RAF Brize Norton News

RAF MEDICS DEMONSTRATE LIFE SAVING SKILLS IN A CASUALTY EVACUATION EXERCISE

Royal Air Force Medics have been practicing their operating procedures and testing high-tech medical equipment in preparation for real-life deployments in the UK or Overseas.

Medical equipment is prepared for the exercise
Medical equipment is prepared for the exercise

Medical professionals from across the RAF descended onto RAF Brize Norton on Tuesday 20th November 2018 and practiced their skills and tested equipment to develop understanding of the procedures to be carried out in a casualty situation involving highly infectious diseases.

A team of Medical professionals prepare the patient to be loaded
A team of Medical professionals prepare the patient to be loaded

The Infection Prevention Control (IPC) Flight within the Tactical Medical Wing, organised and led the exercise.

"The ATI is a vital piece of equipment that is used to repatriate highly infectious patients safely. It is not deployed routinely, making it essential to regularly exercise the capability and practitioners to maintain skills and competency. This quality assurance exercise has involved a range of medical professions from across the RAF, it is designed to help us prove that we can deliver the ATI capability, ensuring that these processes are well rehearsed and possibly identify potential improvements to any of the procedures. Leadership, teamwork and communication are at the heart of this mission, with so many personnel involved and a range of processes to follow it is essential that everyone works together to provide professional care to the patient.”

Flight Sergeant Susan Jenkins
Nurse - Infection Prevention Control Flight

The ATI is off-loaded from the Jumbulance ready for the flight
The ATI is off-loaded from the Jumbulance ready for the flight

The exercise involved the Air Transportable Isolator (ATI) which is a high-tech biological containment facility which acts as a secure ‘bubble’, used to transport casualties with highly contagious and virulent diseases. It holds a bespoke stretcher and other equipment which allows the medics to be able to work in a safe environment and provide effective care throughout the patient’s journey.

Staff carry out the procedures to ensure the ATI is safe and secure prior to loading onto the C-17
Staff carry out the procedures to ensure the ATI is safe and secure prior to loading onto the C-17

The ATI is a vital asset of the Department of Health and maintained by the RAF on behalf of the British Government. In recent history the ATI was used for the transfer of Ebola patients who were exposed to the virus in Sierra Leone.

The ATI is loaded onto the C-17 Rear Crew Trainer, where the team then carry out the drills for looking after the patient during flight
The ATI is loaded onto the C-17 Rear Crew Trainer, where the team then carry out the drills for looking after the patient during flight

 

Connect with RAF Brize Norton