Medical flights help you and your families travel safely after someone is hospitalized or may have limited mobility. Medical air travel arrangements can be scheduled with a flight coordinator who should be an RN with emergency and critical care experience. Registered nurses with extensive Critical Care/Emergency experience accompany you during travel from beginning to end, bedside to bedside.
They
differ from emergency flights, in which patients are flown directly to a
hospital by plane or helicopter.
Medical flights and medical travel are popular because they allow those with debilitating conditions, disorders, disabilities or injuries to have the comfort and security of a flight nurse accompanying them through the airport and during their flight.
How to Schedule Medical Travel
Flight nurses typically work with an agency such as Flying Angels that also employs an RN Flight Coordinator. They handle all the advance planning for medical travel, coordinating with airports, airlines, ground transportation and hotels.
The reason for seeking medical flights or medical travel differ by the individual. When using medical transport, patients have made the decision that they want support during their trip from a trained, qualified and experienced nurse.
In many cases, the patients are older travelers with a chronic condition. They could be visiting relatives, going on a family vacation to a distant location or relocating to a new home to be closer to family.
Whatever the case, medical flights provide you with the support you need. For example, airport personnel is contacted in advance so they know when you’re arriving. The flight nurse goes through TSA with you and works to make sure any medical equipment (such as a wheelchair or medications) are carried on properly. TSA notification cards can help to expedite the security checkpoint process in several ways as well as TSA PreCheck™.
The flight nurse helps you board the flight in advance to ensure you’re not waiting in lines or accidentally bumped into by another traveler. Your flight coordinator would have already chosen the best seat assignment for your situation and has arranged to have all the medication and supplies you need for the flight. RN flight nurses are experts at high-altitude healthcare which can also be referred to as aviation physiology. Medical flights and medical travel provide security and comfort to those who decide to work with a professional non-emergency medical transportation company.
Medical
emergency flights are sometimes referred to as medical flights, but the
difference is the “emergency” part.
Patients on an emergency medical flight are usually being taken from the scene of an accident or a natural disaster to a hospital. Emergency personnel provides medical care during the flight that focuses on preserving life until they can get to an intensive care unit. So, while the term medical flight might sometimes be used to refer to emergency flights, it typically refers to non-emergency medical transport. It’s a way for people to have peace of mind during their flight, knowing they will arrive safely and have help if any type of emergency does arise.
This is
the beginning of a series of posts written from the point of view of a retired
English professor reflecting on the changes in American society that started
taking place some years ago and that foreshadowed the divisions, political and
social, we are now facing.
Fred Trump, the President’s father, is reported to have set down the following rule for his now-famous son: “eat or be eaten.” But surely one lesson we learn from growing up is that there is such a thing as sane competition. We do have legitimate needs and desires that we should insist upon if we are not to be taken advantage of, much less bullied. But there is also what I would call insane competition–the kind that rolls over the egos of others like a cement mixer.
Impossible Truth
The central problem with this screwball brand of competition is that it makes no distinction between truth and falsehood. The crazy competitor is never wrong; he has no need to listen to the opinions of others (except for formality’s sake) because he never doubts that his opinions are the right ones. This inability to assert oneself without first abolishing the assertions of others makes patient discovery of the truth impossible. There is simply no difference between what’s true and what the bully thinks is true. Such a person lives in a closed world where there is no need to take another person seriously for the simple reason that the other person, whenever he opposes the bully, is by that very fact wrong. Insane competitors like this readily become dogmatists in religion and dictators in politics. The world is now overrun with dogmatic, dictatorial competitors for whom truth does not exist outside themselves. But the core of a liberal education, as I understand it, is precisely finding that very truth. Higher education is not merely a ticket into the middle class (and an absurdly expensive one at that). Neither do educators like me who claim it is definitely more than that belong to an outdated set of dreamers.
Thinking it through
Of course social developments that make searching for truth sound like a laughably high-sounding educational goal have indeed occurred: the great Recession led to an unusually high degree of financial anxiety; college costs rose at a frantic pace; scholarships were hard to find; too many graduates had to live longer with their parents; marriages had to be postponed; childcare was difficult to afford and college debt nearly impossible to pay off; affordable housing was scarce, and divorce more frequent under those tense circumstances.
