The statement of the mission was simple and succinct: TRANSFER THE CRITICALLY ILL PATIENT SAFELY TO RECEIVING HOSPITAL AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
The index patient is a Nigerian, well schooled and highly experienced with a penchant for acquiring knowledge of any subject of Human Endeavour.
On receiving the emergency call, our team was immediately assembled, equipments were checked and double-checked, these include; airway management devices, drugs, intravenous fluids, equipments for emergency resuscitation (ALS), patient transfer equipments (stretcher /special vacuum mattress). International passports with appropriate visa availability also crossed-checked. The aircraft (fixed-wing) challenger jet, that we were using as an air ambulance for our medvac with experienced and polite crew members made ready on red alert.
An advance-party (experienced flying doctor Nigeria health personnel) sent ahead to ensure co-ordination of the stabilization of the patient prior to evacuation by air.
Primary survey on ground revealed a non intubated patient, breathing spontaneously but with difficulty. However, patient suffered an acute exacerbation of his condition while being secured for the flight but was treated successfully with aminophyline and hydrocortisone injected intravenously.
The Flying Doctors’ Senior Flight Physician (my humble self) was also in attendance until patient was fully handed over and admitted into the I.C.U. before signing-off after yet another challenging but successful air ambulance Medevac.
An account by;
DR RAJI A. VICTOR MBBS,AFMC,ALS. (Senior flight physician FDN)
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