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When a loved one becomes critically ill far from home, families are often forced to make urgent decisions under overwhelming pressure. One family in the Netherlands faced that reality after their 70-year-old father fell seriously ill in Iraq and was later transferred to Turkey for treatment. When the family decided to transfer him to Enschede for specialized care, MTI 24/7 stepped in to help.
The patient’s condition became increasingly complex.
The patient was treated in the ICU after suffering an ischemic cerebrovascular event, a type of stroke caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. During treatment, he also underwent brain surgery and required advanced respiratory support, making continuous medical supervision essential throughout the transfer. Given the complexity of his condition, repatriation via air ambulance was the only option.
Coordinating a complex international transfer
Careful planning was essential from the very beginning. We coordinated every aspect of the mission, including the medical flight, hospital liaison, ground transportation, and hospital admission in the Netherlands. Throughout the process, we remained in close contact with the family, providing updates and guidance during what was understandably a very stressful time. The cost of the medical transport was raised through a GoFundMe campaign organized by the family and their supporters.
Transfer from a hospital in Turkey to one in the Netherlands
MTI 24/7’s medical crew, consisting of a critical care physician and an ICU nurse, collected the patient from the hospital in Diyarbakir and transferred him by ground ambulance to the airport, where the air ambulance was ready for departure. The transfer was carried out using a Bombardier Learjet 45 specially equipped for critical care transport.
To support the patient’s condition during the journey, the flight was operated at sea-level cabin pressure, helping to provide a more stable environment throughout the transport. The patient’s son also accompanied his father on the repatriation flight to the Netherlands, providing comfort and reassurance during a very difficult time.
The flight landed at Münster/Osnabrück International Airport, where a ground ambulance was already positioned and ready to continue the transfer. From there, the patient was transported directly to the receiving hospital in the Netherlands. Our medical crew completed a full handover to the hospital team, ensuring continuity of care and sharing all relevant medical information gathered during the flight.
The family’s experience with MTI 24/7
After the transfer, the family shared their experience working with MTI 24/7:
“Beyond professional – They brought our father home safely.
We are eternally grateful to the team at MTI 24/7. In a time of absolute crisis, they made the ‘impossible’ happen by repatriating our father to the Netherlands with incredible speed and compassion.
From the very first call, they provided the professional guidance we desperately needed. The medical staff was highly skilled, communication was transparent, and the entire logistics process was handled with great care and humanity. They didn’t just transport a patient; they brought a father back to his children during the most stressful time of our lives.
If you are looking for a company that combines high-level medical expertise with true empathy, MTI 24/7 is the one to trust. 5 stars is not enough for the life-saving work they do. Thank you for everything.”
Contact us for international medical repatriation support
At MTI 24/7, we understand how overwhelming medical emergencies abroad can be for families. Our team is available to help coordinate critical air ambulance transport, hospital admissions, and international medical repatriation with professionalism and compassion. If you or a loved one need urgent medical transport assistance, contact us to learn how we can help.
Reach us by:
Phone: USA: +1 646 335 06 83 / UK: +44 20 3608 0959
Email: info@mti-247.com
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