Liberal Education
When I insist nevertheless that the truth is outside us, and not within easy grasp, and that a liberal education can help us find it, I am not talking about some fixed truth we can live off of for the rest of our lives. In fact it is the dogmatic and dictatorial competitor, the one whose absolute confidence in himself has made carefully listening to others unnecessary, that thrives on the grand, standard answers and has difficulty associating with anyone who thinks differently from him. The liberally educated, on the other hand, like to think small. By talking to others on a particular subject they do not necessarily want to repeat what they argued for in a paper they wrote twenty years ago but to decide on what is best in today’s changed circumstances, which may or may not require a different thesis. These are the sane, thoughtful competitors, the open minds that a democracy thrives on and that, when we lose them, will cause democracy to shrivel.
Pope Francis Listening
Questioning Inclusion and Diversity
Inclusion and diversity is an admirable goal for education, but I will return in my next post to a student I taught years ago who had the courage to question that goal at least in the particular circumstances with which she was familiar. I have lost track of her since then, but I am as certain as I can be that the care she took to listen carefully to those with whom she disagreed has made her by now a non-dogmatic, non-dictatorial but highly valuable contributor to our democracy.
This blog article was written by Flying Angels Corporate Ethicist Ronald Wendling. In addition to his posts here, his thoughts can be found on his own blog page Keeping up with Ron.
If you’re thinking about leaving town during the holidays, the number of options might surprise you. For those willing to plan ahead for their holiday travel, they will find many great choices for where to spend their winter break.
But before finding a place to go, it’s important to keep a big tip in mind: Try to schedule your holiday travel trip in the first part of winter break, which is usually the week that includes Christmas. The second half, which includes New Year’s Eve, is usually much busier for travelers.
Holiday Travel Tips
Here are some more tips for holiday travel as
well as some great destination ideas.
Enjoy The Lights Of
Christmas Towns
Some of the most memorable holiday travel destinations are the Christmas Towns scattered across the United States. These are towns that know how to do the holidays right. They show their holiday spirit with elaborate light displays, beautiful Christmas decorations, holiday craft fairs, and winter festivals. Examples include Cape Cod in Massachusetts, St. Augustine in Florida and Taos in New Mexico.
Visit European
Christmas Markets
The Christmas holiday is one of the best times
to visit Europe, which is known for dazzling Christmas markets where you can
shop, people watch and enjoy beautiful lights and scenery. Some, such as the
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt in Germany, have been going since the 16th
century. Others include the Munich Christmas Market in Germany, the Christmas
market at La Défense in Paris, and London’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
Be OK With
Stopovers on International Travel
Speaking of travel to Europe, people who are
willing to have a stopover on an international trip can often find tickets that
are cheaper. A nonstop ticket will be much more expensive. But breaking
the trip into essentially two flights can result in lower prices. Plus, you are
not going to regret spending a night in Porto, Helsinki, Geneva or Rome. Just
make sure to have an international travel checklist.
See Business-Oriented
Cities
Have you ever wanted to see Dallas, Atlanta or
Phoenix? These cities, which typically draw tons of business travelers, will be
relatively low-key during the holidays but have many great attractions for
visitors.
Look For Deals
If you want to see New York City or Los Angeles
decked out for the holidays, then look for deals. Much like the European cities
such as London, Paris and Rome, these cities draw both business and tourist
travelers. However, more deals on hotels and flights can typically be found
around the holidays as opposed to the big travel months in the spring and
summer. Also, if skiing is your thing, consider going to Utah rather than Aspen
or Vail in Colorado.
Look For New Routes
and Hotels
Airlines often offer deals on new flight routes.
You’ll also want to check out how to find the best seat on an airplane.
Hotels and resorts offer deals when they have just opened. Consider being
open-minded about where you go and book the trip where you can get the best
deal.
Visit Jerusalem
For travelers who place importance in their faith, the holidays are an excellent time to visit Jerusalem. There are holy sites for Jews, Muslims and Christians in the city. They include the Western Wall, Holy Sepulcher, Tower of David and the Mount of Olives. Also, Bethlehem offers Christmas Eve tours. These are some ideas to keep in mind as the holidays approach. Holiday travel, if planned properly, can actually be easier than traveling during other times of the year. And the scenery, lights and atmosphere are the best you will find any time during the year.
