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    First isopod in Fremont County to fly COVID-19 patients

    The morning of April 3rd, Classic Air Medical (CAM) crew members met in-person and virtually at their hangar in Riverton to train on the county’s first air ambulance isopod.

    The isopod will be used on CAM’s fixed-wing plane to fly COVID-19 positive and suspected positive patients to larger hospitals for treatment. This patient transport isolation system is negative pressure keeping infectious diseases contained inside of it to protect the responders while allowing necessary medical treatment en route.

    April Larsen introducing the CAM crew to the isopod.

    There is just not enough information about the healthcare workers getting sick for us to feel okay with us sending anybody in a rotor with just an N-95 mask on, said Classic Air Medical Executive Director of Clinical Operations April Larsen. The pilots couldn’t have the ability to wear goggles with their helmets. They are within that 6′-8′ distance of droplets.

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    CAM Lander Base Manager Kelly Kennedy showing crew members how to attach to strap the pod to the pram.

    CAM crew members will continue with additional safety precautions like wearing a Tyvek suit, N-95 masks, and goggles when helping a positive or suspected positive patient. Additional crew members have all also been added to the local CAM team due to the exhaustion that comes from wearing Tyvek suits.

    Kelly Kennedy show crew members how to breakdown the isopod.

    We feel the most important thing about this is keeping the providers safe and taking care of the patient. It’s a game-changer as far as reducing the risks and exposures, Larsen said.

    Loading the isopod onto the fixed-wing.
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