Non-emergency medical transportation is essential to injured or sick patients not needing immediate medical attention. This dedicated service allows the transfer of patients in a medically assisted environment. At MTI 24/7, we provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services to address the various needs of patients, be it those suffering from serious or benign medical conditions. In this guide, we will help you clear up your doubts about non-emergency medical transportation services and figure out the most convenient transport option available to you based on your needs.
Non-emergency medical transportation: what you need to know
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is a service that addresses the needs of patients not requiring immediate care and looking to be transferred from one place to another or to a healthcare facility.
Patients in non-life-threatening situations and needing medical assistance during a long-distance trip can book non-emergency medical transportation services.
NEMT services usually involve medical escort on a commercial flight, air ambulance services and ground transportation services.
What does non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) mean?
As the expression suggests, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is the transfer of patients not requiring immediate care from one place to another or to an appropriate health facility. In other words, these are planned patient transfers carried out under medical supervision. In these cases, even though the situation is not time-sensitive, the patient’s condition is carefully evaluated so that we can provide adequate inflight medical facilities and ensure his safety.
Our array of non-emergency medical transportation options has been designed for patients with severe wounds or those suffering from serious diseases who need to be transported in a planned way. Offering comfort and safety, our patient transfer services have been specifically elaborated to suit the needs of patients for whom long-distance transfers can be strenuous or dangerous.
Types of non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services available
At MTI 24/7, we are acutely aware of the importance of equal access to healthcare for patients around the world. Bearing that in mind, we have designed our non-emergency medical transportation services to help our patients cope with the challenges of long-distance travel.
Our types of non-emergency medical transportation services are:
Medical escort on commercial flights
Air ambulance flights
Ground ambulances
Medical escort on commercial flights for non-emergency medical situations
Our medical escort service is for patients who need medical assistance while traveling commercially. Due to the lack of medical resources onboard commercial flights, flying long distances can be tricky for some patients even if they are not in a life-threatening situation. Our medical escort service provides the right support for passengers who are unable to travel internationally or domestically in a conventional way.
This medical transport solution is ideal for:
Patients who are stable;
Patients who do not require special pressurization in the cabin.
Traveling with a medical escort implies that a seasoned medical professional is alongside to medically supervise you during your commercial flight. Depending on your health condition, the medical escort can either be a flight nurse or a flight doctor, both having extensive knowledge in aviation medicine.
Role of the medical professional during the scheduled flight
Administer medications if needed;
Examine the vital signs of the patient;
Provide immediate care in case of in-flight complications;
Offer emotional support to the patient.
Good to know: A medical escort can only assist a patient to a certain extent since they are armed with emergency medical equipment only. Moreover, the medications and equipment that are allowed onboard are subject to the rules and regulations of the airline company.
During a medical escort flight, 3 options are available to the patient:
Flying in a seated position either in economy, business or first class
Flying on a stretcher in economy class
Flying in a Patient Transport Compartment (PTC)
Flying in a seated position either in economy, business or first class
This option is ideal for patients suffering from a benign condition and needing medical assistance. It is generally recommended for the patient to fly in a seated position in first class as it provides a more private and comforting environment.
Flying on a stretcher in economy class
Offering extra comfort, this option is an alternative for patients who need to lie during the flight as is the case generally for people with reduced mobility. Usually, a row of seats is removed to install a stretcher in economy class. The patient is protected from the curious gaze of other passengers by a screen and one or more medical professionals remain by the patient's side to administer the necessary care during the flight.
Flying in a Patient Transport Compartment (PTC)
Patients needing constant intensive care can opt for our PTC on commercial flights option. A PTC is a specialized unit with medical equipment similar to that of a ground ambulance that is put together and installed on the commercial plane to cater to the needs of patients needing intensive care.
Good to know: The feasibility of both a stretcher flight and a PTC flight is determined by the commercial airline company.
Air ambulance transportation for non-emergency medical situations
When it comes to non-emergency medical transportation, the one-size-fits-all approach cannot be applied. To ensure that your medical needs are met when suffering from serious pathologies or injuries, we provide air ambulance services. This medical transport option serves the needs of patients requiring intensive care and/or special pressurization due to their medical conditions.
