Patient Transport Unit for Aeromedical Evacuation.

Inter-hospital transport of critically ill patients is associated with potentially adverse events [1]. Environmental conditions of altitude, noise and vibration during aeromedical evacuation pose additional challenges [2]. Current policy dictates that a patient must be stable before evacuation [3]. This not only increases the burden at the smaller hospitals but also delays definitive treatment and rehabilitation available at the tertiary care centres. The concept of air evacuation of critically ill patients with ‘on-board’ monitoring and resuscitation is gaining popularity [4]. The miniature ventilators and light weight monitoring equipments are widely available for transportation of critically ill patients. However, the limitations of aeromedical evacuation are oxygen requirements of the patient and power supply for the ventilator and monitors. Oxygen and power supply can be tapped from the aircraft. However, most fixed wing transport and large rotary wing aircraft provide electrical current at voltages and frequencies which are not compatible with medical equipment. In addition they do not carry adequate oxygen reserves on board. Major modifications are therefore required in an aircraft to render it suitable for aeromedical evacuation. A self contained patient transport unit with its own power and oxygen supply is a more feasible option. Improved safety during air evacuation can be better ensured when such a unit is operated by medical personnel trained to recognise the effects of the hypoxic, hypobaric flight environment on various organ systems.