ProMedical has provided paramedic services in Port Vila, Vanuatu since September 2000.
Over that time the scope of the service has grown to include 24-hour ambulance, local & overseas medevac, hyperbarics and first aid training. ProMedical has now provided Advanced Life Support care for patients transported over 160,000 km by road, sea and air.
Responsibility for ProMedical's operations were assumed by the Vanuatu Emergency Medical Services Association (VEMSA) on 1 January 2004. As a non-government organisation and registered local charity, VEMSA aims to provide continued access to international standard ambulance services for the benefit of the Port Vila community and Vanuatu as a whole.
VEMSA is funded entirely by subscriptions, donations and fees for service. No support has been received from government, statutory bodies, aid donors or other grants (despite the obvious contribution towards medical infrastructure and disaster
Updated 12 Jun 2004
"here to help"
preparedness).
Vanuatu is a small island nation in the south-west Pacific, situated between New Caledonia and Fiji. Until 1980 it was known as the New Hebrides and administered by a joint British-French condominium. It is now an independent republic and member of the Commonwealth.
There are 83 islands stretching 900 km north-south. The population of almost 200,000 is spread over 63 of these islands. The capital of Vanuatu is Port Vila, which is located on the island of Efaté. Vanuatu is a developing country and relies heavily on overseas financial aid and technical assistance. Tourism is a major source of income.
There is a hospital with surgical facilities in Port Vila and a small number of private practitioners. Travellers to Vanuatu are advised to take malaria chemoprophylaxis and sensible precautions.
Insurance for medical evacuation including air ambulance is essential. DO NOT CONSIDER VISITING VANUATU WITHOUT THIS COVER! Make sure that other people can access your insurance details quickly if required.
Divers in particular should make certain their insurance covers the intended type and depth of diving activities. Members of DAN are urged to confirm that they hold suitable insurance (DAN or other) in addition to DAN membership - do not confuse the two.
Current travel advice from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) can be accessed by clicking here.