Critical care transport in the time of COVID-19
Homer Tien, Bruce Sawadsky, Michael Lewell, Michael Peddle, Wade Durham
Abstract
Critical care transport organizations are nimble, operationally focused institutions that can aid in managing crises. From 12 bases, Ornge operates four PC-12 Next Generation fixed wing (FW) aircraft, eight AW-139 rotary wing (RW) aircraft, and four critical care land ambulances (CCLA) on a 24/7 basis. Ornge also contracts with private air carriers to provide lower acuity air ambulance services. Ornge performs over 20,000 patient-related transports annually. We discuss Ornge's approach to preparing for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and identify potential unconventional roles.
Topics & Concepts
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Medicine2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Content (measure theory)Action (physics)Medical emergencyVirologyInternal medicineMathematicsPhysicsQuantum mechanicsOutbreakMathematical analysisDiseaseInfectious disease (medical specialty)Disaster Response and ManagementInfection Control and VentilationTrauma and Emergency Care Studies