You might think of medical escorting in terms of emergency situations, with a team of paramedics transporting patients by ground or air ambulance to a hospital. However, a significantly larger number of people require medical escorting on commercial flights for non-emergency situations.
These situations vary widely based on the individual’s condition and circumstance. It could involve a transfer from one medical facility to another, a senior relocating to another home, or a person with a chronic disability needing a medical escort for safe travel.
This rapidly growing area of medical escorting ensures that patients travel safely and receive medical care if any issues arise during their journey. Flying Angels has emerged as a leader in the area of non-emergency medical transport (NEMT).
“We have nurses who will fly with the patient on a commercial flight and provide any medical care,” Flying Angels Managing Director Bob Bachelor said on the Generation Bold podcast. “We also have staff around the world, so if someone is in some faraway place and has a mishap and needs to get back to the United States but needs assistance, our nurses will fly with them.”
What Is a Medical Escort for Air Travel?
Medical escorting on commercial flights involves traveling with a skilled healthcare professional, often a flight nurse. At Flying Angels, all flight nurses are critical care nurses trained to provide medical support at high altitudes.
Some may be familiar with medical escorts and flight nurses for their role in emergency response. In such cases, they provide vital assistance to individuals injured in accidents or affected by natural disasters, ensuring their condition remains stable until they reach a medical facility.
In a non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) situation, medical escorts provide care and medical support to individuals traveling by ground or air. Flying Angels specializes in arranging travel for patients, making any special arrangements with the airport or airline, and assigning a flight nurse to accompany the patient on commercial flights.
How NEMT Medical Escorting Benefits Travelers
The primary benefit of having a medical escort is the continuous expert medical care throughout the journey. Whether you have a chronic medical condition, require regular medication, or need specialized equipment, a medical escort can manage your needs. They administer medications, monitor vital signs, and provide immediate medical attention, if necessary.
Personalized Assistance
Every traveler’s needs are unique, and a medical escort understands this. From assisting with mobility issues to ensuring a smooth transition during airport security checks, a medical escort offers personalized assistance tailored to your requirements. This level of care helps alleviate stress and ensures that you can focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about logistics.
Reduced Travel Anxiety
Traveling, especially for those with medical conditions, can often trigger anxiety about potential complications or emergencies. With a medical escort by your side, this anxiety is greatly reduced. Knowing that you have a trained professional ready to manage any medical situation provides a sense of security and peace of mind, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy your journey.
Seamless Coordination
Coordinating medical needs, travel logistics, and accommodations can be overwhelming. A medical escort takes care of these details seamlessly. They consult with airlines, hotels, and other service providers to ensure that your travel experience is as smooth as possible. This eliminates the stress of managing various aspects of the trip and allows you to focus on the experience itself.
Access to Medical Facilities
Traveling to unfamiliar destinations can raise concerns about accessing medical facilities in case of emergencies. A medical escort is well-versed in local healthcare resources and can guide you to reputable medical facilities if a need arises. This knowledge ensures that you receive prompt and appropriate medical attention, regardless of your location.
Companionship and Emotional Support
Traveling can be an emotional journey, and a medical escort provides not only medical assistance but also companionship and emotional support. They listen, engage in conversations, and share experiences, making your trip more enjoyable and enriching.
Customized Itineraries
A medical escort understands your medical needs and limitations, allowing them to help you create a customized travel itinerary. They can suggest activities and attractions that are accessible and suitable for your condition, ensuring you make the most of your trip.
Peace of Mind for Loved Ones
For family members and loved ones concerned about your well-being during travel, a medical escort offers reassurance. They provide regular health updates and ensure that your medical needs are taken care of, giving your loved one peace of mind. For those seeking travel with medical assistance, NEMT services like those provided by Flying Angels provide a solution. Whether it’s senior relocation or traveling with a chronic condition, NEMT services can provide the necessary assistance.
Fragility in medical transport poses significant challenges that demand specialized care and meticulous planning. Fragile patients — who may include the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, or individuals with severe disabilities — require a higher level of attention to ensure their safety and comfort during non-emergency medical transport (NEMT).
