The special isolation stretchers allow patients with highly infectious diseases, such as Covid-19, to be transported quickly and safely in what is effectively a mobile isolation ward. The cost of this acquisition totals €250,000, a sum which had to be found outside LAR’s budget and at very short notice. The cost included installation and other necessary equipment, as well as aeronautical approval.

René Closter, CEO and President of Luxembourg Air Rescue, said: “We thank our donors from the bottom of our hearts for making possible such an important investment in improved safety. Special situations, such as the corona crisis, require special action.

“Thanks to all the generous donations we have received, we now have €160,000 to finance our first EpiShuttle. This special piece of kit is vital to the fight against Covid-19 and will also save lives and protect patients and our crew from infections in the future.”

The EpiShuttle consists of an isolation stretcher under a transparent plastic dome. Air-tight tubing allows the patient to be connected to an intensive care ventilation system, while being treated and monitored at the same time. The patient can also be safely connected to other ventilation hoses and supply lines outside the isolation stretcher.

Didier Dandrifosse, Head of Medical at LAR, explained: “A further advantage of the EpiShuttles is that the lengthy and complex disinfection of the entire helicopter cabin is no longer necessary. This means that the rescue helicopter is now ready to take off again much faster than in the past. Our medical team has already been trained for the safe handling of this system. Our experience with Ebola is of great benefit to us here.”