The recent closure and subsequent reopening of the Berri helipad have reignited concerns about the accessibility of emergency medical services in regional South Australia. The helipad was temporarily closed for safety upgrades. These upgrades are necessary to continue compliance with new Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations, which are key to the air ambulance operations. Although it reopened a month later, the situation has drawn attention due to the tragic death of Jane Logos, who suffered a heart attack while awaiting air medical assistance.
The South Australian state government allocated USD 23 million to upgrade 13 regional hospital heli-pads, Berri included. Delays have plagued the upgrade process. Six helipads state-wide are completely built and waiting for final safety certification from helicopter operator Babcock to come on line. This includes Loxton, Murray Bridge, Mannum, Port Pirie, Victor Harbor, and Clare.
Impact of Delays on Emergency Services
These backlogs in helipad upgrade pose deep ramifications for healthcare in the regions. Just seven of those helipads have reopened—eighteen months after the escalation started on the upgrade process. Consequently, fears about swift access to emergency care are increasing.
Wayne Champion, CEO of the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network, raised a very good point about this. He pointed out that CASA requirements are not being met through the design and placement of the helipads.
“The design and location of the helipads is at odds with some of the CASA requirements and therefore some of those helipads haven’t yet been certified for use by the helicopter operator,” – Wayne Champion.
This disregard has caused third-party providers, first responders and the general public to worry about life-threatening backlogs and delays in emergencies. Community activist Paul Logos shared his anger over when the helipad would be reopened. He even argued that had it been finished earlier, his wife would still be alive.
“Had [the helipad] been finished on time, then it might have prevented a serious incident where a lady lost her life,” – Paul Logos.
The Tragic Case of Jane Logos
On September 20, Jane Logos died while waiting about four hours for an air ambulance to respond. Her husband, Paul, has already been asking the questions. It pains him to think she might have survived had the Berri helipad actually been functional when needed.
In his testimony, he spelled out the need for 24/7 access to air medical assets on the front lines in critical life and death moments.
“A helipad could, quite possibly, have saved her life,” – Paul Logos.
He told the adoring crowd that day about the importance of swift medical treatment. When lives are on the line, every minute makes a difference.
“The further you go, the less chance that you’ve got of surviving in a critical situation,” – Paul Logos.
This heartbreaking case has thrown glaring light on the inequalities in the provision of healthcare services between metro-Adelaide and regional South Australia.
Government and Community Responses
Community leaders and advocates have expressed their outrage about the focusing of healthcare resources in South Australia. Rep. Tim Whetstone (R), a local representative, emphasized the large chasm of separation. He noted that government priorities are almost polar opposites between major metropolitan areas and rural, regional parts of the country.
“There is definitely a divide between the government’s priorities in metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia,” – Tim Whetstone.
To be effective, officials warn that helicopter operators need to check safety certifications for the helipads. At the same time, residents are understandably worried since additional delays may affect emergency services.
Chris Picton Government MPs and Ministers had to concede the difficulty of an appropriate certification process for helipads used in this way.
“These are not decisions that the government or SA Health can make; these are up to helicopter operators themselves to certify that they can open,” – Chris Picton.
Wayne Champion noted that resolutions to these issues may require negotiations with landowners regarding nearby facilities affected by rotor downwash during helicopter operations.
