Helicopter Emergency Medical Service

The VU University Medical Center was the first hospital with a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). This Mobile Medical Team (MMT) started in May 1995 and was initiated by a collaboration of the ANWB/Medical Air Assistance (MAA) and the VUmc. The trauma helicopter of VUmc, the Lifeliner I, is stationed on the roof of the IC-tower of the hospital. In two minutes after an emergency call, members of the MMT are airborne for trauma support. The MMT consists of a medical specialist, a nurse and a pilot or ambulance driver. Furthermore, in the MMT, anesthesiologists and surgeons closely collaborate. The Lifeliner I of VUmc serves an area with a radius of 100 km around Amsterdam including part of the Waddeneilanden. All areas within this radius are reached within 15-20 minutes by helicopter or ground ambulance.

For further information about the trauma helicopter and MMT you may contact Herman Christiaans, Chief Doctor of the MMT Lifeliner I. You may also visit the website of the trauma center Northwest Netherlands.