Oppenheimer Helicopter Recruited for Medical Emergencies

Dr Laubscher, Medical Director of Netcare, with Oppenheimer standing in front of his helicopter at the launch

(IDEX Online News) – When Nicky Oppenheimer’s AgustaWestland 139 helicopter was used to evacuate a seriously injured woman from a farm in Limpopo province, a new idea was born that would greatly benefit South Africans in distress. 

The idea, which ensures that South Africans in the remotest regions of the country will have access to an emergency helicopter service without equal, is the brainchild of Oppenheimer, Chairman of De Beers and an intrepid young doctor, Dr Anchen Laubscher, Medical Director of Netcare 911.

Dr Laubscher served on the mission to assist and evacuate the seriously injured patient to Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg. It was during this flight that she noted the considerable capabilities of the AgustaWestland helicopter.

She found a receptive ear in the philanthropic businessman who did not hesitate to make his long-ranged twin-engined helicopter available. Oppenheimer went a step further by reconfiguring the aircraft so that it could transport three patients and a medical team of eight.

Commenting on the initiative, Oppenheimer said that he wanted to find a way to contribute to the country and its people. "We thought that a long-range service, which could evacuate patients from remote areas would make a tangible difference when it comes to saving lives,” says Oppenheimer.

The project, which was launched in Johannesburg yesterday (Wednesday), is expected to make emergency medical services more accessible to South Africans in dire need.

Dr Laubscher observes that the long range helicopter allows patients to be transported from further afield than was previously possible and therefore greatly enhances the capabilities of the Netcare 911 helicopter emergency service (HEMS).

Six pilots of Anglo American Aviation have been trained to pilot the helicopter during medical operations. This training included CPR, infection control and assisting during emergencies. Netcare 911 HEMS doctors and paramedics will be used to provide the medical assistance on the flights.

Oppenheimer purchased the helicopter in Ital in September 2006. Wishing to ‘Africanize’ it, he commissioned artist Pippa Skotnes to decorate it. It is now adorned with the images of a dream of a Bushman spirit.