The map menu display options include hospitals, Garda stations, airfields and helipads that are maintained in the HSE Service Directory which multi-sources, updates and classifies health related service data on a national basis. Potential hazards to aircraft such as overhead power lines (ESB Networks) and buildings (GeoDirectory) can be displayed. Maps can be printed or transmitted to other users via a “live link”. Distances in nautical miles and kilometres can be accurately displayed.

Special functions allow the Air Corps and Coast Guard to separately identify, document, moderate and display pre-determined landing zones (PDLZs) that are identified from their national surveys and suitable for their particular aircraft. A hardcopy of the rendezvous site map and associated details can be printed and carried on missions for reference purposes.

The process

Emergency 112 or 999 calls are routed as appropriate to the HSE National Aero-Medical Control Centre (NACC) which liaises with the Air Corps or Coast Guard according to standard operating procedures (SOPS).

• The patient’s address/locality is entered in the Address Finder (GeoDirectory & OSI Gazetteer) or the Service Directory (HSE). The matching address/locality is selected and pinpointed on the map.
• A single click over a local service (e.g. Garda station) reveals the address/telephone number so local assistance (e.g. securing the helisite) or local information can be sought.
• Aerial photographs are selected and the overhead power cables and buildings are displayed.
• Potential helicopter landing zones such as a sports ground or large field are noted and the target icon is moved to the location. The latitude and longitude are displayed and radioed to the aircraft. Where a PDLZ is nearby, its unique identification number is used for ease and accuracy of inter agency communication of the rendezvous point.
• Final decisions on landing are made based on SOPs and pilot evaluation of conditions.

Summary

The Health Atlas Ireland Aero-Medical module is operational on a national basis and used daily. The novel system enables exceptional inter-agency coordination and has become an indispensible tool in the daily response to emergencies across the country.