Nusa Medica Sea Ambulance: Medical Evacuation Across Bali and Nearby Islands
When a medical emergency happens on an island, getting a patient to the right hospital can be a challenge. Road transport is not always an option, and in some locations, traveling by sea is the most practical way to reach a referral hospital. To support faster medical referrals between islands, Nusa Medica Clinic Group has introduced the Nusa Medica Sea Ambulance, a dedicated medical evacuation vessel designed for patient transfers by sea. The service is available for both local residents and international travelers who need further medical treatment at a referral hospital. According to its official E-Pas document, the vessel is registered for medical evacuation and ambulance purposes.
Why the Nusa Medica Sea Ambulance Matters
Dr. I Gde Yudha Kurniawan, Operational Director of PT Nusa Medica Assistama, explained that the main purpose of the service is to speed up referrals from island clinics and primary healthcare facilities to hospitals with more advanced medical facilities.
“The main purpose of the Sea Ambulance is to speed up the referral process for patients who need further treatment at a referral hospital. The service is available for both local residents and international travelers, while also supporting tourism through better access to medical services,” said Dr. Yudha.
The service covers patient transfers from Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, including routes to Sanur and Padang Bai. Depending on the patient’s medical and referral needs, the service can also reach Gili Air and Gili Trawangan.
For people living on or visiting these islands, having a dedicated water ambulance provides another option when a patient needs to reach a hospital on the mainland.
See Also: Visit a Doctor in Gili Trawangan: Your Ultimate Guide
Sea Ambulance Specifications
The sea ambulance specifications are designed to support inter-island medical transportation. According to its official E-Pas, the fiberglass vessel measures 11.10 meters in length, 2.70 meters in width, and 1.10 meters in depth.
Ridho Ananda, Call Center Manager of Nusa Medica Assistama, said the boat is powered by three Yamaha engines with a combined output of 750 PK.
Of course, an ambulance boat is not just about the boat itself. The ambulance boat inside is equipped to support patients while they are being transported. Medical equipment includes a ventilator, patient monitor, oxygen, and other supporting medical devices. Patients can also be accompanied by trained and certified medical personnel during the evacuation.
What Medical Cases May Need a Water Ambulance?
Not every medical problem requires evacuation by sea. A sea ambulance may be needed when a patient has been assessed or initially treated at a clinic but requires further care at a hospital.
According to Dr. Yudha, examples include head trauma, fractures, diarrhea with dehydration, heart conditions, and other cases that require further hospital treatment.
In addition to patient transfers from Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and the Lombok/Gili area, the vessel can also respond to emergency calls at sea within its operational area when assistance is requested by agencies such as BPBD or BASARNAS. This gives emergency responders an additional medical transport option when accidents or other emergencies happen at sea.
Supporting Medical Access Across the Islands
For island destinations, transportation is an important part of emergency medical care. A clinic may be able to provide initial treatment, but some patients still need to be transferred to a hospital with more advanced facilities.
The Nusa Medica Sea Ambulance helps bridge that gap by bringing together sea transportation, medical equipment, and trained medical personnel in one coordinated evacuation service.
This can be particularly useful in destinations where access to referral hospitals depends on crossing the sea, helping both local communities and travelers get the next level of medical care when they need it.(*)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a water ambulance?
A water ambulance is a vessel used to transport patients by sea when they need medical evacuation or referral to another healthcare facility.
Which islands can the service reach?
The service covers Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, with routes to Sanur and Padang Bai. It can also reach Gili Air and Gili Trawangan depending on the patient’s referral needs.
What equipment is available inside the ambulance boat?
Medical equipment includes a ventilator, patient monitor, oxygen, and other supporting medical devices.
What medical cases may require evacuation by sea?
Examples include head trauma, fractures, diarrhea with dehydration, heart conditions, and other cases that require further treatment at a hospital.
Can the boat respond to emergencies at sea?
Yes. Within its operational area, the vessel can also support emergency responses at sea when assistance is requested by agencies such as BPBD or BASARNAS.