Is it possible to fly after a traumatic brain injury? Even considering flying after such a serious event seems risky, but it’s typically safe after a certain amount of time passes and a doctor gives you the OK and you seek the support you need to make the air travel experience less stressful.
Much like those who want to fly after a heart attack or fly with COPD, just the idea of trying to fly after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) seems intimidating. The key is in planning travel after a TBI that takes into account what you will need for a safe flight as well as getting the proper support.
The official definition of traumatic brain injury is any sudden event that causes injury to the brain. The most common events that lead to a TBI include bad falls (for example, from a ladder or down a flight of stairs), car accidents, sports injuries and, for members of the military, explosions and other combat injuries.
Some of the symptoms of TBI, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:
Headache
Nausea
Fatigue
Difficulties with speech
Trouble sleeping
Confusion and agitation
Clearly, any of those could make it difficult to fly after a traumatic brain injury. However, time and medication can help with these issues. Most experts believe that flying is generally safe if it’s done at least 10 days after the brain injury. That varies, depending on the health of the patient before the incident and the exact nature of the brain injury.
It’s also crucial to get an opinion from your doctor before deciding to fly after a traumatic brain injury.
How Non-Emergency Medical Transport Can Help TBI Victims
If a doctor gives the green light for flying, then the next important step is to get the support you need for the flight. By flying with a flight nurse affiliated with a non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) company, TBI patients can better handle all the details of airplane travel. A NEMT company and flight nurse offer support to TBI patients in a number of areas, including the following.
TBI patients don’t have to worry about booking flights, dealing with airport personnel or handling the details of getting medications through security. A NEMT company handles all your travel arrangements and works with the airports and airlines to make your trip go as smoothly as possible.
Most TBI patients carry medications to deal with the symptoms listed above, as well as other TBI-related issues. A flight nurse will handle the transport and administering of medications throughout your trip, taking a major burden off your hands (and a lot of worry off your mind).
Expertise in Flight Healthcare
Flight nurses, in addition to training in emergency room settings, also have knowledge, skills and experience in providing healthcare at high altitudes. They understand the impact that flying can have on all medical conditions, including brain injuries. They will be ready to provide any care needed throughout the flight.
It’s impossible to quantify the peace of mind people experience having a Flight Coordinator handle all the travel-related bookings and a flight nurse to oversee care during the trip. Just the relief from anxiety that TBI patients experience can make having a flight nurse along worthwhile.
With a doctor’s clearance, it’s possible to fly after a traumatic brain injury. But TBI patients should also seek assistance to make the experience go much more smoothly. A flight nurse is an outstanding choice in this regard.
Travel has become a consistent part of life for many people, with more than 4 billion seats purchased for flights in 2019 alone. But some people still believe flying is scary because of fear of accidents, confusion over getting through the airport, or anxiety about flying while injured or post-operative.
The feeling that flying is scary is common. However, these fears are rooted in misconceptions or a lack of facts. Learning more about flying can lessen that “scared to fly” feeling. Here are several of the common reasons to feel that flying is scary and ways to deal with them.
This is one of the most common fears, but it’s one that’s easier to keep in check when you know the facts. Around the world, the safety of aircraft keeps improving. The International Air Transport Association reported that in 2019, the airline industry saw its safety record improve yet again. There were 46.8 million flights and only 250 accidents. In the United States, there hasn’t been a fatal commercial airline crash since 2009. The odds of being in a plane accident are about 1 in 11 million (compared to about 1 in 5,000 for a car accident).
However, many people still deal with anxiety and think flying is too scary to try. Some tips that can help lessen that anxiety include the following.
Look at pictures of airplane interiors to get you used to the environment
Choose the best seat on a plane that will keep you close to the bathroom if you need it. An aisle seat is also better for those who don’t want to see how high off the ground they are
Bring something fun and relaxing to read or watch during the flight
Stay away from anything that induces anxiety, such as the news
Avoid caffeine, as it can heighten your sense of anxiety
Try people watching, both in the airport and on the plane. It can take your mind off your own anxieties
If you have a travel companion, take the opportunity to have a long conversation with them
Those who are recovering from an injury, recently experienced a health emergency or want to fly after surgery often fear getting on a plane. However, it is possible to fly in all these situations, especially if you have the right support.
Some people feel intimidated by the experience itself. Airports are huge, busy and confusing. That can give rise to feelings of anxiety, in some cases escalating to fear. Some tips to keep in mind for these issues are as follows.
Research and pick your parking location ahead of time. Go on your departure airport’s website and pick a place to park that will be the most convenient for you
Arrive early. It’s OK to arrive hours ahead of time, giving yourself plenty of time
Ticketing is your first stop, and you can now printout boarding passes at a self-serve kiosk. You can also use a pass on your phone if you have that function. Both save time in line
At security, wear shoes that are easy to slip off and slip on. Remember you will have to take off your belt and empty everything from your pockets, so don’t carry a lot.
