What is medical repatriation?
It’s not a happy thought, but if a loved one suffers a serious accident or illness abroad, most of us wouldn’t even know where to start when trying to get them home. Medical repatriation offered by specialist companies like EMS Air Ambulance & Medical Repatriation, is the efficient, reliable, and safe transportation of that person back to their home country.
For family members back home, medical repatriation brings clarity and stability to a difficult and trying situation.
When medical repatriation is your best option
Accidents or sudden illness can strike anytime, but if you’re overseas, having a family member hospitalised can be particularly overwhelming. Initial treatment will be carried out at a local hospital, but many patients prefer to return to their home country for further treatment as soon as possible.
This could be for a variety of reasons: insurance limitations, requiring specialist medical care, or wanting to be closer to family. Whatever the reason, if the patient is vulnerable or unable to travel without significant help, then normal modes of transport are out of the question. Medical repatriation is your best option.
What does it involve?
In general, medical repatriation involves the reliable presence of a medical professional (a paramedic, or doctor, or both), and organised travel that revolves around your needs. Medical repatriation companies, like EMS Air Ambulance & Medical Repatriation, offer a bed-to-bed service; taking care of every step of the process, from one hospital bed to the other.
There are a number of different options to choose from:
1. Air Ambulance
A private and direct flight is the fastest way of getting your loved one home safely. Air ambulances contain a fully equipped ICU, and you will be accompanied at all times by a specialist medical professional.
Although this option is the quickest, it is also the most expensive. If it does not compromise your care, other options may be more appealing.
2. A medical escort on a commercial flight
A paramedic or doctor will accompany you on a commercial flight. They will be able to offer assistance such as oxygen or specialised medical care if you need it. Medical repatriation companies, like EMS Air Ambulance & Medical Repatriation will also organise the logistics as well so you don’t have to worry: talking to hospitals, organising airport transport, and booking flights.
However in some cases flying is not appropriate for the patient, they may not be fit-to-fly, or it would be more convenient to travel over land.
3. Road ambulance
EMS Air Ambulance & Medical Repatriation also specialises in the long distance transportation of patients by road ambulance. Our road ambulances are specially equipped for this kind of transport – ICU equipped, automatic gears, and improved suspension – to comfortably and safely transport you to your destination.
Companies like EMS Air Ambulance & Medical Repatriation tailor the method of medical repatriation to your individual case. Wherever you are in the world, we can get you home.