The Minister of Health, Alma D. Möller, has entrusted the Healthcare Institution of South Iceland (HSU) with the responsibility of organising an emergency response in Öræfasveit, with the aim of increasing the safety of both locals and tourists in the area. The response involves the regular presence of an ambulance with an experienced ambulance service member who performs emergency services in close cooperation with the rescue team Kári in Öræfi. This arrangement ensures that it is possible to respond quickly and safely, whether it is an accident, acute illness, assessment of injuries, first aid or preparation for transport to a medical institution if necessary.

This is the third time that this kind of emergency response has been activated in Öræfasveit during the summer. Since the nearest health care centres are located in Kirkjubæjarklaustur in the west and in Höfn in the east, health care services are not available for residents and passers-by. This solution therefore creates a realistic and quick response capability, which greatly strengthens safety in the area.

Good staffing in healthcare in south Iceland this summer

The staffing of healthcare services in rural areas in South Iceland has been very successful this summer. In Höfn, two doctors will be on duty throughout the summer. In Rangárþing, two to three doctors will be on duty every working day and in Laugarás, two doctors will be on duty throughout the summer. The situation is also good in the Westman Islands, where three to four doctors will be on duty during the summer.

“Ending healthcare where it is needed most, especially during the peak seasons of summer, has been one of our main goals. Cooperation with rescue teams and other responders is crucial to ensure a quick and safe response in times of crisis. We are very pleased with the success of managing key areas, thus helping to increase the safety of both locals and visitors,” says Díana Óskarsdóttir, director of HSU.