What does MARS stand for? MARS stands for Medical Air Rescue Service.
Who is entitled to the MARS service? MARS is a membership driven organization and although anyone can access the service, preference is given to members.
How does one become a member? The bulk of our membership is from Medical aid societies and members are advised to contact their respective societies to verify. Other schemes ranging from corporate to individual schemes are available through the marketing department.
Is MARS membership affordable? MARS relies on regular income to sustain the service at the current level. We encourage people to join as members because it is more affordable than paying per call when an emergency arises.
What does MARS membership cover? Members are entitled to call on MARS for ambulance services by road or air 24hrs a day, 365 days a year.
Why should I become a member when I live in an area where you do not have a base? The reality of the health delivery system in Zimbabwe is that most specialist doctors and diagnostic facilities are concentrated in the bigger urban centers. To access them one needs to be moved in a controlled environment under proper medical care
Are there any shortfalls for members? The subscription fee paid by the member covers them totally for evacuation by road or air and no further costs are incurred.
When does one call for an ambulance? When the patient is facing a life/limb-threatening emergency. If in doubt phone the MARS control centers.
What happens when one phones for an ambulance? The MARS Emergency Medical Dispatchers will ask them a series of questions that will assist them to determine the nature and location of the emergency in order to activate an appropriate response. Cooperation with the Dispatchers ensures a speedy response.
Which hospitals are patients taken to? Patients are moved to the nearest appropriate medical facility depending on the limits of their medical insurance.
Does MARS have any hospitals? No. MARS is an ambulance service.
Who crews the MARS ambulance? The ambulances are crewed by highly trained Ambulance Technicians, Emergency Medical Technicians, Registered General nurses (some with post basic training) and Doctors. The level of response is determined by the nature of the emergency.