Not every day is the same for flight nurses who work in non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). Every day, they deal with different types of patients who need a variety of medical services during their flight.
However, there are certain duties that often come up every day for a NEMT flight nurse. But first, it’s important to understand what NEMT is and how it differs from an air ambulance.
NEMT involves the transportation of patients who require or desire medical assistance when traveling on scheduled flights on commercial airlines like Delta, United, Lufthansa, etc… both domestic and international. People hire a company like Flying Angels so a flight nurse can travel with their loved one. This can be for many reasons, including medical trips to specialist hospitals and doctors far away, for relocating an elderly parent, or for bringing home a loved one who was injured overseas. Family members are always welcome to fly with the flight nurse, but in most cases, it is just the flight nurse and the patient.
Whatever the case, flight nurses have a long list of duties. Flight nurses for Flying Angels all have experience in providing emergency medical care and have extensive experience in dealing with emergency and trauma situations.
So, what does a flight nurse do on a typical day? They usually include some or all the following.
Double Checking Plans
Flight nurses work with flight coordinators (who also are nurses) to handle the details in arranging NEMT with commercial airlines. They will review the procedures for the airports they plan to visit that day and reach out to any officials they need to speak with before arriving at the airport.
Packing The Medical
Kit
Prior to any transport flight coordinators prepare an extensive case file that will include relevant information on the patient, and all details related to the transport including ground, air, hotels, and points of contact. Flight nurses will review the case file of that day’s patient beforehand. They will know all the medical equipment they need to deal with any type of issue that might come up given the conditions of each patient. Before departing home, will make sure they have any specialty medical equipment needed for the flight such as specialty reclining wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, suction, nebulizers, etc…
Working in tandem with the flight coordinators, flight nurses make sure they meet all the pre-planned points on the trip, as laid out in the case file. The day before the flight the flight nurse will meet with the client at their residence and facility and will go over the plan for the following day. The flight nurse will confirm that all documents are in order, all medications are accounted for, and that all parties involved are aware of the schedule for the following day. The flight nurse will also will confirm that the ground transportation, arranged earlier by the flight coordinator is set up and in order. The flight nurse will stay overnight at a nearby hotel. The day of transport the flight nurse will return to pick up the patient at their home or residence and travel with them to the airport.
Flight nurses with Flying Angels have trained in flight physiology, and have extensive experience in air travel and the complexities involved getting through the check-in process, security, and customs & immigration for international flights. They also understand any psychological distress a patient might feel throughout the journey. Further, they know the specific circumstances of the patient they are flying with that day and know the signs of any problem. They also will monitor when it is time for medications and make routine checks.
Flights nurses oversee the patient disembarking from the plane safely and make sure they get through the airport to the awaiting ground transportation where they will travel with the patient to their final destination. Typically they will stay at an airport hotel and will then return to their point of origin the following day ready for another flight.
The daily routine of a flight nurse always has some variables, but it’s an exciting and challenging job no matter what the specific duties for each day’s flight. Flight nurses serve an important function in working with patients with medical conditions and illnesses, keeping them safe when they fly.
Patient advocacy has been around for many years. In the
past, a patient advocate usually meant a member of the family, a good friend or
perhaps a clergyman or pastor.
Family members, friends and others can still fulfill this
role. However, it long ago became a position held by people who, while not
medically trained themselves, were familiar with the operation of the
healthcare system.
The idea is to have a person who understands the ins and outs of the healthcare system to advocate on your behalf with doctors, nurses and other medical staff. Patient advocates are independent of the medical system but at the same time familiar with it. A person hires a patient advocate in much the same way they hire an accountant or attorney. This way the client knows that the advocate works solely for them and is not beholden to any other interests. While patient advocates are not covered by insurance, they can be an invaluable ally in the client’s corner.
What Does A Patient Advocate Do?
What Patient Advocates do is either navigational (making
appointments, following up on paperwork, making sure prescriptions are filled, and
such) – or money-related (auditing medical bills, negotiating with insurers or
hospitals). Advocates in those positions do offer a good example of the
fundamental services that an advocate provides for a patient.
