Medevac vs Medical Repatriation
Medevac and medical repatriation both involve the transportation of patients that require medical attention. But they differ in the purpose and operate under different circumstances.
What is medevac?
Medevac is short for ‘medical evacuation’. It can refer to more than just military evacuation. Every patient transported by helicopter or aircraft can be called a ‘medevac’. In a situation where somebody is critically ill or injured and has to be transported to a hospital, or where roads are bad or not passable, a medevac is sometimes the only solution to get them to safety.
A medevac also doesn’t have to involve large-scale operations, or occur in an emergency situation. It could even consist of transferring a patient from one hospital to another, where better or specialised care is available.
In what situations do you need medevac
In the end, everyone can find themselves in a situation where they need a medevac: a cardiac arrest or stroke in a remote area, or an accident when skiing in the mountains. In most countries, the local Medical Health Services are able to carry out a medevac, as well as offer initial treatment in a local hospital. But in most cases, people who find themselves in these situations want to return to their own country as quickly as possible, where they can recover in the familiar environment, surrounded by family and – in some cases – with better care. In that case we’re talking about Medical Repatriation.
From Medevac to Medical Repatriation
Medical Repatriation refers to the transportation of patients back to their home country. In a recent case, Peter (not his real name) from Germany suffered a stroke while he was on holiday in the south of France. He was immediately flown to the local hospital via medevac. The local doctors stabilised him, but thought he needed surgery as well. He could have the surgery in France or back home. Peter opted for a Medical Repatriation and engaged EMS to take him back to Germany by Road Ambulance for further treatment. He arrived safely and was able to recover in his own country.
Medical Repatriation for urgent and non-urgent cases
Sometimes it is medically necessary to repatriate a patient. When the standards of hygiene or the levels of care are dangerously low in a foreign hospital, repatriation can make the difference between life and death. But a repatriation can also be the right decision in non-urgent situations. Being hospitalised is stressful at the best of times, but if you’re having to face culture shock, language barriers and the challenges of navigating an unfamiliar health system as well, it can be overwhelming. That’s why many people in urgent and non-urgent cases consider repatriation.
EMS offers international patient transport by long distance Road Ambulance, Private Jet, Air Ambulance and a Medical Escort.
The differences between medevac and medical repatriation
The purpose
The primary purpose of medevac is to quickly transport a patient from the site of an injury or medical emergency to the nearest appropriate medical facility. Most of the time it’s an emergency response. Where speed is critical to ensure the patient gets the right treatment on time. When medical repatriation involves transporting a patient back to their home country. It’s not really an emergency, but a way to relocate the patient to a preferred or necessary location for long-term care, comfort, or recovery.
Scenarios
Medevac is used when there has been an accident, natural disaster, or combat situations where immediate medical attention is required. Mostly for short distances. While Medical Repatriation occurs after the patient has been stabilised and can endure longer travel.
Urgency
For Medevac urgency is high, as the patient’s condition might be life-threatening, requiring immediate transport to the closest hospital. Medical Repatriation is less urgent. The patient is stable enough to travel but requires transport for further care, often under medical supervision.
Transportation methods
Medevac can involve helicopters, ambulances, or aeroplanes specially equipped for emergency medical care, with focus on rapid response and getting the patient to a facility that can provide immediate care. For Medical Repatriation at EMS we use a Road Ambulance, Air Ambulance or Medical Escort. Focus hereby lies on the patient’s comfort and safety during longer transport.
Planning
Medevac is performed as quickly as possible, whereas Medical Repatriation is planned and coordinated.
Do you need Medical Repatriation?
Contact us for a free quote
If you find yourself in a medical emergency abroad and would like to return home, don’t hesitate to contact us. Give us a call or use the chat function on the site for any questions or even if you just want to chat through your situation and explore options. Alternatively fill out the form for a free quote. We will get back to you as soon as possible.