Once you reach the gate area – and if you have time – find a relaxing airport lounge to wait for when boarding starts on your flight (typically about 30 minutes before departure)
Remember you are in control of how you react to this experience, it doesn’t control you
If you are elderly, post-operative, or dealing with a condition that impairs movement, this is another area where having a flight nurse with you is of great help
Flying is scary to some people, but it doesn’t have to be that way. By keeping these tips in mind and focusing on positive thinking, it’s not as difficult as you might think. You might even find that eventually you start to enjoy the experience!
People can, and often do, fly with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). They should first consult with a doctor, understand the risk, bring with them any necessary medical equipment and consider traveling with a flight nurse.
About 2 billion people travel each year by airplane, with between 18% and 44% having COPD, according to a study from the British Journal of General Practice. For most passengers, even those with COPD and other respiratory diseases, air travel is safe and comfortable.
Of course, there are rules to follow when you decide to fly with COPD, just as there are if you fly after a stroke or fly after a heart attack. The first step is understanding the risks.
COPD is a chronic lung disease. It causes obstructed airflow from the lungs, resulting in symptoms that include breathing difficulty, cough, mucus production and wheezing, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of COPD, although it can happen with long-term exposure to any type of “irritating gases or particulate matter,” according to the clinic. For those with COPD, the risk is higher that they will eventually develop heart disease, lung cancer and other conditions.
By 2030, health officials think COPD will become the fourth leading cause of death around the world.
In the context of flying, those with COPD can experience issues breathing at high altitudes as the air pressure drops. Most people compensate for this by increasing ventilation, something those with COPD may experience difficulty doing, depending on the severity of the illness.
How To Fly With COPD
There are certain steps to take before flying with COPD. They include the following, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Consult With a Physician
Past studies have shown that only a small percentage of patients even consult with a doctor before they fly with COPD, which is getting off on the wrong foot. Even if it’s an appointment over the phone, give yourself time in advance to speak with your doctor and get their opinion on your flying. This is especially important if you have been in the hospital lately.
You need to have access to oxygen in case you experience breathing difficulties. Passengers are not allowed to bring oxygen tanks on an airplane. While some international carriers can provide tanked oxygen, you must use a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) for domestic travel. If you do not own a POC, you can rent one from companies such as Advanced Aeromedical. You will want to find out well in advance when notifying the airline about your flight and the paperwork the airline requires. Ensure you bring both your prescription for the oxygen and the airline forms signed by your healthcare provider when you travel.
Make sure to take enough medication for your entire trip and pack it all in your carry-on baggage. You’ll also want to carry a list of all your medications and the contact numbers for your doctor, respiratory therapist, and oxygen supplier, in case of emergencies.
Other tips to remember:
Try to take direct flights to your destination
Check for any fees related to oxygen
Get a seat near the bathroom
If allowed to carry your own oxygen, make sure to take extra batteries
You may also choose to use a non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) company like Flying Angels to provide medical transportation assistance if you choose to fly with COPD. Flight nurses, experienced in providing medical care at high altitudes, can take many of the worries out of flying with COPD.
Flying Angels also handle all the flight arrangements for you and your loved ones, another way of lowering the stress on those trying to fly with COPD or other chronic medical conditions. If you choose to fly with COPD, these tips can make your trip go more smoothly. Having COPD does not mean you cannot fly. It only means you must plan to ensure a safe flight to your destination.
It’s a question many travelers must face: “Am I too sick to get on this flight?” Every flight for a sick patient has differences in the details, but two issues are important: understanding the signs of severe illness and knowing the situations where you can use non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) as a less expensive alternative to an air ambulance.
There are many different scenarios involving flights for sick patients, but many of them are among the situations that require NEMT.
Here’s an overview that provides a quick way to analyze your situation and decide if you can fly on a plane if you are sick, and whether you may need NEMT.
When it comes to the subject of flights for sick patients, everyone knows there are different levels of sickness, from a minor cold to something more severe. But certain symptoms are red flags that may indicate you are too sick to travel. Those signs include:
Fever. A fever over 100 degrees indicates you are contagious with whatever illness you have.
Chest pain. This can be a sign of many things, not all of them associated with your heart, but if the pain does not fade it’s a good idea to see a doctor before getting on a plane.
Nausea. In addition to being a sign of more severe illness, nausea is not something you want to experience while traveling 500 miles per hour at 30,000 feet.
Trouble breathing. Like chest pain, this may or may not be something serious, but only checking with a doctor can make you certain.
Medical condition. This does not fall under the usual “too sick to fly” scenarios, but a condition that makes it difficult to move around on your own or that requires a clinician to monitor your health typically means you should check into using NEMT.
Having a chronic or medical condition, as mentioned above, is a good reason to check into using NEMT. With NEMT, an experienced flight nurse flies with you on a commercial flight (with the NEMT company handling all the flight booking and air travel arrangements).
But other situations may also require NEMT. They include the following.
Moving parents. Older people with health conditions feel safer flying with experienced medical personnel.
Children. Much like seniors, having medical personnel fly with children who have a medical condition ensures they are safe during the trip.
