Medical Evacuation of Seafarers During a Global Crisis
Gheorghe, Laurentiu (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024061223050
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024061223050
Tiivistelmä
The maritime industry's reliance on seafarers' well-being exposes significant vulnerabilities in medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) processes during global crises such as pandemics, natural disasters, and geopolitical tensions. This thesis, titled "Medical Evacuation of Seafarers During a Global Crisis," delves into these challenges and proposes strategic solutions to enhance MEDEVAC resilience and effectiveness. By analyzing historical and contemporary case studies, particularly focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic, the research identifies critical gaps in emergency preparedness, operational logistics, regulatory frameworks, stakeholder coordination, and technological integration.
The pandemic, in particular, highlighted severe weaknesses in existing MEDEVAC processes, emphasizing the urgent need for improvements. Key findings reveal significant operational challenges, regulatory inconsistencies, uneven technological adoption, and the necessity for improved stakeholder coordination. The thesis recommends developing standardized international MEDEVAC protocols, enhancing interagency and international coordination, promoting technology adoption, and establishing dedicated emergency preparedness resources.
By examining the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders and exploring the impact of emerging technologies such as telemedicine and automated emergency response systems, the study offers comprehensive policy recommendations and an adaptable MEDEVAC framework. Detailed case studies of crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and regional conflicts provide insights into best practices and lessons learned.
This thesis significantly contributes to maritime safety and crisis management, offering valuable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and healthcare professionals. It underscores the imperative for a resilient, efficient, and technologically integrated MEDEVAC system to safeguard seafarers' health and ensure the maritime industry's continuous operation during global crises.
The pandemic, in particular, highlighted severe weaknesses in existing MEDEVAC processes, emphasizing the urgent need for improvements. Key findings reveal significant operational challenges, regulatory inconsistencies, uneven technological adoption, and the necessity for improved stakeholder coordination. The thesis recommends developing standardized international MEDEVAC protocols, enhancing interagency and international coordination, promoting technology adoption, and establishing dedicated emergency preparedness resources.
By examining the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders and exploring the impact of emerging technologies such as telemedicine and automated emergency response systems, the study offers comprehensive policy recommendations and an adaptable MEDEVAC framework. Detailed case studies of crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and regional conflicts provide insights into best practices and lessons learned.
This thesis significantly contributes to maritime safety and crisis management, offering valuable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and healthcare professionals. It underscores the imperative for a resilient, efficient, and technologically integrated MEDEVAC system to safeguard seafarers' health and ensure the maritime industry's continuous operation during global crises.