This is a fascinating nonfiction account of how a small aviation company became a crucial support group for not just the United States but nations around the world. Their company initially grew by flying dangerous cargo that no one wanted to. These included explosives and other potentially volatile and flammable items, as well as, emergency medical evacuation missions.
In 2014, the world's largest Ebola outbreak was occurring in Africa. Two medical volunteers had contracted Ebola and were needing to be returned to the United States for treatment. No one had ever done something like this before and almost no one wanted to. The Ebola virus can have up to a 90% fatality rate if patients do not receive treatment. Thankfully, Phoenix Air had created a prototype of an airtight container that could be fit onto an airplane. Phoenix Air was requested to create a version that could house a contagious patient along with the medically necessary gear to treat them while enroute. Considering the length of the flight and all the material needed, it would need to be able to fit in a large airliner.
A group of experts were pulled together to create, test, and prepare for this never before done feat. An older version plane was acquired that could load the hospital container in and out of the cargo hold. Beyond the container, the plane had to be equipped with air tight containment system for the medical team to enter and exit the container. Time was of the essence and little time allowed for testing.
In July, 2014, the first of two flights left Atlanta for Liberia to collect the first patient and return them to Atlanta so they could be treated at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Due to space constraints, only one patient could be taken. This trip would have to be made twice.
You may remember the headlines and the fear of bringing Ebola to the States. The book details the history of the airline company, the engineering requirements, and the selfless souls who risked their lives to save others.
Joan Dudzinski
Branch Manager
Cumming Library