An air ambulance is a private jet that is equipped as an intensive care unit and offers a series of advantages, such as:
State-of-the-art medical equipment that can be enriched with highly specialized equipment;
Dedicated medical staff consisting of a doctor and a nurse;
Sea-level pressurization which mitigates physiological side effects associated with lower cabin pressure on commercial flights. Sea-level flights, which allow for the adjustment of the cabin pressure, are recommended for multiple cases, such as patients having recently undergone surgery or suffering from traumatic injuries;
An already-fitted ergonomic stretcher;
Strict safety and hygienic protocols are adopted.
Besides benefitting from top-notch medical assistance during the air transport, the patient is also showered with emotional support.
Good to know: The medical equipment onboard an air ambulance flight generally consists of a breathing apparatus, a defibrillator, a multiparametric monitoring system, a pacemaker, a ventilator, emergency medication, a suction unit, pediatric equipment, oxygen cylinders, etc.
Ground ambulance for non-emergency medical situations
A cost-effective solution, ground ambulances are suitable for patients needing a long-distance transfer, usually from a neighboring country or from one region to another. Though ground ambulances are adequately equipped, the patient should be stable enough to use this mode of transport since ground transport is subjected to road traffic and other factors potentially lengthening travel time.
At MTI 24/7, we ensure that all parameters are taken into account when planning a ground ambulance transport to reduce delays as much as possible and ensure a smooth transfer. During ground ambulance transport, a paramedic or a doctor can be deployed depending on the patient’s condition.
Health conditions that require NEMT
As previously mentioned, non-emergency medical transportation is usually required for patients not requiring immediate treatment. At MTI 24/7, cases for which we usually organize NEMT include:
Reduced mobility;
Traumatic lesions;
Recent stroke;
Neurological disorders;
Recent surgery;
Cancer patients;
Non-autonomous elderly patients;
Patients with a history of cardiovascular diseases;
Patients vulnerable to deep vein thrombosis;
Patients with oxygen needs;
Chronic diseases.
Why are non-emergency medical transportation services needed?
Traveling long distances when sick or disabled can be daunting because of the various implications, whether it is the environmental stress, physical fatigue or uneasiness due to the potential risk of complications. We have carefully devised our non-emergency medical transportation services to provide the right answer for adults and children in the following cases:
Medical repatriation in case of an injury or medical condition
A planned trip to obtain specialized treatment in a foreign country;
Medical evacuation
Elderly patients looking to get closer to their loved ones;
When medical assistance is recommended by your treating doctor or is mandatory to be allowed to travel.
How much does a non-emergency medical transportation cost ?
It is impossible to give an exact price for a non-emergency transportation since various factors dictate the cost of a non-emergency medical transportation. Those are:
The mode of transport
The itinerary/route
The medical staff mobilized
The number of accompanying persons
The need for ground transport (when flying commercially or via an air ambulance).
Our team can provide you with a free non-binding quotation at any time based on your needs. Feel free to contact us for advice, which is also free of charge.
Why choose us if you need non-emergency medical transportation services?
Having acquired several years of experience in the medical aviation and ground transportation fields, we understand the particularities of non-urgent medical transfers and strive to make your experience with us as smooth and relaxing as possible. When booking with us, you benefit from:
Expert medical advice to help you choose the right transport option;
A multilingual team who can eliminate potential language barriers;
24/7 availability allowing us to answer your questions and inform you in real-time of any developments regarding your case;
A bed-to-bed service which is an all-inclusive service that includes ground transportation and ensures you are taken care of from your start address to your final destination;
An empathetic medical team;
A streamlined booking process;
Support regarding administrative formalities.
How to book a non-emergency medical transportation with us?
At MTI 24/7, our team is available day and night to help you organize safe non-emergency medical transportation wherever you are. To book a NEMT with us, follow these steps :
Get in touch with us: our agents are at your disposal 24/7 and will answer all your queries. During the first consultation, our agent will evaluate your situation and advise you. A free quotation will also be sent.
Prepare all your required documents: for a seamless organization, we’ll need your passport, visa if needed and medical report.
Confirm your booking: once the booking is confirmed and payment has been processed, we’ll take care of everything, from the logistics to the coordination with everyone involved.
Get in touch with us
If you or your loved one is sick or injured and need to plan a non-emergency medical transport, we will be more than happy to help you with its organization. Contact us anytime. We are at your service 24/7.
You can reach us by:
Phone: USA: +1 646 335 06 83 / UK: +44 20 3608 0959
Email: info@mti-247.com
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