Aeromedical retrieval of critically ill patients following the Whakaari/white island volcanic eruption, New Zealand

Ms Patrice Rosengrave¹

¹Intensive Care Unit: Christchurch Public Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand

Following the Whakaari/White Island volcanic eruption on the 9th December 2019 at 1400, eight severely injured people were flown south to Christchurch, New Zealand, for specialist treatment. The first two critically ill ventilated patients arrived in the Christchurch Public Intensive Care Unit around 0500. Patients flown to Christchurch Public Hospital had burns covering anywhere from 25 to 65 per cent of their bodies.

This talk highlights the uniqueness of the aeromedical retrieval of two critically ill ventilated victims of this natural disaster.

In addition, I present lessons learnt and the standard of care required to treat burns resulting from steam and volcanic gases released by a volcanic eruption.

Biography:

Patrice Rosengrave is a senior flight nurse who currently works with the Christchurch Air Retrieval Service, Christchurch Public Hospital, New Zealand.