BERMUDA could have its first dedicated air ambulance within a matter of months.

The understands that a group of private individuals are now in negotiations to purchase a plane for that purpose.

At present, the island is without one, forced to rely on charter flights for residents in need of emergency care abroad.

This paper understands that one of the island's more prominent philanthropists is involved in the project, which is being moved forward with the expertise of health officials and members of the community.

A call to Health Minister Patrice Minors was not returned yesterday. However statistics from King Edward VII Memorial (KEMH) revealed that 43 patients were transported via air ambulance since April of this year.

It is expected that having a dedicated plane will enable faster hospital care ? air ambulances now arrive from the US east coast and take, on average, two hours to reach the island. The ambulance will then transport patients and family members to a hospital overseas. The process begins after a specialist ? a surgeon, orthopaedist, paediatrician, obstetrician, gynacologist or internist ? recommends a patient for air ambulance based on specific need.

A KEMH social worker verifies insurance information, while a a case manager arranges a contract with an air ambulance from overseas.

According to the hospital, the decision on which ambulance to go with lies with the case manger ? generally the employee of a recognised body such as the Canadian Medical Network.