AAMS and ISAS Forge Landmark Agreement

Alexandria, VA – The Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) and the International Society of Aeromedical Services (Australasia), also known as ISAS, have signed a ground-breaking agreement to collaborate on international initiatives that will enhance the provision of air-medical transport services worldwide. The Memo of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the U.S.-based AAMS and ISAS, a non-profit association registered in New South Wales, Australia, during the Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC), held Oct. 26-28, 2009, in San Jose, Calif.

Both organizations have agreed to exchange organizational and scientific information that will enhance standard setting in air rescue, air medicine and air medical transport. The MOU also formalizes a collaborative process aimed at improving the care of patients transported by air; providing opportunities for persons involved in air-medical services to expand their knowledge base; fostering and promoting research into air-medical services; and promoting communication and relations with other international air-medical organizations. Benefits of the MOU include complimentary mutual membership in the other party’s organization, information sharing, consultation on strategic priorities and issues of common interest, and participation in training initiatives and events.

In addition, ISAS signed a similar agreement with the European HEMS and Air Ambulance Committee (EHAC) in early October. AAMS and EHAC also have an MOU that was established during the international AirMed conference in Prague, Czech Republic, in May 2008. The new ISAS agreements will allow further international collaboration between the three organizations as well as achieve the supportive goals of AAMS’ charitable and research arm, MedEvac Foundation International.

ISAS was founded in 1985 and AAMS was established in 1980. For details regarding ISAS, see www.isas.org.au; for more on AAMS, see www.aams.org; and for information on MedEvac Foundation International, see www.MedEvacFoundation.org.