Lisbon, Sept. 3, 2024 (Lusa) - Portugal's National Institute for Medical Emergency (INEM) said on Tuesday that the contract with Avincis for the helicopter assistance service requires the equipment to be replaced within 24 hours following Monday's accident in Mondim de Basto.

"The contract with Avincis for the leasing of aerial resources and the acquisition of services for the operation, management of permanent airworthiness and maintenance of the aircraft provides for the aircraft to be replaced within 24 hours. So far, this replacement has not taken place," INEM said in a statement, adding that it is in contact with the operator to restore the emergency service “as soon as possible”.

The accident occurred at 12.55 p.m. on Monday when the AW139 aircraft - based at the Macedo de Cavaleiros base - was preparing to land in Mondim de Basto to help an injured worker in a quarry.

On board were four crew members - pilot, co-pilot, doctor and nurse - who, according to information provided after the accident by the National Institute for Medical Emergency (INEM), were transported to Vila Real Hospital as a precaution and have been discharged from hospital.

"As it was impossible to replace the aircraft immediately, INEM asked the operator to ensure that teams of pilots could be deployed in Viseu, to fly the helicopter at night, and is awaiting a response," the statement said.

The medical emergency system contracted between INEM and Avincis consists of two helicopters operating in 24-hour shifts - from the Macedo de Cavaleiros and Loulé bases - and another two helicopters in 12-hour shifts based at the Viseu and Évora bases. With this accident, helicopter rescue is reduced to three aircraft and only one permanently in the south of the country.

JGO/ADB // ADB.

Lusa