Aeromedical Service

Operating from Port Moresby, one of St John’s most vital services is the aeromedical service, which provides emergency medical evacuation and transportation to people in Papua New Guinea and beyond.

The Aeromedical service is a comprehensive air ambulance service that provides medical transportation to both domestic and international destinations. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Medical Staff: The service is staffed by a team of experienced medical professionals, including PNG and Australian doctors, nurses, and paramedics. Our teams are highly skilled and are trained to work together to provide the best clinical care for our patients. Our doctors are specialists in emergency medicine, intensive care, or anaesthetics. Our nurses and paramedics are from ambulance, emergency and intensive care backgrounds and are aviation trained. Our missions are coordinated by our accomplished centralised operations centre in Port Moresby.

Patient-Centred Capabilities: The medical capabilities of the aeromedical service are extensive. The service is equipped with advanced medical equipment, including cardiac monitors, ventilators, and infusions. This equipment enables the medical staff to provide critical care to patients in flight, ensuring that they receive the highest level of care possible during transportation.

Repatriation: In addition to emergency medical evacuation, the aeromedical service also provides medical repatriation for patients who need to return to their home country for ongoing medical care. This service is particularly important for patients who require ongoing medical treatment for chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, or respiratory conditions.

Medical Escort: The Aeromedical service also provides medical escort services for patients on commercial flights who are unable to travel alone due to their medical condition. This service includes the provision of medical equipment and supplies, as well as the provision of medical staff to accompany the patient during their journey. Our team takes care of bookings, airline approvals and visas so the journey is as smooth as possible.

Range of Aircraft: The aeromedical service partners with a range of aircraft organisations ensuring capability in reach and range, from fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. This allows the service to transport patients from even the most remote locations, ensuring that they receive the medical care they need when they need it.

Between 2020 and 2022 the air ambulance service flew over 535 hours helping patients from 21 provinces and 6 countries.

Through its work, the aeromedical service is making a significant difference in the lives of the residents and visitors of Papua New Guinea, and we are proud to provide such a robust service for the nation and region.