New air ambulance in Nova Scotia transfers non-critical patients to Halifax for tests, treatments
A new plane is transporting hundreds of non-critical patients to Halifax, saving time and keeping ambulances in their communities.
The Air Medical Transport Service (AMTS) was launched in August 2023 and transfers patients from Yarmouth and Sydney to the province's capital for tests and treatments.
"It was approved with the concept that we would be able to keep more ambulances in their home communities, saving the long transport times for paramedics and patients, (and) utilizing less resources," said Colin Flynn, senior manager with EHS LifeFlight.
According to Flynn, Nova Scotia's regular LifeFlight program consists of two helicopters, two fixed-wing aircrafts, two ground ambulances and now, the non-critical plane.
"This is a new fixed-wing plane that has been added to the program to accommodate these multi-patient transports," he explained.
The flight time in the new plane will take about an hour each way, compared to about five hours by ambulance.
The new plane can carry two to four patients per trip and makes three round trips per day.
"From August when we launched to current day, we've moved 852 patients and that has resulted in over 8,000 hours of ambulances back in communities where they can support local patient movements and 911 calls," said Flynn.
"Great benefit to our paramedics staff as well, where they are able to actually start and end their shifts in their home communities."
Loren Pearce is an advanced care paramedic who works in the new non-critical patient plane. He says not only is it helping paramedics on the ground but it's making a big difference for their patients as well.
"Everyone has such a positive experience. It sure beats the heck out of a five-hour drive from Sydney. It has made a tremendous difference," said Pearce.
"With patients able to get up in the morning, have their breakfast, jump on an aircraft, make it to Halifax and then be home for supper is definitely heartwarming," said Flynn.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6657932.1700765570!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
BREAKING Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
EXCLUSIVE Canadian company at the centre of alleged international pyramid scheme: authorities
Foreign governments say hundreds of thousands of people in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka lost savings to a company headquartered in Canada. This investigation from the IJF and CTV News shines a new light on how Canadian shell companies and registries were used to pull off the scheme.
Pennsylvania state police commissioner reveals stunning details about Trump shooting
A local law enforcement commissioner revealed during a House Homeland Security hearing on Tuesday stunning new details about the security failures that led to the near assassination of Donald Trump, raising more questions for the embattled U.S. Secret Service.
BREAKING Host city revealed for 2034 Winter Olympic Games
Salt Lake City was awarded the 2034 Winter Olympic Games on Wednesday following a vote of the International Olympic Committee.
Plane crashes just after takeoff from Nepal's capital, killing 18 people. Pilot is lone survivor
A plane crashed Wednesday just after taking off from Nepal’s capital, killing 18 people and injuring a pilot who was the lone survivor.
Laws that could get Canadians in trouble in tourism hotspots
There are some laws in popular tourist destinations around the world that could land Canadian travellers in mild-to-serious trouble if they're not careful. Don't let these local laws land you in hot water during your next vacation abroad.
Why Toronto is a special place for 'Deadpool & Wolverine' star Hugh Jackman
Toronto has a special place in Hugh Jackman's heart. During an exclusive interview with Etalk in front of dozens of fans gathered in the parking lot of 299 Queen Street West on Tuesday, the Australian actor shared that the city was where his Wolverine journey began.
The Old Farmers' Almanac just released Ontario's fall forecast. Here's what to expect
A 'frosty' fall is in store for Ontario, according to a newly released forecast from the Old Farmers’ Almanac.
PC Optimum customers claim they can't delete accounts; privacy commissioner probing
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada says it’s opened an investigation into allegations that some Loblaw customers have been unable to delete their PC Optimum accounts.