SentinelMED, a medical travel assistance company, is experienced in the logistics of commercial air medical transport. The planning and preparation process for a commercial air medical transport is a very detailed and involved process. Once the various teams have completed their assessments and made all the arrangements, it’s time to put the plan in motion. In this post, we’ll examine the ins and outs of a commercial air medical transport departure, the in-flight logistics and airport transfers.
Departure
The day before a commercial air medical transport, the nurse (or physician) medical escort meets with the patient. Days or weeks prior to the departure the patient receives a packing list from SentinelMED. The medical escort team checks and re-checks to ensure that all luggage, medical and personal, are accounted for and ready for transport. In addition, they review the detailed itinerary with the patient.
On the day of the flight, the medical escort team arrives early to help the patient leave the hospital or medical facility. They also review the itinerary again. Since ground transportation to the airport has already been arranged during the planning phase, the medical escort team can focus on the comfort and care of the patient. Once the patient and medical escort team reach the airport, the medical escort team ensures the patient receives any special accommodations or priority seating that has previously been arranged.
SenitnelMED has a live update system, which enables approved friends and family of the patient to receive live updates via text or email during every step of the trip. Loved ones can then know when the patient is going through the boarding gate or wheels are up on the plane.
In-Flight
During the flight the medical escort team is solely focused on providing care to the patient and assisting with any medical needs. They help with meals, administering medications or oversee proper function of any accompanying medical equipment. The SentinelMED medical escort team is equipped to help a wide range of patients during a commercial air medical transport flight, up to and including vented patients (those receiving artificial respiration).
Transfers
While SentinelMED aims to find direct flight routing, many cases end up requiring plane transfers. The process of offloading and re-boarding adds additional security checks at each transfer. The medical escort team’s objective is to make layouts and transfers as easy as possible for the patient. Larger airports around the world actually have on-site clinics, which provide a more secure and stable environment. Where applicable, SentinelMED is able to arrange for patients to be admitted to an airport clinic during extended layovers. Once it’s time to board the next plane, all tickets, security clearances, and special accommodations have been arranged for the patient.
Arrange an Affordable Air Medical Transport
Each medical situation is different and every individual’s health needs vary significantly. SentinelMED is a medical travel assistance company that knows the ins and outs of commercial air medical transports. Our team of qualified logistics and medical professionals are able to determine the appropriate form of affordable medical transportation service and help manage the process from end-to-end. We understand the complexity of delivering exceptional care to the sick, elderly or injured patient in an unfamiliar environment. Please contact us if you’d like to learn more about our services and staff.
Click Here to Read Part 1 of this blog series:
The Logistics of Commercial Air Medical Transport: Planning & Preparation
Click Here to Read Part 3 of this blog series:
The Logistics of Commercial Air Medical Transport: Arrival & Continued Care
