You are on the vacation of your dreams, soaking up the sun and enjoying new activities when suddenly, something goes wrong. Perhaps you slip and fall, injure yourself while playing sports, or have a diving accident. Now, you are left wondering: can you fly with an injury? Whether it's a minor sprain or a bone fracture, many passengers share the concern about the safety of traveling by air with an injury. In this article, we will cover the key factors to consider and the precautions you should take, as well as how MTI 24/7 can help ensure you enjoy a safe and comfortable flight.

Can you fly with an injury? Here's what you need to know:

• Flying with minor injuries is generally possible, but severe injuries may require medical clearance or prohibit air travel altogether.

• Consult your doctor before making travel plans to assess your condition and receive recommendations for a safe journey.

• Flying with an injury carries risks such as increased pain, swelling, blood clots, or further damage to the affected area.

• If badly injured, seek emergency care immediately and consider medical repatriation or evacuation if local healthcare is insufficient.

• MTI 24/7’s medical escort and air ambulance services ensure safe travel for those with injuries, providing necessary medical support throughout the journey.

Is it possible to fly with an injury?

Flying with an injury is generally possible, but it depends on the severity of your condition. Many people successfully travel by air with minor injuries, such as sprained ankles, broken fingers, or even mild concussions. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before making travel plans. They may recommend additional precautions or support devices, such as compression socks, splints, or crutches, to ensure your comfort and safety during the flight. Keep in mind that severe injuries may require medical clearance or even prohibit you from flying altogether.

What injuries can prevent you from flying?

Certain injuries can make flying unsafe or extremely uncomfortable, potentially preventing air travel altogether. These include injuries that compromise mobility, cause severe pain, or pose medical risks due to cabin pressure changes or limited in-flight care.

Common injuries that may restrict air travel

• Severe burns: Require frequent dressing changes or specialized wound care that may be unavailable in-flight.

• Traumatic brain injuries: Cause symptoms like dizziness, cognitive impairment, or increased sensitivity to pressure changes.

• Unstable fractures: Such as broken limbs in a cast or splint, requiring strict immobilization or significant medical support.

• Broken ribs: Can make breathing painful, worsened by changes in cabin pressure.

• Herniated discs: Lead to intense back pain and difficulty sitting for extended periods.

• Torn ligaments or tendons: Limit mobility, making it hard to move through airports or sit comfortably.

• Eye injuries: Like detached retinas or corneal abrasions, worsen with air pressure changes and strain during travel.

Consult a doctor before flying with these injuries to ensure safe travel and prevent complications.

What are the risks of flying with an injury?

While it may be tempting to push through the discomfort and board that plane, flying with an injury comes with certain risks. The changes in cabin pressure during takeoff and landing can cause your injured body part to swell, leading to exacerbated pain and discomfort. Furthermore, limited movement and extended sitting during a trip might raise the risk of blood clot formation, particularly in the legs, and potentially result in a pulmonary embolism. This risk is higher if you have recently undergone surgery or have a history of circulatory issues.

Other potential risks of flying with an injury include:

• Prolonging the healing process.

• Potential for further damage to the affected area.

• Increasing the risk of infection (in the case of open wounds).

What should you do if you are badly injured?

If you sustain a serious injury, it is crucial to obtain prompt medical assistance to avoid further complications and to receive appropriate care. Proceed to the nearest hospital or clinic without delay for evaluation and treatment, which may include cleaning and dressing wounds, receiving tetanus vaccinations, or undergoing surgery if required. It is important to comply with all prescribed treatments, including changes to dressings, medications, and any recommended physical therapy. Adhering to rehabilitation protocols is essential for achieving a safe and complete recovery. Once stabilized, you may need to explore medical repatriation options to return to your home country for recovery, or consider traveling abroad for crucial treatment through medical evacuation.

Medical repatriation for those injured abroad who wish to return home

If you have been injured in a distant location and would prefer to heal surrounded by your loved ones, or if you believe treatment would be more affordable back home, medical repatriation could be the solution. Should you find yourself in this situation and need help arranging medical transportation, do not hesitate to contact MTI 24/7. Our team is available 24/7 to assist you every step of the way.

Medical evacuation for injured patients requiring treatment unavailable locally

If your local healthcare is not properly equipped to handle your specific injury, our medical evacuation services can be a lifesaver. We will ensure that you are safely transported to a medical facility that has the specialized equipment and skilled medical professionals needed to provide the best possible care for your condition.

How can you travel safely with an injury?

When you are dealing with an injury, the thought of traveling can be downright daunting. But sometimes, you do not have a choice – you need to get home or to a specialized medical facility for treatment. So, how can you make the journey safely? Two options to contemplate are medical escorts and air ambulances.

Medical escorts for stable patients traveling with an injury

If your condition is stable, but you still need some medical assistance during the trip, consider our medical escort service. A certified medical practitioner will be at your side to monitor your condition, provide any required medications or wound dressing, and offer support during the journey.

Medical escorts can be a good fit when:

• You have broken a bone, but it has been set, and you are okay to travel with some extra support.

• You are recovering from surgery, but you are stable enough to make the journey with medical supervision.

• You have a medical condition that requires regular monitoring or medication, but you are not in a critical condition.

Air ambulance for patients requiring specialized care after an injury

If your injury is acute or extreme, and you need constant medical attention, our air ambulances are the safest option. Our specially outfitted ambulance planes are complete with advanced medical equipment and a full medical crew. They are designed to transport patients with critical needs and can provide mid-flight emergency care if things take a turn for the worse.

Our air ambulances are recommended in the following scenarios:

• You have a life-threatening condition that requires constant monitoring and potential interventions.

• You have suffered a severe spinal cord injury and need to be transported to a specialized treatment center.

• You have sustained multiple fractures or injuries from a serious accident and require comprehensive air care.

How do you book medical transport with MTI 24/7?

Booking a medical flight with Medical Transport International 24/7 is simple:

1. Contact us: Get in touch with our knowledgeable medical transport coordinators by phone, email or our contact form. They will guide you through the process and answer your questions.

2. Provide patient details: Share information about your medical condition, including injuries, medications, and special needs. Our team will assess the situation and recommend the most suitable patient transport option.

3. Leave the rest to us: Once you have chosen the transport option, our team will handle all the arrangements, keeping you informed and supported throughout the process.

What are the benefits of booking a medical flight with us?

When you book a medical flight with us, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are in caring, capable hands. We are committed to providing quality medical transport services that put patient safety, comfort, and well-being first. Here is why you should choose us:

• Global reach.

• 24/7 availability.

• Multilingual staff.

• Bed-to-bed service.

• Personalized care plans.

• Free medical consultation.

• Experienced medical professionals.

• State-of-the-art medical equipment.

• Non-binding quotes and transparent pricing.

• Compassionate, attentive support every step of the way.

Contact us to fly safely with an injury!

Do not let an injury ruin your travel plans or put your health at risk. Contact Medical Transport International 24/7 today for a free consultation and personalized medical flight quote. Our experienced team is ready to provide the care and support you deserve.

Reach us by:

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

• Email: info@mti-247.com

• Our contact form