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How can focus on Patient Logistics

reduce loss of lives during disasters?

Interview with

Robert Sunde

Sales Manager and Co-Developer
of LESS (Light Emergency Stretcher Systems) of Norway VA

Q What is unique about your adopted the LESS system in 2008.
system? In 2011 Turkey followed with a
One versatile patient logistics
nationwide coverage through civil
system for large road traffic
Versatility in adversity. Disasters defence teams. Turkey plays a key role
accidents or huge natural or occur unexpected in time, place, size in disaster preparedness in the entire
complex disasters. Norwe- and form. However there is ALWAYS region. Currently we are cooperating
gian Company LESS Ltd offers patient logistics involved, so one with the Ministry of Health in Iraq to
products and solutions for should plan for that in the first place. install strategic stocks co-located with
That's why we have developed one emergency rooms.
patient logistics and a holistic
versatile system to sort, handle and
evacuation strategy.
transport injured in mass casualty Q What are your main
incidents, to follow these patients challenges?
LESS® IS A LEADING PROVIDER
from the scene of accident to the
of products and solutions for
scene of treatment. We aim to reduce In today's world of just-in-time-
patient logistics and a holistic the negative impact for both patients delivery, even decision-makers seem
evacuation strategy. We supply
and rescuers with a set of tools and to forget the importance of prepa-
all necessary equipment to effi- accessories. LESS concept is designed redness. But, honestly, who doesn't
ciently establish a casualty clea- for multi-purpose and multi-hazard understand it is too late to go and
ring station. response, training friendly and with buy a first aid kit the day you cut your
high focus on self-help as in disasters finger?
ESSENTIAL FEATURES-LESS® the available professional resources
Emergency Rescue Unit is a trai- are typically limited. Q Your message to the world?
ler solution for mass casualty inci-
dents and large evacuations. It is Q : How is your method field Reduce discrimination; i.e. the disas-
equipped to establish a casualty tested? ter within the disaster. NGOs, with
clearing station rapidly. Most IFRC in the lead, have previously
units are tailor-made for a cer- We have developed our concept in focused on reducing discrimina-
tain level of preparedness accor- cooperation with, and with input tion in disasters. They encourage
ding to a given risk assessment. from professional rescuers, civil field workers to focus on the elderly,
defence teams and not least profes- disabled, injured, pregnant women
THE LESS CONCEPT is designed sionals from the Norwegian Air Am- and others that have reduced mobili-
for multi-purpose and multi-ha- bulance Foundation (SNLA). SNLA ty. This is written in the organizations'
zard response, training friendly are currently leading in Europe with program, but out in the field there is
and with high focus on self-help scientific studies within the pre- a lack of emergency stretchers that
as in disasters the available pro- hospital sector. Among other studies could enable field workers to observe
fessional resources are typically they have shown that a systematic the right priorities. We therefore hope
limited. LESS is used by leading and standardized disaster approach NGOs will take advantage of innova-
ambulance/air ambulance and can save time and lives. The LESS tive products and systems that can
rescue services, air-ports, off- concept of Optimized Patient Evacua- reduce suffering, recovery time, fata-
shore and industry. LESS® emer- tion is such a tool, suitable within an lity and social cost of disasters. They
interdisciplinary strategy. are most welcome to discuss with
gency solutions are also used in
national and international disas- us which are suitable preparedness
Q Where is LESS in use? solutions suitable for pre-stocking or
ter management agencies.
integration in daily emergency
Besides Scandinavian countries, response systems.
Dubai ambulance services, UAE,
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