EpiGuard’s EpiShuttle isolation unit can now be integrated in medevac Pilatus PC-24s. The integration is offered by Pilatus together with development partner Aerolite. The equipment is designed to prevent inflight transmission of viruses when infected individuals are transported. As well as a large cargo door, the medevac PC-24 also offers complete air ambulance equipment.
“We are glad to see that Pilatus offers the very best patient comfort and safety,” said Ellen Cathrine Andersen, CEO of EpiGuard. “With the EpiShuttle’s features of reclinable backrest, transparent hard top and excellent patient access, their passengers, both patient and staff, will have a safer and better ride. We are also impressed by Aerolite’s ingenuity when integrating the EpiShuttle into the medevac PC-24, an excellent aircraft for the transfer of infected patients with the EpiShuttle.”
EpiGuard developed the isolation system in 2015, during an outbreak of Ebola in Africa. The EpiShuttle features a modular reusable design and eight medical airlocks.
The integration involves using an adapter to attach the EpiShuttle to a universal transport trolley, allowing transfer movements on the ground and positioning in the cabin. Loading is performed with the unique loading device, which automatically transfers the EpiShuttle unit plus patient into the cabin. The completely flat cabin floor and rollers on the transport trolley ensure the unit can be freely pushed into the desired position, where it is then secured directly to the seat rails using retaining devices.
Patient monitoring is ensured by medical equipment placed on a cradle right next to the EpiShuttle and powered by the onboard power supply. As with regular patient transport operations, medical personnel occupy cabin seats in the immediate vicinity of the EpiShuttle and can attend to the patient at any time.
Images: Pilatus Aircraft