It’s a service Flying Angels often provides as part of its medical flight services or hospital discharge transportation. Flying Angels specializes in booking trips and providing flight nurses for patients traveling by commercial airlines. They also offer ground transportation.
Flying Angels Managing Director Bob Bachelor said the NEMT services they provide can handle people in all kinds of fragile states, “Whether it’s the grandma who got some dementia going from one nursing home in Florida to a nursing home in Philadelphia who just needs a little bit of help all the way, up to patients on ventilators on international flights to India or China.”
Fragility in Medical Transport: Some of the Precautions NEMT Companies Take
Transporting fragile patients with NEMT services requires special considerations and precautions to ensure their well-being. Some key precautions include the following.
Comprehensive patient assessment. Before transporting a fragile patient, a thorough assessment of their medical condition, mobility limitations, and specific needs is essential. This assessment should include medical history, mobility needs, and determining whether the patient requires a wheelchair, stretcher, or assistance with walking. Special equipment is often needed. For example, Flying Angels has specially designed wheelchairs to safely move patients.
Customized transport vehicles. Quality NEMT services use vehicles equipped to manage the specific needs of fragile patients. Key features might include accessibility ramps, lifts, and securement systems for wheelchairs and stretchers.
Trained personnel. The staff involved in transporting fragile patients should have specialized training in patient handling, medical monitoring, and basic life support skills. Flying Angels always has experienced flight nurses traveling with patients. They have emergency room experience and training for delivering healthcare services at high altitudes.
Precautionary measures. Several precautionary measures are critical to the safe transport of fragile patients. They include pre-trip planning, such as having detailed flight schedules and contacting airlines and airports ahead of time to ensure a patient has any special accommodations they need (such as boarding early on the plane).
Coordination with healthcare providers. Effective coordination with healthcare providers is vital for the safe transport of fragile patients. This includes having clear instructions from the patient’s healthcare team regarding their care needs during transport and ensuring a smooth transition of care when the patient reaches their destination.
Patients Considered Fragile in Medical Transport
During medical transport, several types of patients are typically considered fragile due to their medical conditions, physical limitations, or specific healthcare needs. These patients require extra care and precautions to ensure their safety and comfort.
Elderly Patients
Older adults often have multiple chronic conditions, reduced mobility, and a higher risk of complications during transport. Conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease require careful handling and monitoring.
Patients with Chronic Illnesses
Patients with heart conditions may need continuous monitoring and specialized equipment. For example, those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or severe asthma may require oxygen therapy during transport.
Patients with Severe Disabilities
Those with limited mobility or paralysis need specialized equipment such as wheelchairs, lifts, or stretchers. Patients with conditions like multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy also have complex needs.
Post-Surgical Patients
Individuals recovering from major surgeries require careful handling to avoid complications like bleeding or infections. Post-surgical patients often need pain management during transport, necessitating skilled medical professionals.
Pediatric Patients
Pediatric patients, especially those with congenital conditions or severe illnesses, require specialized care and equipment. Children with developmental disabilities or complex medical conditions need tailored pediatric transport solutions.
Patients with Mental Health Conditions
Those with significant mental health issues may need emotional support and reassurance during transport. Patients with severe psychiatric conditions may require secure and safe transport arrangements.
Patients with Severe Injuries
Those with severe injuries from accidents or other trauma need immobilization and careful handling to prevent further injury. Patients with extensive burns require a controlled environment to manage pain and prevent infection. Transporting fragile patients requires a detailed understanding of their specific needs, proper planning, and specialized equipment. Ensuring that medical transport personnel are adequately trained and equipped to manage these diverse needs is crucial for the safety and well-being of fragile patients.
Pediatric medical transport comes with its own special challenges, and it’s important to have the right medical support to ensure the safety and comfort of children when traveling by air. Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) provides the trained medical personnel needed for pediatric medical transports, especially when traveling on a commercial flight.
