Medical Experiences from a Consular Repatriation and Evacuation Operation from Afghanistan in August 2021: A Field Report

Abstract

Abstract Following the Taliban influx in August 2021, several Western countries repatriated nationals and evacuated others from Kabul Airport in Afghanistan. This report aimed to describe medical experiences from the consular repatriation and evacuation operation. Memos from personal conversations with seven professionals involved in these operations formed the basis for this report. Minor trauma, gastrointestinal symptoms, dehydration, fever, and mental distress were common. Bandages, oral rehydration solution, and the administration of paracetamol were needed, in addition to medical evaluation of acuity. In consular repatriation and humanitarian evacuations, medical attendance should be prioritized to manage medical needs of individuals being evacuated, but also from a public health perspective. The medical needs covered a broad specter of infection disease symptoms, trauma, and mental health problems among patients of all ages. Since the nature of consular repatriations and evacuations can be challenging from safety and infrastructural aspects, general medical emergency awareness with an ability to effectively evaluate and manage both somatic and mental health emergencies on the ground and in the air, among both children and adults, is needed.