Summer is a popular time for getting the whole family together. Reunions, beach vacations and graduations can draw generations of family members to the same location to share and make memories. However, travel can be difficult for medically compromised family members. But by using a medical escort for summer travel, people with physical or cognitive limitations can travel safely and comfortably so they don’t miss out.
Medical travel escorts provide support and non-emergency medical care to individuals who need to travel long distances. Escorts typically travel with people on commercial airlines and offer assistance during flight as well as during screening, boarding and transportation to and from the airport. Medical escort services are typically arranged by medical transportation companies.
Here are four examples of how using a medical escort can ensure everyone is able to travel for summer get-togethers:
For elderly adults. No one wants to leave a grandparent or great-grandparent out of summer vacation plans. A medical escort can make it possible for senior citizens to travel long-distances comfortably by assisting them during every stage of the travel process. They can also ensure any medication or food needs are met, and be an advocate for the individual during travel.
For family members with chronic medical conditions. Chronic medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and even diabetes can be negatively affected by stress. Travel, of course, can be stressful – even to fun events such as family vacations. Knowing that medical help will be available, and that a trained medical professional will be by their side throughout the travel process, can offer peace of mind for people who have chronic medical conditions.
For adults who have a mental illness or memory issues. Airports and airplanes can be chaotic and confusing places. This is especially true for adults who have a mental illness or memory problems and are traveling alone. Medical transportation services that are experienced in working with people who have a mental illness or memory issues can help them prepare in advance for travel. They can also arrange medical escorts who will provide help and support during all aspects of travel, including security screening and while in flight.
For individuals who are recovering from a serious illness. People who are recovering from a surgery or illness, or who have cancer, may be at greater risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other conditions associated with long-distance travel. A medical escort service can secure any necessary medical clearances for travel, acquire supplemental oxygen devices, and advocate for alternative security screening methods, if needed.
Medical Escort Services from SentinelMED, an Air Medical Transport Service
The medical escorts who work for SentinelMED are nurses, physicians, physician assistants and paramedics who are trained or experienced in emergency and critical care medicine.
In addition to arranging medical escort services, SentinelMED offers medical repatriation and evacuation services for people who have more serious, immediate or complicated medical concerns. In many cases, transport can be arranged on commercial airlines using medical escorts, which is a cost-effective alternative to air ambulance services.
Members of the SentinelMED team have strong working relationships with major airlines and can help facilitate special requests for travelers who are medically compromised. Our team also works closely with hospital case managers and families to provide safe and comfortable door-to-door transportation for such individuals.
SentinelMED 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.
