Medical evacuations in biosecurity conditions

Cique Moya A

The possibility of airborne or vector/fomite transmission of infectious

diseases renders necessary the institution of cleaning/decontamination

and desinfection protocols for medicalised transport

vehicles. This causes health care resources and implements to be

inoperative for variable periods of time depending on the procedures

used. The possibility of transmission increases in the case of emergent

or re-emergent diseases, and becomes critical when transport of presumably

or confirmedly NBC (Nuclear – Biological – Chemical) agent-affected

individuals is contemplated. Hence the necessity to use more or

less complex isolation systems and means which may even allow performing

a number of medical procedures. The advantages of such protocols

or systems range from the reduction and shortening of the in situ

health care / medical assistance times where the ABC incident has

occurred, through the optimisation of resources through the reduction

of the non-operative periods of medicalised transport means, down to

reducing the stress levels of the health-care personnel by not having to

use personal protection devices and equipment in order to feel personally

safe.

Cique Moya A