Medical Emergency Abroad
Traveling abroad is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be stressful if you or someone traveling with you falls ill and needs medical assistance. In these situations, it's essential to understand the options available regarding medical transport and evacuation. Two primary methods of medical transport are commercial air medical escorts and international medical flights. In this blog post, we'll explore both options to help you make an informed decision in case of a medical emergency while traveling abroad.
Commercial Air Medical Escorts
A commercial air medical escort is a trained medical professional who accompanies a patient on a commercial airline flight. These escorts are usually a nurse or paramedic who is capable of providing medical care during a flight, including administering medication or oxygen, monitoring vital signs, and assessing the patient's condition.
The benefits of using a commercial air medical escort rather than an air ambulance company include cost-effectiveness. Medical escorts are more affordable than air ambulance companies, as they only charge for the service of an escort and not the entire flight. It's essential to note that not all airlines allow medical escorts. Before booking a flight, it's essential to check with the airline regarding their policies on medical escorts. If they do not allow them, it may be necessary to book a flight with another airline that permits medical escorts.
International Medical Flights
International medical flights are medical transport services that provide air ambulance services for long-distance transport. These flights are equipped with medical equipment, including ventilators, oxygen systems, and monitoring equipment, which can help provide life-saving medical care during an emergency.
International medical flights can be arranged through a medical transport company. These companies provide all the necessary services, including medical staff, transportation, and equipment. They can also arrange for ground transport to and from the airport, as well as other logistics, including arranging for visas and other necessary documentation.
While international medical flights are more expensive than commercial air medical escorts, they may be necessary for patients who require more intensive medical care or who cannot be accommodated on commercial flights due to their medical condition.
Considerations for Both Options
When deciding between commercial air medical escorts and international medical flights, several factors should be considered. These include the patient's medical condition, the duration of the flight, the availability of medical equipment onboard the aircraft, and the cost.
In cases where the patient requires intensive medical care, an international medical flight may be the best option. These flights provide a highly secure and medically-equipped environment that immediate medical attention on an ongoing basis.
For patients with relatively stable conditions, who do not require constant monitoring. Commercial air medical escorts may be more appropriate. In addition to being a more affordable option, they also provide less disruption to travel plans and make it easier to fly domestically or internationally.
In summary, during a medical emergency while traveling abroad, it's crucial to have an understanding of the options available for medical transport. Commercial air medical escorts and international medical flights are both effective ways to transport patients who require medical care while traveling.
Commercial air medical escorts can be a cost-effective way to transport patients and offer fewer restrictions on travel plans. International medical flights provide a highly equipped, medically secure environment, making them the best option for patients requiring intensive medical attention.
When deciding between these options, it's essential to consider the patient's medical condition, the duration of the flight, the availability of medical equipment onboard the aircraft, and the cost. By doing so, you can make an informed decision and ensure that you receive the best medical care while traveling.