Medical Emergency in a Foreign Country? Air Ambulance to the Rescue!

We may equate medical evacuation with the military but med-evac services can save the life of ordinary citizens faced with extraordinary circumstances. Whether you are injured while rappelling down a mountain or experience chest pain while strolling through a museum, an air ambulance can save your life when traveling abroad.

Stan and Jenny were spending their two week vacation in Costa Rica. They were staying at a friend’s home and using his jeep while there. While navigating the twisting roads, Stan hit a rock and the jeep flipped over. Jenny escaped with minor cuts and bruises but Stan needed to be hospitalized. Both wanted to go home immediately but Stan could not travel on a commercial air flight. Not knowing what else to do they remained in Costa Rica for 4 weeks until Stan was well enough to fly home.

It’s hard enough to experience illness or injury at home but being in need of medical services while traveling in a foreign country can be disconcerting. You are away from the support of family and friends and the familiarity of your health system. A little advance planning can help you prepare if you need emergency medical care while traveling abroad.

We often see med-evac teams traveling by helicopter. However, the mode of transport may be ground, air escort, jet or even a Cessna. The staffing, medical equipment and mode are all dependent on your medical condition and needs. The air ambulance company can suggest several medically appropriate alternatives to meet your needs.

An air ambulance service can safely transport you from a hospital abroad to a hospital in your town. Your medical support team coordinates bedside to bedside service ensuring your safe transport back home. The medical team can also provide medical assistance while traveling.

If you are injured or hospitalized while you are traveling abroad, you or a family member can call the air ambulance service directly to arrange transport home. Having their number with you will facilitate this process. The air ambulance company can manage the communication between the hospital facilities, physicians, insurance company, airports and your family.

When planning your travel abroad, include the number of an air ambulance company in your emergency contacts. If you are injured or become ill while on vacation, air ambulance teams can safely and quickly arrange to transport you back home.