This archive report was first published on 14 May 2020.
On May 14, 2020, AMREF Flying Doctors, the leading air ambulance service provider in Africa, announced the acquisition of two portable isolation chambers to transport COVID-19 positive patients safely.
The acquisition is a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the increasing possibility of the need to transfer positive patients by air ambulance between medical facilities in the region and beyond.
“Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the region, we have received numerous requests to transport infected patients within Kenya and in the region,” said Stephen Gitau, Chief Executive Officer at AMREF Flying Doctors. “To ensure that we do this safely and with minimal exposure to our medical and air crew as well as members of the public, we decided to invest in the two portable isolation chambers.”
Effective immediately, all AMREF Flying Doctors clients, including those covered under the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) contract for Emergency Air Evacuation Services, will start enjoying access to the patient transport isolation units in the event of a medical evacuation.
The introduction of portable isolation chambers will enable AMREF Flying Doctors to increase medical evacuation capacity by transporting COVID-19 positive patients on board their aircraft, in the best interest of the patient and their hardworking staff.
AMREF Flying Doctors has supported the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Health since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, providing logistical and professional support whenever called upon to do so.
The purchase of these units will further increase the options available to AMREF Flying Doctors in supporting government efforts against the spread of COVID-19.
AMREF Flying Doctors air, medical, and ground personnel have undergone thorough training on the application of the newly acquired portable isolation chambers, so they can be immediately deployed.
The portable isolation chamber is an innovative medical isolation and transportation system designed for optimal safety during patient loading and transport.
