SMN News managed to obtain a copy of a memo that was sent to the operators of at least three air ambulances that were registered as "PJ" and providing air ambulance services between St. Maarten and the BES Islands. The three companies are WINAIR, Windward Island Express, and Jet Budget.
Dr. Best informed the providers and owners of the aircrafts that based on the Health Care Ordinance article 1 (PB 2007-19) an air ambulance is considered as a health care institution, therefore the ordinance is applicable to those companies that provide air ambulance service.
Dr. Best further stated in his memo that in addition to the Health Care ordinance, health care institutions, the ordinance on ambulance transportation (AB 2000 no.81) includes transportation by air and provides regulations for air ambulance transportations. Furthermore, the ordinance prescribes that a permit is required to transport patients via the air. The request to obtain such permits must be submitted at the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Best said of the three companies operating on St. Maarten, only Jet Budget applied for an air ambulance license and it was granted. The inspector general further explained that chapter 3 from article 8 to 14 of said ordinance describes the quality and requirements of the institution (aircraft). The memo further stated that based on international regulations more detailed requirements were formulated by the Inspectorate and the Department of Public Health.
The Inspector General made clear in his memo that all air ambulances that are registered on St. Maarten as "PJ" must comply with all the requirements for AOC as prescribed by the aviation and health care regulations. Companies wishing to conduct air ambulance services must obtain the necessary licenses as it is mandatory. Air Ambulances that are not registered on St. Maarten but renders services to Saba and Statia patients that are transported to St. Maarten must comply with the Dutch legislation, whereby they must apply for their permit through the Dutch health care services.
Click here to view the legislation on Air Ambulances.