Bulgaria is on track to enhance its emergency medical services with the arrival of a second air ambulance helicopter, scheduled for delivery in January 2025.
Dr. Georgi Deyanov, director of the Center for Emergency Medical Assistance by Air, provided this update during an interview on BNT.
The center has already conducted 32 missions since its inaugural operation on June 4, underscoring the urgent need for air medical support in the region.
The upcoming helicopter will be stationed in Sliven, while a third helicopter is anticipated to arrive in February.
However, Dr. Deyanov pointed out that delays in delivery stem from production issues related to parts and components, a challenge that has affected many sectors globally.
Despite the progress in expanding the air ambulance fleet, the center faces ongoing challenges in recruiting sufficient medical personnel to operate the helicopters effectively.
Currently, the center’s regional base is staffed with only seven doctors and six nurses, which limits the operational capacity to four 12-hour shifts each day. This staffing shortfall poses a significant hurdle to providing timely and efficient emergency medical services.
Dr. Deyanov emphasized the critical nature of their work, explaining that the medical staff on board the helicopters must possess a diverse skill set. “They need decisiveness, confidence, discipline, and effective communication,” he stated.
The confined space within the helicopter complicates their ability to provide comprehensive care during transport.
Consequently, the primary objective of the air ambulance service is to facilitate the swift transfer of patients between medical facilities, particularly in emergencies.
The helicopter teams consist of one doctor, one nurse, and a flight crew member. While they are trained to handle a variety of emergencies, Dr. Deyanov acknowledged that the helicopter’s response capabilities are limited, which can sometimes necessitate emergency landings in critical situations. Fortunately, he reported that there have been no incidents requiring such measures thus far.
In recognition of his contributions to the field, Dr. Deyanov was recently awarded the “Stefan Cherkezov” award for Doctor of the Year. This accolade reflects his dedication and commitment to improving emergency medical services in Bulgaria.
As the country gears up for the arrival of the new helicopters, the focus remains on enhancing the quality of air medical care while addressing the critical staffing shortages.
Dr. Deyanov and his team continue to advocate for increased recruitment efforts to ensure that the air ambulance service can operate at full capacity, ultimately saving more lives in emergency situations.
In a broader context, Bulgaria’s initiative to expand its air ambulance capabilities comes amid a growing recognition of the importance of rapid medical intervention in life-threatening situations.
As the nation prepares for the arrival of the second helicopter, the emphasis on recruitment and training will be essential to the success of the program and the well-being of its citizens.