Army modifies planes to help civilians

Army modifies planes to help civilians

A modified C295 army aircraft is used to help transport Covid-19 patients in need of treatment in the provinces. The Covid-19 Aero medical evacuation Army Team's (ArmCAME) test flight went smoothly yesterday. (Royal Thai Army photo)
A modified C295 army aircraft is used to help transport Covid-19 patients in need of treatment in the provinces. The Covid-19 Aero medical evacuation Army Team's (ArmCAME) test flight went smoothly yesterday. (Royal Thai Army photo)

The army has modified some of its aircraft to help transport Covid-19 patients in need of treatment in the provinces.

Col Sirichan Ngathong, deputy spokeswoman for the army, said army chief Gen Narongpan Jitkaewtae ordered the maximised use of army resources, including the modification of army planes, to help people amid the recent surge in Covid-19 infections.

The modified aircraft have been deployed to help relieve a shortage of beds in Greater Bangkok since July 12, with operations conducted by the army's mobilisation centre, regional army and the army medical department, she said.

The planes transported patients to their provinces for treatment, she said, adding that the army modified the aircraft so they are suitable for patient transport and disease control.

Security, air ventilation and filtration systems and security cameras with communication devices were installed onboard the planes while medical officers, pilots and technicians stand ready to serve, Col Sirichan said.

Healthcare officers will constantly monitor patients, she said.

Yesterday, army medics participated in a training exercise to cover all processes, from taking patients onboard to delivering supplies.

People can contact the army Covid-19 call centre at 02-270-5685-9 to request air transport.

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