RMSI have performed hundreds of life saving medical evacuations out of Afghanistan, Iraq and the surrounding regions over the past 3 years, significantly affecting the lives of many and providing a 24hr safety net to tens of thousands more. Here are just a few examples of how we work and why our rapid response capabilities, regional knowledge and in-country assets are the only answer to your medical needs.
INCIDENT I
Age of Patient: 43 years old
Nationality: Philippines
Medical Condition:
Patient suffered from circumferential deep 2nd and 3rd degree burns to bilateral legs as a result of an oil drum explosion. Approx 30% medium to full thickness burns.
Patient was sitting in a local hospital for over eight hours resulting in hematuria, gross hypovolaemia and tissue and muscle break down leading to compartment syndrome and renal failure prior to RMSI being activated. Local medical facilities in Kabul are inapt/inadequate to manage such patients. In addition because the patient was a civilian the military hospitals in Kabul refused to treat the patient.
The evacuated to Dubai. He was then flown on with another provider to Paris for further specialized treatment. Medical hospitals in Dubai refuse to treat critical burn cases.
Without a doubt the severity of the injuries and lack of specialized care of this critical patient would have resulted in death if he would have stayed in Afghanistan.
INCIDENT II
Age of Patient: 28 years old
Nationality: Afghanistan
Medical Condition:
Traffic accident with Afghan nationals on the road between Samanghan and Mazar-e Sharif, north of Afghanistan. Driver of the vehicle attempted to avoid a speed trench at approximately 75 mph.
Occupants were thrown out of the car which rolled over at least twice before coming to rest. Injuries were described at the scene as severe with all occupants suffering either death or significant trauma.
Our patient had received spinal injuries and blunt force trauma to the kidneys.
The Patient underwent preliminary surgery in Mazar German PRT and prediction was that he would most likely be wheelchair ridden for the remainder of his life. Patient was then admitted to 400 bed hospital in Kabul after Air Ambulance response provided by RMSI. After a twenty day period of stabilization the Patient was subsequently evacuated by RMSI Air Ambulance to New Delhi for additional surgery and treatment. It was reported that most likely he would be tetraplegic regardless of the outcome of surgery. However, patient recovered and returned to Afghanistan. He is able to walk and work again which is a great relief to all of his family members concerned in Afghanistan who rely on him for financial support.
INCIDENT III
Age of Patient: 27 years old
Nationality: Zimbabwean
Medical Condition:
Cerebral Malaria – Patient had only recently arrived in Afghanistan and was deployed to Kandahar. Patient had symptoms associated with malaria tropica: headache, fever, drowsiness, sweating and confusion.
Initial drug therapy was initiated by the military hospital, however his condition became critical and required specialized treatment and care in Dubai. Without admission to a tertiary facility and definitive intensive care treatment and ventilation over a long period, the patient would have died due to complications in Afghanistan. The patient was evacuated to Dubai where care and treatment continued. Patient was then discharged walking out of hospital nine days after intensive care at the Welcare hospital in Dubai.
INCIDENT IV
Age of Patient: 58 years old
Nationality: Russian
Medical Condition:
Cardiac arrest patient – patient was not feeling well for about a week prior to presenting to ISAF military hospital Kandahar.
Although he was administered medication, it did not improve his condition or state of well being. The Patient then suffered from chest pain, complained of dizziness, vertigo, lost consciousness and suffered cardiac arrest in the emergency department. Although he was resuscitated, his medical condition remained critical. Patient required critical attention and care which was not available in Afghanistan. Patient was evacuated by RMSI to Dubai where specialized care continued. The patient would have died in the absence of access to specialized and critical care.