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| Medical equipment |
An example of generic medical equipment on board the rotor and fixed wing aircraft.
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Where applicable, the rotor and fixed wing aircraft are converted into Intensive Care dedicated aircraft.Adequate oxygen supply is secured in a portable oxygen system with the appropriate connections available for mechanically ventilating patients or when administering oxygen via facemask
.FIXED WING (FW):
A patient unit box, approved by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) was designed to hold a stretcher securely fastened to the box. We are able to transport two to three patients with four crew, depending on the condition of the patients.The patient unit box also has an oxygen cylinder secured inside with oxygen ports available on the outside through which oxygen can be administered to the patient. There is also a facility for suction. This is plugged into the aircraft where a modification for plugging in the suction and electrical equipment has been designed.
ROTORWING (RW):
A specialised stretcher system has been imported for the RW. This can change into variable positions depending on the needs of the patient. It is secured into specialised locks in the aircraft. In severe emergencies we are able to convert the RW to transport 2 patients.The following is a brief description of the medical equipment used on the aircraft:
Advanced life support equipment:An ALS jump bag is kept on each aircraft individually, packed with equipment/disposables necessary for any advanced medical situation.Mechanical ventilators - we have a range of ventilators, both pressured and volume cycled. We have the Newport HT50 that is really useful when treating a really critically ill ICU patient. This has facilities for the different modes of ventilation, pressure support, PEEP, FiO2, and any other parameters that may be required. The other ventilators in use are: Oxylog 2000, oxylog 1000, oxylog, venti-pac and the babylog, which is especially useful for neonatal transfers.A defibrillator is kept on each aircraft with pacing facilities. In the fixed wing there is always a spare defibrillator available.
Monitoring Equipment:
On each aircraft there is a multi-display vital signs monitor used for monitoring the parameters of the patient. We have spare vital signs monitors available in the event of transporting more than one patient.The vital signs monitors and the defibrillator have oxygen saturation facility available.A capnograph is also available for monitoring the level of carbon dioxide, especially for critically ill patients. This too has an oxygen saturation facility available.
Infusion devices:
Syringe and Infusion pumps are available, especially when a patient requires the administration of certain drugs that are vital to give at a precise rate, such as inotropes. The infusion pumps are also used for the intravenous administration of fluid.
Incubators:
Incubators are available for the transport of neonates. One incubator is usually specialised for the transfer of neonatal ICU babies.
Drug Pouch:
This contains the resuscitative drugs, inotropes, anti-arrhythmics, anti-convulsants, narcotics, sedatives, anesthetic agents and analgesics.
Extras:
In the patient unit boxes we have draws for the storage of oxygen mask, nasal cannulas, nebulizers, torpedoes, intravenous fluid and giving sets.At the back of the aircraft we have boxes that are stored in the hold and secured with a net. In the boxes spare ventilators for both adult and neonates are stored, spare defibrillator and a box containing a pacemaker with leads, capnograph, glucometer and various other equipment which may be required for patient treatment in flight.Spinal equipment is also available. |
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