An air medical transport service can offer a range of assistance for travelers who experience serious illness or injury far away from home. But some air medical transport services, such as SentinelMED, also can arrange medical escorts to travel with patients who are more capable, such as people who are traveling for medical tourism or have cognitive limitations.
For those considering an air medical transport service, here are some things to consider when determining the appropriate level of medical escort care that’s needed:
The mental capacity of the patient. People with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can often travel safely and in comfort alone or with family members if they are assisted by a medical escort. Medical escorts also can support and travel with people who have mental illness. Whenever possible, ask that a traveler be paired with a medical escort who has been trained or is experienced in working with people who have memory issues; the same holds true for travelers who have mental illness.
Physical capacity of the patient. SentinelMED works closely with travelers and their families to coordinate ground and air transportation. At an airport, that includes arranging for mobility aids such as wheelchairs and in-airport transportation. Transport by commercial aircraft and with the assistance of a medical escort, as offered by SentinelMED, can be a good option for patients who can travel while seated. It’s also less expensive than transportation by helicopter or private airplane.
Language barriers that may arise. When a traveler has healthcare needs or limited capabilities, his or her ability to communicate become essential. When talking with an air medical transportation service, confirm that they can provide a medical escort that speaks the traveler’s native language. This will help the traveler feel more at ease, and will ensure that important medical information is conveyed in the event of a medical emergency.
Medication needs during travel.Will the traveler need supplemental oxygen or help managing a condition that’s worsened by high altitudes? Does he or she take medicine that may need to be adjusted for time zone changes or to deal with dehydration? SentinelMED’s team includes trained physicians, physician assistants and nurses who can help manage medications and answer questions.
Potential for medical event during travel. Travelers who are recovering from a surgery or illness, or who have chronic medical conditions, may be at greater risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other conditions associated with long-distance travel. For families of people who have healthcare concerns, traveling with a trained medical escort can reduce stress and provide reassurance that their loved one will receive prompt and consistent care during transport.
Services Offered by SentinelMED, an Air Medical Transport Service
SentinelMED provides air medical transport services to people from all over the world. In some cases, usually after a sudden illness or accident, SentinelMED works directly with a hospital to coordinate a medical transport. SentinelMED also offers travel assistance for patients who are elderly, traveling for medical tourism, or who have limited physical or mental capabilities.
The medical escorts who work for SentinelMED are professionally trained or experienced in emergency and critical care medicine. In many cases, the SentinelMED team can arrange for patients to travel on commercial-airline flights, a cost-effective alternative to air ambulance services.
SentinelMED also provides medical repatriation services for those who have more serious or complicated medical concerns. We work closely with hospital case managers to provide door-to-door transportation for such patients.
The SentinelMED team understands the complexity of delivering exceptional care to patients who need assistance during travel. Please contact us to learn more about the services that SentinelMED offers or its staff.
