The Spanish Armed Forces' newest branch, the Military Emergencies Unit (UME), has been at the forefront of battling COVID-19. Tasked with disaster relief, the UME is addressing the pandemic on multiple fronts, including the transportation of deceased individuals to secure deposits, moving patients between hospitals, and conducting reconnaissance and disinfecting missions in targeted facilities like nursing homes.
One of their most critical missions is the disinfection of nursing homes. In Madrid alone, 50,000 elderly residents call these facilities home. Tragically, nearly half of Spain's 20,000 COVID-19 casualties were residents of nursing homes, with 95 percent of the victims over the age of 60.
During these missions, UME members have discovered dead bodies in nursing homes awaiting removal, underscoring the devastating impact of the virus on vulnerable populations.
Established in 2006, the UME was initially created to intervene in natural disasters and tackle chemical, nuclear, radiological, and biological hazards. Today, their role has expanded to include significant contributions in the fight against the global pandemic.
Stringer: Jaime Alekos and Luis Carballo
Reference(s):
The Global Guardians: Spanish army takes action in 'war' against virus
cgtn.com
