Due to the global nature of this pandemic, as well as the infectivity of COVID-19, there are many special considerations when planning to evacuate patients from downrange. It is recognized that the DoD’s usual protocols and ability to evacuate patients has been severely limited. Patients may require treatment over a prolonged time (possibly several days) prior to evacuation to a higher echelon of care. It is a priority for the downrange provider to plan for longer than expected care. The DoD PMG for COVID-19 and the CPG for austere locations referenced previously, are useful tools. Additionally, the JTS prolonged field care guidelines, while not specific to COVID-19, are useful for prolonged field care and can be found within the following resources links.
RESOURCES:
JTS Nursing Interventions in Prolonged Field Care CPG, 22 Jul 2018