Many of our patients require medical interventions, including medications, external medical devices, implants and internal medical devices. As a specialist in door-to-door commercial air medical transports and medical escorts, our staff is trained how to handle medical interventions during commercial air travel. If there are questions about specific medical devices, their safety for in-flight use and screening methods, SentinelMED handles the research and preparing the necessary medical documentation. In addition, the medical escort team will ensure that correct screening procedures are following during TSA security checks. The following are TSA regulations that apply to common medical interventions:
Medications
Solid and pill form medications should be clearly labeled and stored in a clear, ziplock bag to facilitate the screening process. Security will need to screen them separately from other items in your carry-on luggage. Patients are able to travel with liquid mediations larger than 4 oz. But they will require special screening at security checkpoints. TSA agents may test them for explosive or concealed or prohibited items. This may open the medication, transfer it to a separate container or dispose of some of the liquid. For medicines that need to be kept cool, ice packs or gel packs may be used in a cooler or thermal container. According to TSA regulations, these items must be solid at the time of the screening. If defrosted or slushy they may be subject other same screening procedures as liquids.
External Medical Devices
External medical devices include a bone growth stimulator, spinal stimulator, neurostimulator, port, feeding tube, insulin pump, ostomy, nebulizer, portable oxygen concentrator or any other medical device that attaches to the patients body. During the screening devices that can be detached may be subject to x-ray or advanced imaging screening. Some devices, such as an insulin pumps, should not be screened by a metal detector. Instead these patients should be screened by imaging technology or a pat-down to ensure the external medical device is not compromised.
Implants & Internal Medical Devices
Implants and internal medical devices include artificial knees, hips or other metal implant, pacemaker, defibrillator or any other device that has been surgically implanted. When going through airport security some devices, such as pacemakers, should not be screened by a metal detector. Instead these patients should be screened by imaging technology or a pat-down to ensure the internal medical device is not compromised.
Implants and internal medical devices include artificial knees, hips or other metal implant, pacemaker, defibrillator or any other device that has been surgically implanted. When going through airport security some devices, such as pacemakers, should not be screened by a metal detector. Instead these patients should be screened by imaging technology or a pat-down to ensure the internal medical device is not compromised.
Commercial Air Medical Transport Service
SentinelMED’s team of qualified logistics and medical professionals are able to determine the appropriate form of affordable commercial air medical transport and can help manage the process from end-to-end. As a commercial air medical transport service we understand the complexity of delivering exceptional care to the sick, elderly, disabled or injured patient who is away from home and in an unfamiliar environment. Please contact us if you’d like to learn more about our services and staff.
