Nursing in transport and aeromedical evacuation during disasters: transitions and continuity of care

Abstract

Objective: To reflect, through the lens of Transitions Theory, on nursing contributions to facilitating transition experiences and preserving continuity of care during aeromedical transport and evacuation in disasters. Method: A theoretical and conceptual reflective article based on scientific literature and technical and normative documents. A focused literature search was conducted in five databases, and selected materials were analysed using the components of Afaf Meleis’s theory. Results: The reflection was organised into four themes: disasters as potential triggers of transitions; aeromedical transport as a care context; nursing interventions; and preparation and coordination of aeromedical capacity. The analysis proposes that continuity of care depends on coordinated interventions before, during and after transport, considering the conditions that influence transition experiences and the interfaces between teams and services. Final considerations and implications for practice: Nursing can support continuity through assessment, preparation, clinical monitoring, communication and structured transfer of care. Aeromedical capacity requires interdisciplinary coordination throughout the care pathway.