For example, they closely monitor the patient’s well-being,
both physical and emotional, and give them an opportunity to discuss those
issues. A patient advocate acts as a liaison between the patient and medical
staff.
In general, patient advocates help cut through red tape and
get patients what they need. They act as a supporter, promoter and spokesperson.
It’s a key position to help people get better medical care, and it leads to
better patient outcomes.
Where to find a Patient Advocate?
Fortunately, there are many organizations that function as
advocates for patients. Flying Angels works directly within many of these
organizations.
• The Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (APHA)
Flying Angels also is a proud sponsor and exhibitor at the International Conference on Patient Advocacy (ICOPA), which is being held this October in Chicago. The theme of this year’s conference is “a rising tide floats all boats.”
Flight Nurse Patient Advocacy
Unlike most medical situations, flight nurses and their
patients are on the move. They must plan out transportation to the airport,
through airport security and boarding the plane. They also have to ensure that
a patient is comfortable on the plane itself.
In addition to being a patient advocate while going through
the airport and onto the plane, flight nurses also must ensure that patients
have all their proper medications during the flight. They may keep track of
their wheelchair and other medical equipment and make sure it is stored safely
aboard the plane.
Flight nurses also help patients make informed decisions
during their trip. This can include everything from going through security to
finding the right seat on the plane that gives them the best access to the bathroom
or the exit from the plane.
Another part of patient advocacy is also explaining any medical terms or transport-related issues, such as how the TSA conducts security checks on wheelchairs.
Conclusion While Patient advocacy was originally left to families, designated friends and clergy, the complexity of the modern health care system can easily overwhelm a patient and the best of intentioned laypersons. Professional Patient advocacy started with nurses working in hospitals. They have long acted as a liaison between patients and other members of the medical staff. Modern Patient Advocates are highly skilled professionals who work directly for the patient and make sure they get the best care from the healthcare system possible.
The REAL ID Act passed
by Congress sets a minimum-security standard that states must meet when issuing
a driver’s license or other forms of identification. It also prohibits the
federal government from accepting IDs from states that do not meet those
standards.
It’s a TSA
travel tip that everyone should be aware of before making
travel plans. Because of the massive scope of the REAL ID Act, it is just now
about to go into effect. States have until Oct. 1, 2020 to reach full
compliance.
Why Was The REAL ID
Act Passed?
Congress passed the
REAL ID Act in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City and
Washington D.C. The goal is to eliminate terrorism on airplanes by making
it more difficult to obtain a driver’s license and other identification at the
state level. It is typically these cards that are used for identification at
airports.
The act has led to better efforts by the states
in raising the requirements to obtain a license. The federal Department of Homeland Security reports that “every state has a more secure driver’s license
today than before the passage of the Act.”
Which States Are
Compliant?
A quick way to see if your license is compliant
is by checking the front of your driver’s license. Most states have adopted the
use of a gold star to show they are compliant with the REAL ID Act regulations.
However, some states that are compliant with the
new regulations still have not used the gold star, including Hawaii, Ohio, Tennessee
and Utah. Given that, it’s best to check with your state if you don’t see a
gold star. You might still be compliant.
One way you will know for sure that your ID is not compliant is if it has the words “federal limits apply” or “not for federal identification” stamped on the front of the card.
If You Are Not In
Compliance
Stating in October 2020, TSA personnel will only
accept driver’s licenses and other state ID cards that comply with the REAL ID
Act. If your card is not in compliance, you can still fly, however. What you
will need is an alternative form of identification, such as a passport
Also, some states that are not in compliance have been granted an extension to get into compliance. They include New Jersey, Oregon, Kentucky and Oklahoma. Check to see if your state is in compliance before you make travel plans.
Keep in mind that you can still vote and drive a car with your state-issued ID, even if it isn’t in compliance. The REAL ID Act deals with air travel only. If traveling with a Non-Emergency Medical Provider like Flying Angels, all of the details of the trip – including any issues with the REAL ID Act, will be handled by an RN Flight Coordinator. That’s one of the many advantages of using the service if you are flying with an illness, injury or limited mobility.
