Chartering an air ambulance can be an efficient but costly solution for patients needing a form of medical assistance when flying. However, contrary to popular belief, air ambulance services are not the only option for patients requiring medical attention when traveling. As such, flying commercially with a medical escort is a cheaper alternative for patients seeking a safe transportation method.

At MTI 24/7, part of our mission is to make healthcare and air transportation more accessible to patients, wherever they are located. With that goal in mind, we have designed our medical escort services for patients needing a low-cost air transport solution. Let’s take a look at our commercial medical escort services and how they can benefit passengers with medical needs.

Commercial medical escorts: when are they required and for whom?

• A commercial medical escort refers to a healthcare professional who accompanies and assists a passenger during a regular flight.

• The medical escort is tasked to ensure the safety of the patient, administer care and support, monitor his health condition and deliver emergency care if needed during the flight.

• When flying commercially with a medical escort, the patient should be stable enough to support the physical strain. Patients requiring minimal medical assistance during their flight can request a medical escort team.

• Patients with neurological disorders, cardiac diseases, respiratory diseases, trauma injuries, reduced mobility or elderly people with health issues can rely on medical escort services when travelling.

What is a medical escort?

A medical escort is a healthcare professional whose role is to accompany and assist a patient who is being transferred via a commercial flight. A paramedic, a nurse, a general or specialized physician can be appointed as a medical escort. The type of medical escort dispatched for the mission is selected based on the patient’s health status.

Patients who are in a stable condition but require medical supervision during their flight can benefit from the presence of a medical escort. Our medical escort services are also relevant for passengers who are likely to experience a deterioration of their condition during their trip. 

When flying with a medical escort, the passenger can:

• be seated in economy or business class if his medical condition allows it;

• lie down on a stretcher that has been especially installed in economy class and is sheltered from other passengers with a screen. This option is ideal for patients with reduced mobility;

• travel in a PTC (patient transport compartment) which is an intensive care unit dedicated to the patient. Due to logistical reasons, this option, which is subject to the airline company’s approval, is rarely feasible.

There are several medical conditions that require the expertise and responsiveness of a medical escort during a commercial flight. Those include:

• Dementia and other neurological disorders;

• Cardiac diseases;

• Respiratory diseases;

• Chronic diseases;

• Recent surgeries;

• Mobility issues;

• Trauma injuries; amongst others.

Medical issues during commercial flights

Travelers should be aware that environmental and physiological changes can affect them if they have a pre-existing medical condition. Indeed, commercial airliners are not designed for the transportation of patients with major health issues. Air travel can actually exacerbate existing medical conditions or lead to in-flight medical emergencies.

One of the major risks is the change in cabin pressure which can have dire consequences for passengers who suffer from respiratory issues, existing heart diseases or gas expansion within body cavities. Other factors like decreased oxygen saturation, prolonged immobilization during long-haul flights and dehydration can also contribute to the deterioration of some patient’s health.

Common in-flight medical issues are:

• Respiratory distress for people with pulmonary disorders;

• Hypoxia for passengers with existing respiratory or cardiac conditions;

• Barotrauma to the ears;

• Wound ruptures for passengers who have undergone a recent surgery due to gas expansion;

• Decompression sickness;

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) particularly during long-haul flights.

In-flight medical assistance: limitations of cabin crew

According to the CDC, medical emergencies happen in approximately 1 in 600 flights. Alarming, right? Particularly for someone who is at high risk of in-flight medical issues due to a complex medical history. Adding to that is the lack of medical expertise of the cabin crew.

Though flight attendants are usually trained in basic first-aid gestures, for instance CPR or the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), they are often not well armed when it comes to medical emergencies. In case of in-flight medical distress, the cabin crew would not necessarily have the appropriate knowledge or expertise to be able to respond appropriately. Not to forget that anticipation is sometimes key in preventing fatalities. Flight attendants unfortunately would not have the required knowledge to spot early signs and warnings indicative of a potential degradation of a passengers’ condition.

Furthermore, inadequate medical equipment onboard is rather handicapping when managing in-flight medical issues. Most commercial airlines are required to carry an AED or an emergency medical kit, which might not be sufficient to deal with every emergency situation.

Our commercial medical escort service: for a safe flight

We are committed to your safety. Striving to deliver the best medical care possible, we adopt all measures, safety protocols as well as carefully select the accompanying medical personnel. Our commercial medical escort service ensures your peace of mind as well as that of your family members all down the line. 

