I am pleased to say I have been a member of the board of directors of Bermuda Air Medivac (BAM) since 2008. I was pleased to see the rationale for the likely demise of Bermuda Air Medivac made public by The Royal Gazette on Monday.I hope this recent publicity sparks responses that will ensure the continuation of seven years of remarkable service. I sincerely hope the dream for a Bermuda-based air ambulance for Bermudians does not die.The dream was based on a sound business plan. It is an unfortunate reality that, for the foreseeable future, some Bermudians will need an air ambulance service. From its beginnings, BAM was certified as competent to provide a safe air ambulance service.The Argus Group and GEHI (Government Employee Health Insurance) are to be congratulated for supporting a Bermudian-owned and operated business. The vast majority of patients requiring an air ambulance are insured by Argus, GEHI and HIP (Health Insurance Plan).Argus and GEHI have a contract with CMN Global, a Canadian company, to coordinate air transport for their patients. When BAM began operations, CMN assigned almost all its Bermudian patients to BAM because BAM was (and is) competitive and on the Island.After CMN was acquired by a European conglomerate, CMN changed its process so that the quickest time for patients to leave Bermuda no longer was the deciding factor. This change is the most significant factor in the substantial decline in the number of patients assigned to BAM and is a change from the assumptions on which BAM’s business plan was based. It is also worth noting that the extra time it takes to get a plane here from the US or elsewhere could put patients’ wellbeing at unnecessary risk.For the record, BF&M’s public position on not using BAM until it has CAMTS (Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems) accreditation is, at best, misleading.When some BF&M patients and/or physicians have insisted on being transported by BAM (because it was available and, obviously, professional), BF&M has agreed.Not all air ambulances used by Bermuda’s insurers are accredited by either of the two major accrediting agencies. However, in line with BAM’s passion for ensuring high standards, BAM requires ongoing staff development and submits to regular reviews of its operations. I confidently expect that BAM will pass its next review with flying colours, as they did on their initial assessment. This review would result, incidentally, in accreditation by CAMTS.The dream was that Bermuda would have a cost-effective, safe and professional air ambulance based in Bermuda for the long term. Eloise Bell and Sheldon Smith do not want to walk away from this business, supported by the late David Barber. They are looking to the future and planning for smooth succession. Like it or not, they are ageing, as we all are.When BAM began operations there had never been a Bermuda-based air ambulance. When BAM began operations there were no regulations that applied specifically to Bermuda-based air ambulances.To support a Bermuda-owned business, the Government interpreted the Island’s existing civil aviation regulations to permit BAM to operate. BAM only asks that the Government continue to do so, consistent with its stated policy of supporting Bermuda businesses.Bermudians deserve a cost-effective, safe and professional air ambulance. Many Bermudians have affirmed that in correspondence and responses to media. Bermuda Air Medivac wants to continue to provide that service.You cannot know whose life might be saved by having an air ambulance based in Bermuda. It might be a member of your family. It might be you.l Editor’s note: CMN Global was given the opportunity to respond to this comment piece. Chief network officer Peter Lozier said: “I don’t believe it necessary to respond at this time.” BF&M was also given the opportunity to respond. A spokeswoman said president and CEO John Wight was currently off the Island. “Unfortunately, due to his schedule and the time difference, he will not be able to get a response back in time to meet your deadline.”