Aeromedical healthcare innovation
AMREF Flying Doctors tell ITIJ about a recent delicate repatriation, plus what’s next for the business
Training plays a crucial role in maintaining high medical standards. Could you elaborate on the training programmes AMREF Flying Doctors (AFD) employs to ensure its aeromedical team remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation?
At AMREF Flying Doctors, we prioritise continuous training and education to uphold exceptional medical standards across our operations.
In terms of aviation medicine, our personnel undergo specialised training in clinical transports and its specialties. This equips our team to manage patient care under varying altitudes and cabin pressures. Moreover, our team maintains accreditation from the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and the EMS Training Agency of the United States for Prehospital Trauma Life Support, ensuring proficiency in trauma management.
Internally, we foster a culture of continuous learning with weekly challenging case presentations and monthly skills assessments. These initiatives ensure our medical professionals are adept with advanced medical equipment and prepared for any scenario.
Can you share a memorable case that highlights the challenges that AMREF Flying Doctors faces every day, and how they were overcome?
We recently faced the complex task of repatriating a preterm baby born at 25 weeks’ gestation, weighing just 860 grams, from Nairobi to Hamburg. The infant, who suffered severe birth asphyxia and was on mechanical ventilation, required continuous incubator care to regulate temperature.
Given the 10-hour flight with two stops, we undertook meticulous planning. We first conducted a pre-flight test by connecting the baby to our ventilator for three hours to monitor how the patient adjusted. Our state-of-the-art incubator was equipped with an insulating blanket to conserve heat.
On the morning of the flight, we closely observed the baby. Our team ensured all necessary medications, including surfactant factors and emergency resuscitation drugs, were ready. The choice of team was crucial; a neonatal intensivist and a critical care nurse were on board to provide specialised care.
We also carefully adjusted the cabin pressure, starting at Nairobi’s altitude and gradually increasing to Hamburg’s 2,100 feet, to support the baby’s hemodynamic stability. This comprehensive preparation and advanced equipment allowed us to deliver exceptional care throughout the journey, optimising the baby’s chances for a successful outcome. Luckily we were able to successfully help our little patient.
AMREF Flying Doctors has a diverse range of aircraft, suitable for both remote and long-range transports. How do you manage such a range of different missions and patients?
Our fleet includes both long-haul and shorthaul aircraft, allowing us to perform everything from regional evacuations to international repatriations efficiently.
The Citation 560 XLS is a key asset in our fleet, known for its reliability and ability to transport up to two stretcher patients and one accompanying person. For remote and challenging locations, the Pilatus PC-12 is invaluable. Despite its smaller size, it can land on short and unpaved airstrips, making it ideal for evacuating patients from Africa’s most inaccessible areas. Its costeffectiveness and pressurised cabin enhance patient comfort.
Our latest addition, the Citation Sovereign C680, offers extensive cabin space and can carry up to two stretcher patients and three accompanying people. This aircraft excels in long-range missions, combining comfort and capacity for complex and extended journeys.
Overall, our mix of Turbo Prop aircraft and twin-engine jets ensures that we are prepared for any situation, from urgent medical cases to routine repatriations.
Looking ahead, what upcoming projects or advancements are you most excited about for AMREF Flying Doctors?
We’re excited to introduce our new cloudbased Customer Relations Management (CRM) platform, which we rolled out this quarter. This system is a game-changer for both our medical and business processes. From real-time case and medical updates to quotations – it is a true one stop solution which we can’t wait to show to our clients.