Trans-Atlantic Aeromedical Repatriation of Multiple COVID-19 Patients: a hybrid military-civilian model

Here we report the first known transcontinental aeromedical evacuation of a large number (55) of known and suspected positive COVID-19 patients. These patients were evacuated from Havana, Cuba to the UK through MOD Boscombe Down as part of Operation BROADSHARE, the British military’s overseas response to COVID-19. We describe the safe transfer of patients with COVID-19 using a combined military-civilian model. In our view, we have demonstrated that COVID-19 patients can be aero medically transferred whilst ensuring the safety of patients and crew using a hybrid military-civilian model; this report contains lessons for future aeromedical evacuation of COVID-19 patients.