a unique service delivery model, utilising volunteers, professionals, strong partnerships with the Departments of Health, not-for-profit organisations and the private sector to facilitate access to appropriate healthcare services for both the critically ill or injured persons and those requiring specialist medical expertise, especially from remote rural communities. The AMS is the only aero-medical operator in Southern Africa which offers a complete package of air-ambulance, health outreach and rescue services, using a mix of fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft and ground vehicles. The service has expanded to include Night Vision Systems (NVG’s) into the organisation’s helicopter operation. The extension of the programme is to ensure that the community has access to the helicopter 24 hours a day.