Ep 286 - Building HEMS in Northern Ireland: Systems, People, and the Legacy of John Hinds with Nigel Ruddell at BASICs 2025

The development of Northern Ireland's Air Ambulance service is explored, highlighting the collaborative effort between the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland Charity and the NHS. Nigel Ruddell, Medical Director for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, discusses the challenges and triumphs of establishing a HEMS service in a rural region, emphasizing the critical role of passionate individuals and the legacy of John Hinds. The conversation details the unique funding model, where the charity manages aviation aspects while the NHS provides clinical staff. Dispatch protocols are examined, including the use of video conferencing via the GoodSAM app to improve response accuracy. Cross-border collaborations with the National Ambulance Service of Ireland are also noted, particularly in disaster response scenarios.