Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure aeromedical (helicopter) services for three helicopters and one fixed wing air ambulance on an adhoc basis, for the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDOH) EMS over a period of 36 months. The services aim to provide emergency medical response, patient evacuation, inter-facility transfers, disaster rescue, and outreach services across specified areas within the Eastern Cape Province.

Scope

The scope includes:

• Provision of three (3) SACAA-registered helicopters configured for aeromedical response, available daily (daylight hours), with dedicated pilots and medical crew, to respond immediately to emergencies within and outside the Eastern Cape.
• Provision of one fixed wing air ambulance on an adhoc basis for bed-to-bed patient transfers within and outside the province.
• Operational requirements covering aircraft configuration, maintenance, insurance, communication equipment, and compliance with South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulations.
• Management and coordination of services through a dedicated Aero Medical Management Committee (AMC).
• Adherence to specified response times, safety standards, and medical standards as per the specifications.

Technical Requirements

The technical specifications include:

• Aircraft Registration & Certification:
  • Helicopters must be registered with SACAA, not older than 20 years from first registration.
  • Fixed wing aircraft must hold valid Part 135 and Part 138 licenses with a minimum of 1000 flight hours in command.
• Aircraft Configuration:
  • Helicopters must be configured for emergency medical response, with space for two patients (mother and child), medical attendants, and medical equipment.
  • Fixed wing aircraft must be pressurized, capable of accommodating medical personnel, patients, and necessary medical equipment, including oxygen and ventilator support.
• Medical Crew:
  • Qualified medical personnel including doctors with ACLS/ATLS/PALS, current HPCSA registration, and SACAA compliance.
• Response Time:
  • Maximum mobilization time of 10 minutes for helicopters and 1 hour for fixed wing aircraft from receipt of notification.
• Insurance:
  • Comprehensive third-party liability and insurance cover for crew, passengers, and patients.
• Operational Standards:
  • Aircraft must have communication equipment functioning on all EMS radio channels without interference.
  • Aircraft maintenance schedules, contingency plans, and safety standards must be adhered to.

Skills Requirements

The tender specifies the following skills and qualifications:

• Pilots:
  • Minimum of 1000 flying hours experience, SACAA-licensed, with endorsement Part 127 and Part 138.
• Medical Personnel:
  • Doctors with ACLS/ATLS/PALS, current HPCSA registration, and pre-hospital emergency experience.
• Operational Staff:
  • Qualified ground and medical staff capable of operating and maintaining medical and communication equipment.