IAF develops 'ARPIT' to evacuate critical COVID-19 patients from isolated, remote areas

In view of COVID-19 crisis, Indian Air Force (IAF) has designed and developed an Airborne Rescue Pod for Isolated Transportation (ARPIT) for evacuation of critical patients with infectious diseases from high altitude, remote and isolated areas across country.

According to an official release by Defence Ministry, in wake of COVID-19 pandemic, IAF felt need for an air evacuation system with isolation facilities for COVID-19 patients to prevent spre of infectious aerosol during air travel. 

Taking to Twitter, IAF mentioned that ARPIT has been developed based on guidelines issued by Health Ministry, National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), and Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

IAF furr stated that y have used only indigeus materials to build  pod in order to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Aatma Nirbhar' mission. While system has been developed for Rs 60,000, IAF is currently inducting seven APRIT pods. 

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About ARPIT

According to release by Defence Ministry,  system has been developed as a lightweight isolation system me from aviation certified material. It has a transparent and durable cast Perspex for enhanced patient visibility which is larger, higher, and wider than existing models. release furr stated that isolation system caters to a suitable number of air exchanges, integration of medical monitoring instruments, and ventilation to an intubated patient. Along with it, it also generates high constant negative pressure in isolation chamber for prevention of infection risk to aircrew, ground crew, and health care workers. 

ARPIT uses High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) H-13 class filters and supports invasive ventilation using Transport Ventilator. release furr stated that it integrates life support and monitoring instruments, long arm gloves, and power pack with high endurance. 

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(With ANI Inputs)