What are the emergency medical services like in Portugal?

Post ByAdequate Travel

Summary
Are you looking for more information about the quality of emergency medical services in Portugal? Portugal is well known for its picturesque landscape, bustling cities, and rich culture. But what many don't realize is that the country also boasts a top-quality emergency medical services system. In this blog, we'll be exploring what that system looks like. Keep in mind that travel guidelines and travel rules may change anytime, so regularly check for updates to ensure a hassle-free and memorable travel experience.

Emergency Medical Services in Portugal

Emergency medical services in Portugal are provided by the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM), which is responsible for coordinating and delivering emergency medical care throughout the country.

1. Ambulance Services

INEM operates a fleet of ambulances that can be dispatched in case of medical emergencies. The ambulances are equipped with necessary medical equipment and staffed by trained paramedics who can provide pre-hospital care and transport patients to the nearest appropriate medical facility.

2. Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS)

Portugal also has a HEMS system in place, known as the INEM Air Unit. This service utilizes helicopters to provide rapid medical assistance and transport in remote or inaccessible areas, as well as in major urban centers.

For example, if someone gets injured while hiking in a remote mountain area, the HEMS can be dispatched to provide emergency medical care and transport them to a hospital quickly.

3. Emergency Medical Dispatch Centers

INEM operates emergency medical dispatch centers across the country, available 24/7, where trained operators receive emergency calls and dispatch the appropriate resources to the scene. These centers play a crucial role in coordinating the response and providing medical instructions over the phone, if needed, until the medical team arrives.

For instance, if someone calls the emergency number 112 to report a heart attack, the operator will gather necessary information and dispatch an ambulance with the required medical equipment and personnel.

4. Coordination with Hospitals

INEM works closely with hospitals to ensure seamless coordination and quality of care. Hospitals in Portugal have designated emergency departments equipped to handle a range of medical emergencies, and they collaborate with INEM to receive and treat patients on arrival.

For example, after an accident, the ambulance will transport the injured person to the nearest hospital equipped to handle the specific injuries, such as a trauma center.

5. Advanced Life Support and Specialized Units

INEM also operates advanced life support units, including medical motorcycles and medical response cars, in urban areas. These units can provide immediate medical intervention in congested or hard-to-reach locations, improving response times and patient outcomes.

Furthermore, Portugal has specialized units like the Heavy Emergency Medical and Extraction Teams (HEET), which are trained to extract and provide medical assistance in complex or challenging rescue scenarios like vehicle accidents or collapsed structures.

Overall, emergency medical services in Portugal are well-organized, equipped with modern medical technologies, and staffed by trained professionals to ensure timely and effective response to any medical emergency.It's essential to stay updated with international travel information, especially when planning a foreign trip, to navigate any changes in travel advisory or travel warnings.

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