Gulf Med Aviation Services (GMAS), part of the Medilink International Group, continues to play a growing role in Ireland’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) network, supporting the HSE in delivering rapid emergency response missions across the country. Having commenced operations in January 2023, the company now operates from bases at Rathcoole and Sligo, undertaking around 500 missions annually, with numbers expected to rise as the new Sligo base enhances national coverage.
A recent article published by Medilink International highlights the demanding nature of HEMS flying in Ireland, where crews routinely contend with rapidly changing weather, challenging terrain and time-critical medical emergencies. The feature also recounts a remarkable 2024 mountain rescue mission in which a GMAS crew located and assisted an injured teenager in a remote valley after being guided to the scene by the casualty’s friend.
The article emphasises that successful HEMS operations rely on much more than skilled flying, bringing together pilots, medical personnel, engineers and support staff in a highly coordinated effort to ensure aircraft and crews are ready to respond whenever needed. It also explores the challenges of building and expanding such a service in Ireland amid global pilot shortages and increasing demand for emergency aviation services.
Read the full article here.
