All smiles: Nga (left) with Dr Zaliha and Abdul Wahad (centre) posing with the ambulance helicopter after launching Emars and JBPM’s festive season safety campaign at AEON Shah Alam. — Bernama
SHAH ALAM: The operation of the first Emergency Medical Air Rescue Service (Emars) ambulance helicopter by the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), starting May 1, is expected to save the government RM15mil a year.
Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said the government spent about RM20mil a year on the services of private specialists in remote areas for rescue and medical work.
“This collaboration with the Health Ministry and the Department of Orang Asli Development in realising this Emars service will have a high impact on the quality of existing services, and even save national expenses with its RM5mil per year allocation,” Nga said.
Also present were Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa and JBPM director-general Datuk Abdul Wahab Mat Yasin, Bernama reported.
Nga said that the air ambulance service aims to meet the needs of emergency services, especially in rural areas and Orang Asli villages which are difficult to access by land, transport accident victims on the highway and transplant organs.
The air ambulance service uses an Agusta AW109E helicopter, which has been modified and is now equipped with emergency medical equipment, he said.
“The service will only be available in the peninsula thus far, as only one helicopter is involved,” said Nga.
“Additional Emars in the future will depend on the finances and allocation provided by the government.”
