Coronavirus: Dubai ambulance crews load patients into 'pressure tubes' to stay safe

Transparent boxes cut the chance of the virus spreading and reduce the need to scrub down vehicles as often

The negative pressure shuttle used to transport Covid-19 patients. Dubai Media Office

Dubai’s paramedics have begun transporting Covid-19 patients in special pressure tubes to cut the risk of spreading the virus.

Dubai Ambulance Corporation said severely ill people are placed in a negative pressure capsule before being wheeled into an emergency vehicle.

Its use ensures that ambulances do not have to be disinfected after each patient has been transported, saving precious time and allowing vehicles to remain in use more frequently.

The technology – called an EpiShuttle – provides an extra layer of protection for frontline staff.

The device was shown in a video released by the government’s press office on Monday night.

Medical staff are playing a vital role in the country’s efforts to limit a growing number of coronavirus cases.

As of Monday, the UAE had recorded 7,265 cases of the virus.

A total of 1,360 people have recovered, while 43 people have died after positive tests.

Last week, The National spoke to two Dubai ambulance staff at the heart of the nation's campaign to contain the virus.

Marwan Al Mansoori, an emergency responder with Dubai Ambulance Corporation, said he had not seen his three-year-old daughter for three weeks.

He moved out of his home to keep his family safe and will remain in his accommodation until the crisis is under control.

He supports a large family and cannot risk returning home each night.

His colleague, advanced paramedic Aysha Al Blooshi, has three children. Her youngest is five months old.

“We work 12 hours, four days on and four days off, but now we work six days a week followed by two days off,” she said.

“It is hard and everyone is tense but it is a necessity. I never expected or suspected anything like this would happen but thankfully, here in the UAE we take care of everyone. We treat everyone the same. Everyone will get the same care regardless of nationality.”