When planning for your medical escort flight, every detail is scrupulously examined and we spare no efforts to guarantee a safe flight. Here’s what can you expect when booking with us:
Medical assessment: determining your fitness to fly commercially is pivotal to your safety. As such, our medical committee is requisitioned to evaluate your medical condition and give their approval for a commercial flight;

Expert medical advice: with their extensive knowledge in aviation medicine, they can advise you on the most suitable formula depending on your condition; 

Constant medical supervision: before, during and after our medical escort flights, our medical crew is always by your side to assist you and administer the care you need; 

Careful selection of the medical crew: our medical escort team consists of board-certified flight physicians, experienced nurses or paramedics and EMTs. For every mission, the medical crew is selected based on the patient’s medical status and needs.

Bed-to-bed service: when injured or sick, physical and mental strain can worsen your condition. So as to provide you with a smooth and effortless transfer, we arrange for ground transportation to and from the airport, ensure the communication with relevant authorities and take care of you from your start address till your destination address.

Psychological well-being: aware of the mental toll that a disease or traumatic injury can have, we prioritize the well-being of our patients at all times. During a medical escort flight, emphasis is put on a compassionate approach ensuring the patient’s psychological well-being.

Strict hygiene measures: to reduce the risk of infection, we implement strict hygiene measures at every stage of your transfer.

Roles and duties of our medical escorts

Our team leaves no stones unturned to ensure your safety and comfort. During every mission, our medical escorts have a clear set of objectives which are:

• Handling check-in/boarding and the patient’s luggage;

• Assisting the patient before, during and after the flight;

• Overseeing the patient’s condition and looking for signs of a possible deterioration of his condition;

• Administering treatment and medication regularly and in a timely manner;

• Providing emotional support;

• Booking wheelchairs and other medical equipment if needed;

• Assisting the patient with the use of medical devices;

• Intervening in case of an in-flight medical emergency. 
  

Good to know: Due to restrictions imposed by airline companies, medical equipment as well as medication allowed onboard can be limited, thus affecting our medical team’s efficiency and ability to intervene.

How much does a medical escort cost?

Medical escort services are cost-effective air transport solutions for patients requiring minimal but optimal care during their flight. According to the patient’s medical situation and his requirements, the cost of a medical escort differs. Hence it is difficult to provide a definitive answer. Factors that influence the cost of a medical escort are:

• The itinerary;

• The patient’s condition;

• The patient’s requirements in terms of medical resources to be deployed;

• The need for ground transportation;

• The number of accompanying persons.
  

Good to know: our agents can provide you with a non-binding cost estimate at any time. Do not hesitate to contact us.

How can you book a commercial medical escort?

When booking a commercial medical escort, an established process and an experienced team are game-changers for a successful transfer. At MTI 24/7, our expertise makes us a trusted partner for your medical escort flight. In an attempt to offer you an enhanced experience, we have streamlined our booking process. To book a medical escort, you can:

• Get in touch with us by phone, mail or our contact form for a first free consultation;

• Get all necessary documents (passport, medical document, visa) prepared. In the meantime, we will make all the necessary arrangements for a seamless transfer;

• Confirm your booking. Once you’ve given us the green light, we’ll launch the mission.

Air ambulance for critical care patients

In cases where medical escorts cannot provide the proper medical assistance to patients, relying on air ambulance services can be the right call. Our air ambulance services are ideal for critical care patients who need to be transferred from one place to another.

Outfitted with medical equipment, air ambulances mirror intensive care wards and can cater to the needs of severely ill patients or wounded patients. During an air ambulance mission, a specialized physician and a nurse can be dispatched to monitor the patient and intervene in case of a medical emergency. A reinforced medical team can also be mobilized if required. 

As compared to our medical escort services, our air ambulance services provide a more personalized approach since specialized medical equipment (ECMO machines, ventilators, cardiac monitoring systems, incubators and other pediatric equipment) can be onboarded depending on the patient’s needs. Unsure if you need a medical escort or an air ambulance? Contact us, we’ll assist and help you in making an informed decision.

Get in touch with us!

Our team is available day and night to answer any queries you may have or to send you a free and non-binding quotation. Contact us now to know whether you need a medical escort or an air ambulance and we will promptly assist you.

Reach us by:

• Phone: USA: +1 646 335 06 83 / UK: +44 20 3608 0959

• Email: info@mti-247.com

• Our contact form