Chronic respiratory diseases impact around 545 million individuals worldwide, ranking as the third leading cause of death, with fatalities reaching approximately 3.9 million annually. MTI 24/7's air medical transport services serve as a crucial lifeline for many patients grappling with these respiratory issues, guaranteeing safe and comfortable air travel.
Key points about respiratory problems and how to fly safely:
Chronic respiratory diseases are long-term conditions that impact the airways and lungs.
While flying with respiratory issues can generally be safe, it is important to take precautions and avoid any contraindications.
Patients with respiratory conditions may need MTI 24/7’s air ambulance services in certain situations.
Our medical escorts are essential in ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of patients during commercial flights.
MTI 24/7 offers a Bed-to-Bed service for the smooth transport of patients with respiratory illnesses.
Our pricing policy is tailored to each patient's unique circumstances, reflecting the customized care we provide.
To book our medical transport services, reach out to our team for a free consultation and receive a detailed, non-binding quote.
What are chronic respiratory diseases?
Chronic respiratory diseases are long-term conditions that affect the airways and lungs, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and chronic cough. These diseases are characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation, which can greatly affect a person's quality of life.
Examples of chronic respiratory diseases include:
Asthma: A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes recurrent breathing problems.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A progressive disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, characterized by obstructed airflow from the lungs.
Cystic fibrosis: A genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system, causing serious breathing problems and nutritional issues.
Lung cancer: A malignant tumor that originates in the lungs, often associated with smoking and environmental factors.
Sleep apnea: A disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can lead to significant health issues if untreated
Risk factors contributing to chronic respiratory diseases
Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are influenced by a variety of risk factors that can be broadly categorized into modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for the prevention and management of these diseases.
Modifiable Risk Factors
Smoking (active and secondhand)
Air pollution (outdoor and indoor)
Occupational hazards (exposure to dust, chemicals, and fumes)
Poor nutrition
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
Age
Genetics (family history of respiratory diseases)
Childhood respiratory infections
Prenatal and early-life exposures (maternal smoking and pollutants)
Is flying with respiratory problems safe?
Flying with respiratory problems can be generally safe, but it requires careful consideration and planning. Here are some key points regarding the safety of air travel for individuals with respiratory issues:
Consult a specialist: It is essential to consult a respiratory specialist before flying. They can assess your condition and offer personalized advice.
Cabin conditions: Be aware that cabin pressure and oxygen levels are lower at cruising altitudes, which can affect individuals with respiratory issues.
Take precautions: Follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding medications and necessary preparations before, during, and after the flight.
Avoid contraindications: Avoid flying if you have respiratory issues that might get worse, like a recent pneumothorax or ongoing infections.
Dangers of flying with respiratory problems
Flying with respiratory problems poses several dangers that you should be aware of, including:
Hypoxia: The reduced oxygen levels in aircraft cabins can worsen existing breathing difficulties, leading to hypoxia or a lack of oxygen.
Pulmonary barotrauma: The pressure changes during takeoff and landing can cause breathing problems or chest pain.
Respiratory infections: The recirculated air in aircraft cabins can increase the risk of transmitting respiratory infections, especially during flu season.
Dehydration: The low humidity in aircraft cabins can lead to dehydration, which can thicken mucus and make breathing more difficult.
In-flight emergencies: Respiratory issues are a common cause of in-flight medical emergencies.
Traveling with breathing problems, when is an air ambulance required?
An air ambulance is a specialized aircraft designed specifically for medical transport, offering critical care to patients throughout their journey. MTI 24/7's air ambulances are strategically stationed globally to facilitate swift medical repatriation or evacuation, especially over long distances or in situations where ground ambulance transportation is not feasible. Our aircraft are outfitted with cutting-edge medical equipment and staffed by a highly trained medical crew. Our healthcare professionals will be constantly monitoring the patient's condition, tracking vital signs, and administering oxygen therapy as required, which is essential for maintaining adequate oxygen levels. Should complications arise, our medical team is ready to intervene promptly.
Traveling with respiratory problems may necessitate the use of an air ambulance in specific situations, including:
Severe respiratory distress: Patients experiencing acute exacerbations of conditions like asthma or COPD that cannot be managed safely during commercial flights.
