European Aeromedical Evacuation Transports with SARS-COV 2 positive Patients

ABSTRACT

Background As part of the humanitarian response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the German Armed Forces provided air transport for patients to Germany from overwhelmed regional hospitals in Italy and France. Thus far, 22 Italian and 2 French citizens have been flown to Germany as part of this effort. The objective of this study is to use a pre-post comparison to analyse changes in vital signs, in particular regarding the ventilation status of the patients, and to draw conclusions for future transports of COVID-19 patients in fixed-wing aircraft. Method Retrospective analysis of transport records as well as other documents (patient movement requests, doctor's referrals, flight times) for 24 COVID-19 patients requiring ventilation. Results 63% of the patients (median age 59.1 years) had pre-existing medical conditions. They had been ventilated for a median of 10.0 days (Min 3, Max 28) and experienced the first symptoms of COVID-19 a median of 17.5 days (Min 6, Max 35) before transport. We did not observe a deterioration in vital signs or ventilation status during transport. It was, however, necessary to deepen anaesthesia and administer additional catecholamines during transport. Conclusion The intensive care transport of ventilated COVID-19 patients requires highly qualified personnel and appropriate equipment but can be carried out if properly planned.