The aeromedical resources of the Colombian Aerospace Force were decisive for the transfer of three minors, wounded after the activation of a minefield in a rural area of the municipality of Olaya Herrera, department of Nariño, from Tumaco to the city of Cali, a mission that achieved their timely access to a higher-level hospital due to the severity of the injuries they had.
After initially being helped by units of Colombian National Army and taken to a health care center in Tumaco, the medical staff determined the need of sending them to the capital city of Valle del Cauca, a situation that demanded an immediate response and the activation of the Air Combat Command No. 7 to work the transfer in the shortest possible time.
The operation was carried out in a UH-60 aircraft, in which three minors, aged by 5 and 7 years old, were transported, who had abdominal and legs injuries, being permanently assisted by the aeromedical team, whose intervention was key to maintaining their stability throughout the operation.
During the flight, the military personnel of the health area, conducted continuous monitoring of vital signs, administration of analgesia, supply of supplemental oxygen and implementation of support measures, maintaining control over possible signs of bleeding, in addition the crews operated at a controlled altitude of twelve thousand feet so as not to compromise the condition of the patients.
The mission was completed late at night, under low-light conditions and variable meteorology, which required the use of special night vision equipment; upon arrival in Cali, the minors were handed over to medical personnel for the transfer to the University Hospital of Santiago de Cali, where they continue to receive the specialized assistance sought.
Source: Public Communications Office CACOM 7