Recent surgery: Post-operative patients who may have complications affecting their respiratory function and require constant monitoring.
Unstable medical conditions: Individuals with severe pneumonia or pulmonary embolism who require swift transport to specialized care.
Need for continuous monitoring: Patients requiring ongoing medical supervision or oxygen therapy during transport.
Inability to fly commercially: When an individual is deemed unfit to fly on a scheduled airliner due to their respiratory condition, they will need air ambulance transport.
Flying commercially with respiratory issues: when is a medical escort needed?
Medical escorts play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of patients with respiratory issues during commercial flights. MTI 24/7’s healthcare professionals, either flight nurses or paramedics, are responsible for continuously monitoring vital signs, administering necessary care, managing equipment, offering emotional support, and coordinating care from start to finish. Patients with respiratory conditions that could complicate air travel often require the services of a medical escort. The need for a commercial medical escort is determined by specific criteria, including:
Medical clearance: Patients must be medically cleared by their treating physician to fly with an accompanying medical professional.
Supplemental oxygen needs: Patients requiring supplemental oxygen therapy should not exceed 5 liters per minute.
Non-critical conditions: Patients should be stable. Those with severe respiratory issues or other critical conditions may need an air ambulance instead.
Monitoring and support: Individuals who may experience anxiety or require assistance due to their condition, such as the elderly or those recovering from surgery, are also candidates for our medical escort service.
Explore our Bed-to-Bed service for seamless transport of patients with respiratory illnesses
For patients with respiratory problems, MTI 24/7’s Bed-to-Bed service can provide a seamless and stress-free medical transport experience. This service ensures that patients receive continuous care and support from their current location until they reach their final destination.
What to expect with our Bed-to-Bed service:
Ground ambulance pickup: A fully equipped ground ambulance will arrive at the patient's location, whether it is a hospital or home. The medical team will assess the patient's condition and provide any necessary care before transporting them to the airport.
Airport assistance: At the airport, the medical escort or air ambulance crew will handle all necessary arrangements, including coordination with airport authorities and a smooth transition from the ground ambulance to the air ambulance or commercial airliner.
Air ambulance or commercial flight: During the flight, the medical crew will continuously monitor the patient's condition and provide any required medical interventions, ensuring their well-being throughout the journey.
Destination ground transport: Upon arrival at the destination airport, the patient will be transferred to a waiting ground ambulance and transported directly to the receiving healthcare facility or residence.
Learn about the cost of our medical transport services
At MTI 24/7, we tailor our services to accommodate your specific medical needs, which means we do not have set prices for our air ambulance or medical escort flights for patients with respiratory issues. The cost of medical transport varies based on several factors, including the type of transport selected, the urgency of the situation, the patient's health condition, the number of accompanying individuals, and the flight route. We emphasize transparency in our pricing, ensuring that you can trust there will be no hidden fees when you choose us for your air medical transport needs. This approach allows us to provide a customized pricing policy that reflects the unique circumstances of each patient, ensuring you only pay for the services you require.
Book our services to ensure a safe journey for patients with respiratory issues
MTI 24/7 is committed to providing safe and comfortable medical transportation services for patients requiring specialized care, particularly those with respiratory issues. To initiate the booking process, contact our dedicated team for a free consultation via phone, email, or our online form. Our aviation experts will assess your unique medical needs and recommend the most suitable patient transport option. Following this, we will provide a detailed, non-binding quote. Once your booking is confirmed, we will manage all logistics to ensure a safe and comfortable journey to your destination.
Contact us for customized and efficient patient transport solutions
Do you require medical transportation? Our team is ready to assist with any questions you may have about our services and provide you with a free, non-binding quote for reliable patient transport. We understand the importance of timely and professional care, especially for those with respiratory issues. Our customized solutions are designed to ensure a safe and comfortable journey, whether you need to be transferred to a healthcare facility for treatment or transported home for recovery. Do not hesitate to contact us today. Let us assist you or your loved one in obtaining the care you need.
Reach us by:
Phone: USA: +1 646 335 06 83 / UK: +44 20 3608 0959
Email: info@mti-247.com
Our contact form
