Doha, 20 March 2012: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) today unveiled the first of a new fleet of 100 emergency ambulances that will be on the road in Qatar from next month

Built to world class specifications, the new vehicles have narrower bodies to enable faster progress through traffic, enhanced warning systems, vastly improved safety features for all occupants, and a new, state-of-the-art stretcher system. They are carefully  designed to help the crew deliver improved care at the roadside and on the move and to enhance the patient's experience and safety whilst on board.

Every new vehicle is  fitted with GPS location technology that will  help shorten  response times and  electronic data transmission to enable fast  transfer of clinical information  direct to the hospital, in advance of arrival. They will also have  mechanical heart and lung resuscitation equipment  that will benefit  patients who have had a heart attack..

The HMC Ambulance Service is the first national ambulance service to fully implement these cutting edge technologies across a whole fleet of vehicles.

Based on a Merecedes-Benz chassis, the new vehicles  will be part of a bigger specialized fleet that already includes Toyota Landcruiser Prado rapid response vehicles, specialized Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) vehicles, and mountain bikes and quad bikes for difficult-to-access areas. These ground-based resources are supported by the Lifeflight Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).

HMC Managing Director Hanan Al Kuwari PhD speaking after the official launch, said the new fleet ensured the Ambulance Service was well equipped to serve the people of Qatar in any emergency situation.

 "Our Ambulance Service personnel  are on the front line, saving lives every day. We know the best way to help them save more lives and do an even better job is to equip them with the best possible tools"   Dr. Al Kuwari said. "This new fleet demonstrates HMC's commitment to deploying the latest technology and medical advancements in our 24/7 efforts to save lives" she said.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ambulance Service, Dr. Robert Owen explained that the arrival, is the latest step in a range of improvements including establishment of a critical care paramedic program, expansion of the Lifeflight program and a re-organisation  of ambulance deployments across the country

"The new vehicles are smaller, faster and able to negotiate narrow streets and other terrain and have been customized especially for conditions in Qatar," he said.

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About HMC:
Hamad Medical Corporation is the premier non-profit health care provider in Doha, Qatar.  It was established by Emiri decree in 1979 and manages eight highly specialized hospitals, namely, Hamad General Hospital, Rumailah Hospital, Women's Hospital, Al Amal Hospital, Heart Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital, the Cuban Hospital and Al Khor Hospital.  Since its establishment, HMC has rapidly developed medical facilities capable of providing state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of diseases that previously could only be managed in overseas medical centers.

HMC prides itself in providing quality and cost efficient health care for all patients regardless of nationality, in line with the State of Qatar's pledge of "Health for All".  For this purpose, the Corporation implements a policy of continuous improvement of all management systems and patient care protocols. HMC's ethos is based on three key pillars which are Health, Education and Research.

For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communications Department
Hamad Medical Corporation
Tel. No.: +974 4439 6126
Fax No.: +974 4439 5002
www.hmc.org.qa

© Press Release 2012