A Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) has been installed onboard ALH Mk III from INAS 323 at INS Hansa by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). With ALH Mk III, an all-weather aircraft, being equipped with MICU, the Indian Navy can now undertake medical evacuation of critical patients by air even in unfavourable weather conditions.
The MICU has two sets of Defibrillators, Multipara Monitors, Ventilator, Oxygen Support as well as Infusion and Syringe Pumps. It also has a suction system to clear secretions in the mouth or airway of the patient. The system can be operated on an aircraft power supply and also has a battery back up of four hours. The equipment can be installed in two-three hours to convert the aircraft into an air ambulance. This is the first of eight MICU sets to be delivered by HAL to the Indian Navy.
INFORMATION ABOUT ALH MKIII
The HAL Dhruv is a utility helicopter designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The development of HAL Dhruv was announced in November 1984. The helicopter first flew in 1992; however, its development was prolonged due to multiple factors including the Indian Army’s requirement for design changes, budget restrictions, and sanctions placed on India following the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests. The name comes from a Sanskrit origin word Dhruv which means unshakeable or firm.
