RAF Brize Norton demonstrated the Critical Care Air Support Team (CCAST) and Air Transportable Isolator (ATI) capabilities, which are used on the A400M Atlas, to representatives of the French Air Force, who visited the Station on Wednesday 23rd January 2019.
Subject Matter Experts from Tactical Medical Wing (TMW) were on hand to show and discuss the skills of CCAST. TMW personnel are trained to move critically ill or high/medium dependency patients through Aeromedical Evacuation (AE). The ATI, which provides a biological containment facility ensures the safe movement of highly infectious patients by protecting both the patient and the medical team.
“It’s really great to have medical professionals from the French Air Force visit. I have enjoyed showing them the capabilities of the ATI and I hope that they have learnt something from the visit which they can take back to France. We have been able to share knowledge and ideas with each other which has benefitted everyone.”
Flight Sergeant Susan Jenkins
Infection Prevention Control (IPC) Nurse
Personnel from No. XXIV Squadron were also present to explain how the medical kit and equipment is set up on the aircraft, specifically designed to provide a comfortable journey for the patient and an effective work environment for the medical experts.
In 2018, the A400M Atlas, the Royal Air Force’s newest transport aircraft, gained full AE capability for high dependency and highly infectious patients, a major landmark for the A400M programme.
“We have a strong relationship with the UK and as we renew our fleet and transfer our medical capability to our A400M it’s important to share information and good practices with the UK’s Royal Air Force.”
Lieutenant Colonel Ben Palliard
French Air Force Pilot
