If a traveler becomes injured or ill, their loved ones often begin making frantic plans to get them home as quickly as possible. However, that might not be necessary, or even safe, depending on the patient’s medical needs and condition. Access to medical expertise during travel can help determine if adequate and appropriate care is available near the patient’s location. If not, medical professionals can provide guidance on when and how to transport the patient back home as safely and comfortably as possible.
The role of a medical expert in such situations could include:
Reviewing the patient’s medical records. A doctor who has specialized training in emergency or travel medicine should be able to assess the patient's needs. They can also weigh those needs against the risks associated with long-distance transport. Specialists, such as neurologists or cardiologists, may also be needed to consult on complex cases.
Researching medical facilities and providers near the patient’s location. Medical experts can determine whether the patient will have access nearby to specialists or advanced equipment required to provide the best possible outcome.
Communicating regularly with the patient’s care team. The doctor who is serving as the patient’s medical expert should communicate regularly with the team that is providing care for the traveler, as well as the traveler’s family members or loved ones.
Recommending transport options, if applicable. If the patient is in stable condition, he or she may need to be transported to another location to get appropriate medical care. A medical expert can recommend the most appropriate mode of transport, whether by air ambulance, commercial airline, or ground ambulance services.
How to Access to Medical Expertise During a Travel Emergency
Some travel insurance policies include medical case management. This typically includes a review of medical information by a doctor or physician assistant. SentinelMED provides on-demand medical case management for some insurance providers.
In addition, SentinelMED also can serve as a medical expert as part of our medical transport, medical repatriation, and medical escort services. Members of our team are trained in emergency travel and aeromedicine. That training, together with decades of experience in their fields, gives them a deep knowledge of the complexities of transporting injured or ill patients over long distances. They can balance the medical needs of individual patients and the transport options available to offer informed recommendations.
About SentinelMED
SentinelMED coordinates travel logistics and arrange medical transportation for people who need assistance to travel long distances. In many cases, people who are sick or injured can travel on commercial flights with care provided by a medical escort – 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 to provide safe and comfortable door-to-door transportation for people who become sick or injured while traveling.
At SentinelMED, we understand 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.
