Infection Control Protocols in Air Ambulance Transport

In the world of medical aviation, safety extends far beyond flight operations, it also includes stringent infection control. Whether transferring a critically ill patient or transporting someone with an infectious disease, maintaining robust infection prevention measures is vital.

At Universal Air Evac, infection control isn’t simply a procedure,  it’s a commitment woven into every aspect of our service. From pre-flight preparation to patient handover, every member of our team adheres to international best practices to protect patients, crew, and healthcare partners.

Why Infection Control Matters in Air Ambulance Operations

Air ambulances function as flying intensive care units (ICUs), caring for patients with complex medical needs in enclosed environments. In such settings, the potential for cross-contamination can be significant if strict protocols are not followed.

Our medical crews regularly transport patients with infectious or immune-compromised conditions, including respiratory illnesses, post-surgical vulnerabilities, and contagious diseases. Infection control ensures not only the patient’s safety, but also the wellbeing of medical staff, pilots, and everyone involved in the transfer process.

Maintaining a contamination-free aircraft environment also protects subsequent patients and ensures that each mission is conducted with absolute clinical integrity.

Universal Air Evac’s Comprehensive Infection Control Protocols

At Universal Air Evac, we apply a multi-layered infection prevention strategy built around internationally recognised standards and clinical governance oversight. These measures are reviewed continuously to align with global health developments and recommendations.

Here’s how we keep every air ambulance mission safe:

1. Pre-Flight Preparation and Risk Assessment

Before every mission, our medical and operations teams conduct a full clinical risk assessment. This includes reviewing the patient’s diagnosis, recent exposure history, and potential infection risks.

If a patient is suspected or confirmed to have an infectious illness, specific isolation procedures are activated immediately. The aircraft, medical equipment, and crew are then assigned accordingly to ensure complete containment and safety.

2. Dedicated Equipment and Aircraft Configuration

All Universal Air Evac aircraft are permanently configured for medical use, enabling rapid deployment without compromising hygiene or functionality.

Our fleet includes portable negative pressure isolation units, ensuring infectious patients can be safely transported without exposing crew or the environment. Each aircraft carries its own dedicated set of medical equipment and consumables to eliminate cross-use contamination between missions.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Crew

Medical crew and pilots are fully equipped with all necessary PPE, including gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection, coveralls, and face shields. The selection of PPE is guided by the patient's condition ensuring that the level of protection aligns with the specific risks involved in each case.

Each team member undergoes continuous training in the correct use, removal, and disposal of PPE to minimise the risk of self-contamination or environmental exposure.

4. Strict Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols

After every mission, the aircraft undergoes thorough cleaning and disinfection using hospital-grade solutions effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.

Surfaces, equipment, and air vents are sanitised according to approved aviation and healthcare standards. Our in-house maintenance support team ensures that cleaning procedures are meticulously logged, verified, and compliant with regulatory requirements.

5. Infection Control During Flight

During the flight, all equipment used in patient care is carefully managed. Single-use items are disposed of safely, while reusable medical devices are placed in sealed containers for decontamination after landing.

Crew follow a strict “clean and dirty” zone protocol to prevent cross-contamination within the aircraft. Ventilation systems are maintained to ensure continuous air circulation, further reducing infection risk.

6. Post-Flight Decontamination and Waste Management

We are equipped to transport patients in isolation for select conditions, including certain infectious respiratory illnesses. Each case is individually assessed to ensure that the necessary resources and infection control measures are in place for a safe and compliant transfer. These operations are meticulously planned in collaboration with health authorities, referring hospitals, and receiving facilities to guarantee full adherence to infection control regulations.

Transporting Infectious Patients Safely

Not all air ambulance providers are equipped to handle infectious disease cases, but at Universal Air Evac, we are. Our aircraft and crews are specifically trained to manage such missions, ensuring that care continues uninterrupted from bed-to-bed.

We are equipped to transport patients in isolation for select conditions, including certain infectious respiratory illnesses. Each case is individually assessed to ensure that the necessary resources and infection control measures are in place for a safe and compliant transfer. These operations are meticulously planned in collaboration with health authorities, referring hospitals, and receiving facilities to guarantee full adherence to infection control regulations.

Ongoing Training and Clinical Oversight

Our infection control measures are continuously reinforced through ongoing staff training and clinical governance oversight. Every member of our medical and flight teams is trained in:

• Infection prevention and control best practices
• Proper donning and doffing of PPE
• Aircraft disinfection procedures
• Safe handling of biohazard materials

Clinical oversight ensures that all procedures are evidence-based, consistent, and regularly audited. This commitment to excellence is part of what makes Universal Air Evac a EURAMI-accredited provider, meeting the highest international standards in air medical transport.

Our Commitment: Safety Beyond the Sky

At Universal Air Evac, infection control is more than protocol, it’s a promise. Every measure we take reflects our dedication to safeguarding patients, crew, and healthcare partners alike.

From advanced aircraft configuration to expertly trained medical teams, we deliver a service built on precision, professionalism, and care. Whether transporting a critically ill patient, a child in need, or someone recovering from infection, our mission remains clear: to ensure every journey is as safe and seamless as possible.