Health treatment. Some people must fly to see a specialist or receive special treatment
Injuries on vacation. Getting home if you’re injured on vacation can be a nightmare, but a NEMT company can get the job done easily.
NEMT service also provides a less expensive medical transport option to those whose other option is an expensive air ambulance. Air ambulance costs have escalated rapidly in recent years, making a safe and less expensive alternative much more attractive. Choosing NEMT is even a good choice for flights for sick patients if they must fly on a stretcher or require a wheelchair, both situations a flight nurse can handle. Whatever your reasons for needing flights for sick patients, NEMT services can provide the support you need to plan your trip and arrive at your destination safely.
Transport nurses provide care to patients during flights. In some cases, they work as emergency nurses, administering treatment to patients en route to the hospital. They also play a key role in non-emergency medical transport, providing care for patients during commercial flight travel.
Transport nurses are sometimes referred to as a flight nurse, and they play a key role in long distance medical transport. Transport nurses work internationally as well as nationally, providing care for patients who want to travel but cannot do so alone due to injury or chronic illness.
Whether they work as a domestic or international transport nurse, a flight nurse is an experienced professional who can make travel safe for those who need assistance.
In an emergency situation, a transport nurse works as part of a team that may include medics, physicians and other clinical personnel. Flight nurses work on helicopters and rescue flights, working as part of a team providing medical treatment to injured or ill patients.
In an emergency scenario, the goal is to keep a patient stable until they arrive at the hospital.
When working for a non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) company, a transport nurse has experience working in emergency situations. That experience helps them better prepare to help patients as they travel long distances by air.
A NEMT flight nurse manages any medications needed by the patient. They also have experience in emergency work and extensive knowledge in providing care for patients at high elevations.
The services of a transport nurse are a factor in determining long distance medical transport cost.
Different NEMT companies have different standards for transport nurses. Flying Angels sets the standard for flight nurses high. They include at least five years of experience in trauma/emergency room work, which sharpens a nurse’s critical thinking skills and gives them experience in dealing with a high volume of patients, trauma cases, making good clinical assessments and improving triage and physical skills.
Before becoming a transport nurse, a nurse will first become an RN. Most NEMT companies require nurses to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a nursing license issued through their state.
Certifications can also help transport nurses work for the best companies in the industry. Two of the most prominent certifications are Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) and Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. A transport nurse is critical to the operation of both emergency transportation and NEMT. Working both nationally and internationally, they take the lead on offering patients the care they need to safely arrive at their destination.
For those who choose to hire a helicopter for medical transport or to get airlifted to a hospital, the costs can come as an unwelcome surprise. The national average for an emergency helicopter ride is about $40,000 and rose 60 percent between 2012 and 2016.
Those numbers, from a 2019 study published in Health Affairs, show the enormous medical flight cost for those who use an emergency helicopter. It’s an amount equal to about half the average annual household income in the United States.
The cost of using a helicopter is far higher than other methods of long distance medical transport. In some cases, shockingly higher.
The High Cost of Helicopter Airlifts
The costs of getting airlifted to a hospital can vary depending on circumstances that include the length of the flight and terrain the helicopter must reach. Overall, the median cost-per-mile has reached $268, according to the study.
Gerard Anderson, a professor of health policy and management at Johns Hopkins University and a co-author on the study, told the Washington Post that there are no controls on the system and little competition in most areas, leading most to believe costs will continue to escalate.
“If you’re somebody who gets injured, and an air ambulance comes, you’re going to pay huge amounts because most likely you’re out of network and you’re going to get a bill for $30,000 or $40,000,’’ Anderson said.
Many people living in rural areas have few choices, because with the closure of so many hospitals, a helicopter is their only way to reach a hospital within an hour.
Insurance Coverage Options for Emergencies
According to information from the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO), about two-thirds of all medical flights for people with private insurance are out-of-network. That results in insurance paying either a small portion or none of the bill.
This is what leads to “surprise billing” on patients. The GAO reported that almost all the consumer complaints they received involved billing of more than $10,000. In most cases, patients do not have any choice on who provides the airlift to the hospital and cannot control whether it is in or out of network, according to the GAO.
This can prove financially devastating to families. In some cases, emergency helicopter flights cost as much as $54,000. In one case, a judge from North Dakota was left with a bill of $41,000 after breaking three ribs when she was thrown from a horse in 2017.
Non-Emergency Medical Costs
None of this should be confused with non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) offered by Flying Angels. NEMT involves having experienced flight nurses travel with patients to their destination using commercial airlines. Flight arrangements are also made by the NEMT provider, further relieving stress for older travelers and those with medical conditions.
The most expensive NEMT flight – a trip to Asia – reaches around $25,000, according to estimates put together by Flying Angels based on costs leaving from Philadelphia International Airport. Other examples include $5,000 to $7,000 to Florida and $7,000 to $9,000 to California. While the costs of emergency transport, including getting airlifted to the hospital, continue to rise, NEMT services remain relatively inexpensive.
