No matter how much care and thought you put into your next ride, sadly your safety is not always in your own hands. With other cyclists and road users joining you on the road or on that thrilling mountain bike trail, you just never know when you might land up on the ground.
Taking safety precautions such as wearing a helmet and protective clothing, and ensuring that you ride with other road users in mind, are vital but sometimes not enough to ensure that your life will be preserved in the event of an accident.
According to veteran cyclist and owner of Helivac Medical Helicopter Services – JP van Tonder – in the event of an accident, the difference between life and death can be mere seconds. You need an emergency medical service (EMS) that can react instantly, provide you with on site medical attention and transport you safely and quickly to a suitable medica facility.
“Helivac provides South Africa’s first subscriber-driven, advanced medical rescue product that dispenses with the need for medical aid subscription or authorisation. This means that if you are displaying the Helivac sticker on your bike and helmet, you will effectively cut straight through the red tape and receive immediate medical treatment from our team of highly qualified and experienced doctors, paramedics and nurses,” Van Tonder said.
Van Tonder points out that even if you do have medical aid cover, it’s often not enough. “By eliminating a medical aid risk assessor from the process, Helivac can guarantee that there are no delays in getting your or your loved ones the medical attention you require.”
Through its partnerships with various aviation suppliers Helivac Medical Helicopter Services prides itself on a superior fleet of superbly maintained rotary wing helicopters which are equipped with the best available emergency medical equipment on the market. Backed by a highly efficient flight desk team who are attuned to dealing with crisis calls, the aviation trained medical team provides the highest levels of critical and acute medical care to babies, children and adults in need of immediate medical attention.
Helivac recently launched another value added benefit for members by joining forces with Resolution Underwriters (Pty) Ltd. Membership fees will include extra medical coverage in the form of a cash-back payout in the event of you, your spouse, children or other dependant family members being involved in an accident or medical incident.
If you have suffered a medical trauma and are transported by Helivac’s helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS), you will receive a cash back amount of
R30 000.00. This amount can be used for medical bills, or as deposit at a private hospital, or as cash back in your pocket. Family membership payout is up to a maximum of R90 000, with the same conditions applying.
Helivac will be offering special reduced membership rates from now until the end of the 94.7 Cycle Race Challenge. So either log onto Helivac’s website at www.helivac.co.za or visit the Helivac stand at the Challenge to sign up for this essential emergency medical evacuation membership package.
Helivac’s call centre – 0861 HELIVAC – is available to take calls and queries 24-hours-a-day, 365 days a year. As a member of Helivac, you can relax in the knowledge that your health and security of life is in the most competent hands and that you will receive excellent medical care from Helivac’s team.
Visit the Helivac site: www.helivac.co.za
