Ultraviolet-C disinfection in aeromedical evacuation: A pilot evaluation of effectiveness and usability
Chandler H. Moser, Sarah L. Huffman, Michael T. Fredericks, Christopher H. Stucky, Jesse M. Hartmann, Gordon F. WestBackground:
As the US military shifts toward prolonged field care and delayed evacuation during large-scale combat operations, preventing health care-associated infections in aeromedical evacuation (AE) platforms has become an increasing operational concern. Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) disinfection systems may provide a rapid, nonconsumable method for reducing environmental microbial contamination in austere environments.
Materials and methods:
This exploratory, mixed-methods pilot study evaluated the effectiveness and feasibility of portable UV-C systems within a C-130 AE training fuselage. Effectiveness testing used pre- and post-intervention colony-forming unit sampling at 20 high-touch sites following a 30-minute UV-C disinfection cycle. Feasibility was assessed using the System Usability Scale, a modified Environmental Cleaning Survey, and qualitative participant feedback from military health care personnel enrolled in an AE training course.
Results:
UV-C disinfection resulted in a mean 93.5% reduction in colony-forming units, with mean counts decreasing from 19.4 before UV exposure to 1.3 afterward (
Conclusions:
UV-C disinfection substantially reduced environmental bacterial burden within an AE training fuselage under simulated operational conditions; however, currently available commercial systems present significant operational and logistical limitations for widespread military implementation.