International experience in organizing medical care for the population of Italy and Serbia by military medical specialists during the COVID-19 pandemic

Based on the decision of the President of the Russian Federation, interservice teams of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation were formed to combat a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Italy and Serbia. Eight medical and nursing teams were formed from the medical personnel in each detachment, led by epidemiologists, each consisting of an anaesthesiologist (resuscitator), an infectious disease specialist (therapist), and an anesthesiologist nurse. Their main task was to provide medical care for patients with new coronavirus infection in the medical and preventive organizations of these countries. In order to accomplish their tasks and to provide high-quality medical care (protection of personnel from contamination by biological agents), each group was equipped with personal protective equipment. The work of the medical teams on the territory of Italy and Serbia consisted in sanitary and epidemiological reconnaissance, epidemiological examination of the outbreaks of the new coronavirus infection, organization of anti-epidemic measures and treatment of patients with COVID-19 in the medical and preventive organizations of these countries. Calculations of mobile aerosol disinfection complexes and auto-filling stations of the radiation, chemical and biological protection troops were involved in carrying out anti-epidemic measures on a daily basis. As a result of the measures taken, experience was gained in using the forces and resources of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation to localize the outbreaks of the new coronavirus infection in the territory of foreign countries. The joint work of the group of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and local authorities has reduced the incidence of a new coronavirus infection among the local population of Italy and Serbia.