That’s right, we hope our clients (or anyone for that matter) never need to be airlifted off Mount Kilimanjaro. However, if a helicopter evacuation is required due to the situation, then you’ll have peace of mind to know that we have you covered. We use AMREF Flying Doctors for our helicopter evacuation company.
What is AMREF Flying Doctors?
AMREF Flying Doctors is the leading provider of fixed-wing air ambulance services in Africa. They have been in the aeromedical transport industry for more than 60 years. Their base of operations is out of Wilson Airport in Nairobi, Kenya.
They have a fully owned fleet of aircraft ranging from short field Pilatus PC 12 to long-range jet aircraft including Citation Bravo and Citation XLS. The fleet is available to evacuate patients from remote bush airstrips, Kilimanjaro helicopter evacuation points, as well as to repatriate patients by jet air ambulance to other continents.
They have a fully equipped and dedicated air ambulance fleet. They operate several Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ground Ambulances and a 24/7 Operations and Emergency Control Centre (OECC).
The European Aeromedical Institute (EURAMI) has recognized AMREF Flying Doctors for its high professional standards. It has received the prestigious ITIJ Air Ambulance Provider of the Year award twice.
Furthermore, any additional revenue generated by AMREF Flying Doctors goes to support Amref Health Africa’s humanitarian work. It is crucial in helping the organization achieve its mission of lasting health change in Africa.
Air Evacuation Procedures
If a client is in need of an air evacuation, our Chief Guide will contact our office in Arusha. They in turn will contact AMREF. AMREF will quickly dispatch a helicopter to one of the evacuation sites on Kilimanjaro. While they are in flight, our guides and porters will assist you to the closest helicopter pad either by assisted walking or on a mobile stretcher. Due to the extreme elevation, a helicopter usually cannot fly near an injured person. The mountain has several evacuation points. The mountain staff will take the person to the closet point.
Once aboard the aircraft, the doctors will assess the patient. Depending on the severity of the injury or illness, AMREF will fly the patient to Arusha, Nairobi, or even South Africa for treatment.
Travel Insurance
For our clients to be covered by AMREF, they must have proof of travel insurance. We will collect this at the initial trip briefing and register you with AMREF. In case you are not conscious when picked up, we have you fill out and carry an emergency card with you at all times.
You must fill out a client form and have travel insurance in order for AMREF to register you.
Again, we hope you never need it, but if you do, we have provided AMREF Flying Doctors Evacuation Insurance in the climb price.
