Abu Dhabi, 2014-8-28 — /Travel PR News/ — An ambulance service for Etihad Airways began operations in Abu Dhabi today, as part of the airline’s commitment to provide world-class medical emergency response for its employees.
Based at the Etihad Airways Medical Centre in Etihad Plaza, the high-tech ambulance provides a 24/7 emergency medical service for the airline’s employees in the capital city. From today, employees can dial a special emergency number to call the ambulance.
Operated by Abu Dhabi’s National Ambulance, the service is staffed by professionally trained and experienced emergency medical technicians (EMT).
National Ambulance is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), is fully licensed by the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi and has also attained ISO standards accreditations of 9001, 14001 and OHSAS 18001.
Ray Gammell, Etihad Airways’ Chief People and Performance Officer, said: “The launch of this unique service is part of our expanding employee healthcare program, aimed at providing our employees with the right care at the right time.
“The new ambulance joins a range of best-in-class services for our employees, which support their health and wellbeing, and include fitness programs, family visa application assistance, children’s education assistance and an on-site nursery.
“We take our duty of care very seriously. This service reinforces Etihad Airways as an employer of choice and reflects our commitment to the ongoing wellbeing of our employees.”
The ambulance is fitted with modern medical emergency equipment and supplies including heart defibrillators, oxygen cylinders, intravenous drips, spinal and traction splints, foldable stretchers and medicines.
Dr Nadia Bastaki, Etihad Airways’ Vice President of Medical Services, said: “In a medical emergency, we recognise the importance of providing a rapid response. Treatment starts as soon as the patient is onboard the ambulance and continues on the journey to the hospital.
“Our number one priority is to provide an optimal level of care for an employee needing emergency support, which our EMTs are fully trained to deliver.”
Employee medical services have been offered since 2004 with the Etihad Airways Medical Centre opening in 2010. Staffed by nearly 30 medical experts including 10 doctors, the Centre provides top quality medical services for 13,800 of the airline’s Abu Dhabi-based employees including radiology, full laboratory services, physiotherapy, mammography, dental, nutrition counselling, primary care and aviation health services.
The Centre, regulated by HAAD and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), is recognised as one the leading aero-medical centres in the UAE and was awarded the ‘Clinic of the Year 2013’ by GCAA last year. The Medical Centre has successfully run numerous health awareness campaigns for Etihad Airways’ employees and their dependents.
Mohammed Ibrahim Al Ameri, Chairman of the Board of National Ambulance, said: “This partnership highlights the ambition of both organisations to provide Etihad Airways’ employees with the best pre-hospital care.”
Robert Ball, National Ambulance CEO, added: “We are privileged to provide our services to Etihad Airways and believe our dedicated and highly capable team with vast experience in rapid emergency response will greatly benefit Etihad Airways.”
The National Ambulance Company is a semi-government organisation with an Australian strategic partner, Aspen Medical, and is the leading national provider of pre-hospital care in the UAE.
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About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2013 carried 11.5 million passengers. From its Abu Dhabi base Etihad Airways flies to 108 existing or announced passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of 102 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and more than 210 aircraft on firm order, including 71 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s and 10 Airbus A380s. Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia, Aer Lingus, Air Serbia and Jet Airways, and is in the process of formalising equity investments in Alitalia and Swiss-based Etihad Regional*. For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com
*Operated by Darwin Airline
For more information contact:
Asif Khan, Etihad Airways Corporate Communications
Dir: +971 (0) 2 511 1543 / Mob: +971 50 812 1364
Email: AsifK@etihad.ae
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Senior Etihad Airways and National Ambulance executives pose with the new ambulance.