Doha, Qatar. 17 July 2012 – Gulf Helicopters Company (GHC) was recently awarded a five year contract by Qatar Petroleum (QP) for the provision of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) coverage in support of the offshore oil and gas industry in the State of Qatar.

Operating under the call sign “QP MED” the service has similarities with GHC’s successful LifeFlight (onshore) HEMS program, which is currently entering its fifth year of service and has already recorded over 1900 mission launched to date.

On 15 June 2012, GHC has entered into service two upgraded Bell 412 aircraft, which are equipped to “Advance Life Support” standards and are manned by emergency medical personnel from QP’s Medical Service Department. The Bell 412 EP type was selected due to its ruggedness reliability and capability to operate in more restrictive decks. The two aircrafts are equipped with multi-patient medical interiors and they are fitted with the Rescue Hoist.

Mr. Mohamed Al Mohannadi, Chief Executive of Gulf Helicopters Company, said: “This new air ambulance service is a vital safeguard to our offshore community, and the new contract provides for significant upgrades in response time and overall capabilities, ensuring that we can provide the highest quality and service standards to meet all emergency medical requirements, with significant enhancement to patient care in transport”.