These were built in critical areas - heavily mined villages on the border with Iran, and the main areas of armed conflict between PUK and KDP. These FAPs were able to provide immediate first aid and, when needed, transport to the nearest Surgical Centre, as each was equipped with its own ambulance.

The FAPs also offered first aid treatment for less serious cases when hospital treatment was not required.

In early 2004, having ascertained that the local staff were able to work independently and that the Kurdish authorities had adequate financial resources, Emergency began transferring the Surgical Centres to regional health authorities. The handover was completed on April 30th, 2005: and these facilities are now an integral part of the national health system and continue to provide high quality, free of charge assistance.