The Norwegian Red Cross has been involved in developing ambulance services in the former Yugoslavia since 1996. Since July 2006, DNV has contributed to this work by sharing its IT expertise.
The Norwegian Red Cross has implemented new administrative and medical IT systems at the ambulance call/dispatch centre in Belgrade and wants DNV's help to ensure their sustainable operation.
IT tools to save lives
DNV’s Finn Prytz visited the ambulance centre in Belgrade in July 2006 in order to assess how the IT systems had been implemented and how well they operate.
"After a successful implementation the focus must now be on ensuring the sustainability of the systems so that the employees can reach their ultimate objective of saving lives,” says Finn Prytz.
DNV's assessment also concentrated on the opportunities to improve the Norwegian Red Cross' IT project management process.
“Introducing more rigorous project procedures will increase the probability of success in future projects,” says Finn Prytz.
Extensive project
Before the Norwegian Red Cross started the ambulance project, the Belgrade population relied on worn-down and poorly maintained ambulances. Now new and old ambulances are equipped to European standards. The Norwegian Red Cross has increased the number of ambulance drivers and mechanics. Call/dispatch centres have been upgraded, and training on administration and effective ambulance operations has been carried out.
The Norwegian Red Cross ambulance project in Serbia is financed by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Norwegian Red Cross.
DNV-sponsored ambulances in Lebanon
The Serbian project is, however, not the only ambulance project DNV has been involved in. Two DNV-sponsored ambulances are also in service in Lebanon.