Application of a Standard Operating Procedure in Transporting Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Air Emergency Medical Services

The risk of virus transmission also increases due to the nature of the services provided in the prehospital environment, the acute condition of most patients in this phase, and many medical procedures such as airway management and ventilation associated with aerosol production.3,4 Following the outbreak of COVID-19 in many countries, standard operating procedures for infection prevention measures tailored to specific circumstances have been proposed based on the current recommendations of associations and national medical authorities. In Switzerland, simulation training was used as another strategy to prevent the transmission of infection in a recent pandemic and other possible future pandemics in air rescue settings.1,3 Other strategies, such as keeping a distance of at least two meters from the patient, reducing the number of health care providers in the patient cabin, and using standard personal protective equipment (PPE), are operational on the agenda of these centers. Furthermore, some European air emergency service providers have taken a major step towards maintaining the health of air emergency staff by allocating designated air relief centers equipped with an isolated infectious disease ward to transport COVID-19-approved patients.3 Conclusion Protection of the physical and mental health of the air emergency medical staff, as the main priority of health care organizations,2 is possible via gaining the experiences of the flight crews involved in this issue, as well as the successful experiences of others.