High quality NEMT services can provide both medical and emotional support for pediatric patients and their families. Flying Angels, a leader in the NEMT industry, provides a wide range of services for people who need to fly with medical assistance, including pediatric patients.
For example, Flying Angels recently flew home with an eight-year-old who became ill on a family trip to Costa Rica and had to spend time in the ICU.
“This little guy was traveling with his family on vacation and became ill almost immediately after their flight to Costa Rica took off” said Karen Derr, EMBA, Director of Business Development for Flying Angels. “We traveled back with him and got him safely home.”
Derr noted that Flying Angels’ pediatric medical transport services are available for toddlers and older. Flying Angels does not handle neonatal transports, which is oftentimes managed by specialized neonatal teams.
How NEMT Services Facilitate Pediatric Medical Transport
Any travel taken by an ill or injured child is going to come with a certain degree of stress for both the child and their family. Using the services of an NEMT company can help alleviate some of that stress. The benefits include the following.
Pre-travel coordination: Effective pediatric medical transport begins with thorough pre-travel planning. At Flying Angels, RN Flight Coordinators work closely with healthcare providers, airlines, and airports to organize every detail of the trip. This includes arranging necessary medical equipment and securing appropriate seating arrangements on the plane.
Flight nurses. A central component of NEMT services is the presence of flight nurses who are experienced and trained in providing care during air travel. For pediatric patients, these nurses offer critical medical oversight, ensuring any health issues are promptly addressed. Flight nurses are experienced in pediatric care, which includes managing conditions specific to children and understanding their unique needs.
Assistance at airports. Navigating airports can be daunting, especially for young patients with medical needs. NEMT services streamline the process, offering assistance with check-in, security clearance, and boarding. Flight nurses support families throughout these stages, reducing stress and ensuring that children are comfortable and at ease.
Post-arrival support. Upon arrival, NEMT services do not stop. Flight nurses assist with disembarking, collecting luggage, and transferring to ground transportation in order to reach their destination in a timely manner.
In-Flight Care During Pediatric Medical Transport
One of the key elements of NEMT services for pediatric medical transport is the quality of in-flight care. During the flight, the role of the flight nurse is paramount. They monitor the child’s vital signs, administer medications, and manage any medical equipment. In the event of a medical emergency, the flight nurse is prepared to deliver immediate care, stabilizing the patient until further assistance can be secured.
This high-level of personalized, in-flight care provides both the child and their family the reassurance of medical safety. With a flight nurse on board, parents can rest assured that their child is receiving continuous professional care, reducing the risk of medical complications during travel.
Bob Bachelor, managing director of Flying Angels, said that the NEMT company applies the same high level of care for children as they do when transporting adults who have injuries, disabilities, chronic medical conditions, or who require assistance when flying for other reasons.
“The same principles apply to children as they do with the adults that we’re transporting,” he said. He added, for example, that “they have to be able to sit up for 15 to 20 minutes on takeoff and landing in the first class or business class seat, then we can recline them back and make them more comfortable. So, the same protocols that we take with adult Flying Angels patients also apply to the children.”
The emotional support offered by flight nurses is important. Traveling for medical reasons can be distressing for children. Flight nurses can use techniques to calm and reassure young patients. This compassionate care helps alleviate anxiety and makes the journey less intimidating.
Using NEMT services for pediatric medical transport on commercial flights ensures that young patients receive the specialized care they need throughout their journey. With the presence of flight nurses, children are provided with both medical and emotional support, making travel safer and more comfortable.
When travel is necessary for a dialysis patient, whether for medical reasons, family visits, or vacations, ensuring safe and reliable transportation is a top priority. Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) plays a key role in transporting dialysis patients on commercial airlines, ensuring they receive continuous medical support throughout their trip.
NEMT services offer care for dialysis patients who require medical assistance during transit but are not in an emergency situation. They provide the necessary support to travel safely and comfortably to their destinations.
Flying Angels, the Philadelphia-based company that has emerged as a leader in providing NEMT services, offers its services to dialysis patients and others who have chronic medical conditions, disabilities, or injuries. Patients are accompanied by a flight nurse throughout every step of their journey.
