Interview: Dr Attapoom Susupaus – When patient care is vital

Tell us about the BDMS MEDEVAC centre and why it is so important for the region.

The BDMS MEDEVAC centre is a medical evacuation service that provides air ambulance transportation for medical emergencies in Thailand and the region. It is an important service because it can transport critically ill or injured patients quickly and safely to the nearest appropriate medical facility. This can be especially crucial in areas where medical facilities may be limited or access to them may be difficult. The BDMS MEDEVAC centre has state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained medical personnel who can provide advanced life support during transport. This allows patients to receive the medical care they need as soon as possible, increasing their chances of recovery. Overall, the centre plays a vital role in providing high-quality medical care to the people of Thailand and the surrounding region.

BDMS has just celebrated 50 years in business. Can you tell us why you believe BDMS has been so successful?

As a healthcare provider, BDMS's focus on patients' needs is commendable, and this has translated into high-quality patient care and satisfaction. One of the factors that have contributed to BDMS's success is their investment in technology and equipment. BDMS has consistently kept abreast of technological advancements and utilised them in providing the best possible care for their patients. Moreover, BDMS's commitment to attracting and retaining top-notch professionals has been critical in maintaining the high calibre of medical expertise in their facilities. These outstanding qualities are a testament to BDMS's unwavering commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services to patients in Thailand and beyond. Congratulations once again on this significant milestone.

Why is accreditation, both national and international, so important for BDMS?

I believe that accreditation is crucial for Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) for a few reasons. Firstly, it helps to ensure that our hospitals are providing high-quality healthcare services that are consistent with international standards. This can increase the confidence of patients and the public in our facilities, as well as attracting more international patients. Secondly, accreditation can help us to improve our processes and procedures, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients. Through the accreditation process, we can identify areas for improvement and work to implement changes that will benefit our patients. Finally, accreditation is often a requirement for hospitals to participate in international networks and programmes. By achieving accreditation, BDMS can gain access to resources and expertise that can further enhance our capabilities and services. Overall, accreditation is essential for BDMS to maintain its reputation as a trusted and leading healthcare provider in Thailand and beyond.

You are an experienced surgeon – can you tell us about the importance of ECMO when it comes to air evacuation?

As a surgeon, I can tell you that ECMO, or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, is crucial when it comes to air evacuation in critical cases. Essentially, ECMO is a life support machine that oxygenates and pumps blood outside of the body, allowing the lungs and heart to rest and recover. In cases where a patient's respiratory or cardiac function has been compromised, such as in severe trauma, ECMO can be the difference between life and death. By providing immediate and effective oxygenation and circulation support, ECMO allows for safe air evacuation and transport to medical facilities where further treatment can be administered. So, to answer your question, ECMO is an incredibly important tool in ensuring the survival and recovery of critically ill or injured patients during air evacuation.

How closely do you work with partners in the region, and how far-reaching is your network?

As a BDMS employee, I can say that we work very closely with our hospital partners in the region. Our network is quite far-reaching, covering various locations in Asia and even some parts of Europe. Our goal is to ensure that we have a strong partnership with our hospital partners, so that we can provide the best possible healthcare services to the patients. We believe that by working together, we can achieve better outcomes for everyone involved.