“All of our team are critical care nurses with flight physiology training,” Flying Angels Managing Director Bob Bachelor said in an interview. “Most of them have been nurses for 15, 20 years, or more.”
Transporting Dialysis Patients With NEMT Services
For dialysis patients who choose to work with an NEMT company, the journey begins with meticulous planning. Patients work with an RN Flight Coordinator who books all the arrangements for the trip, including coordination with airlines and airports for any special services such as expedited check-ins, security clearance, and boarding processes.
In the case of dialysis patients, they can also contact dialysis centers and other healthcare providers that the patient may need at their destination.
A key component of NEMT services is the provision of medical escorts — trained nurses who travel with patients on commercial airlines. They monitor the patient’s health, manage medications, handle medical equipment, and provide medical care if needed. Their presence ensures that dialysis patients receive continuous medical oversight during flights.
On the flight, flight nurses monitor vital signs, administer medications, and ensure that the patient remains stable and comfortable during the flight. This is particularly important for dialysis patients who may experience fatigue or other symptoms related to their condition.
Benefits of NEMT Services for Dialysis Patients
Transporting dialysis patients on commercial airlines using NEMT services offers benefits to both patients and their families.
Safety and reliability. The primary benefit of NEMT services for air travel is the assurance of safety and reliability. With trained nurses accompanying them, patients travel with confidence, knowing their health is continuously monitored and help is readily available in case of any medical issues.
Comfort and convenience. Traveling with a flight nurse alleviates much of the stress and discomfort associated with air travel for dialysis patients. From handling medical equipment to providing personal care, nurses make the journey as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Customized care. NEMT services such as Flying Angels offer personalized care tailored to the unique needs of each patient. This includes accommodating specific medical requirements, dietary restrictions, and any other special needs that may arise during travel.
Peace of mind for families. For family members, knowing their loved one is receiving professional medical care throughout their journey provides immense peace of mind. It allows them to focus on other aspects of the trip or simply enjoy their time together without constant worry.
By taking advantage of the benefits offered by NEMT services, dialysis patients can approach air travel with much less stress and the confidence that comes with having the support they need.
After a major medical event like a stroke, heart attack a chronic illness, or serious injury, the path to recovery often includes a transition from a hospital to an inpatient rehabilitation facility, preferably a Center of Excellence. These specialized facilities are high in concentrations of expertise in a variety of medical areas and play a crucial role in helping patients regain their strength, relearn essential skills, and work towards maximum recovery and independence.
The transition to a rehabilitation facility can be a major logistical challenge, especially for those traveling long distances. This is where non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services become invaluable resources.
NEMT providers specialize in offering safe, comfortable transportation for patients with medical needs. Whether it’s a short trip across town via ground transportation or a longer journey involving commercial air travel, these services ensure that patients make the transition to rehabilitation facilities smoothly and without complications that could hinder their recovery process.
Trained staff, specialized vehicles equipped with essential medical equipment, and door-to-door service minimize strain and offer peace of mind for patients and their families.
Patient-Centered Transitions to Rehabilitation Facilities
The journey from hospital to a rehabilitation facility, while often challenging, may be a crucial next step in the recovery process. By leveraging the services of NEMT providers, patients gain greater access, across the country, to specialized care – whether an elite stroke center, or a highly rated spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury rehabilitation facility (to name a few).
With patient-centered transitions that prioritize comfort and expert medical oversight, including the presence of flight nurses who travel with patients on commercial flights, the road to recovery can progress more smoothly. As healthcare continues to become more specialized, NEMT services remain an essential bridge, helping patients reach their chosen destinations for healing and rehabilitation.
The Importance of Centers of Excellence
For certain complex medical conditions or highly specialized treatments, patients may need to travel to designated Centers of Excellence. These facilities are renowned for their expertise, high-quality care, advanced research, and comprehensive services in specific areas of healthcare. These areas include stroke, cardiology, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or cutting-edge cancer treatments, among others.
Centers of Excellence are nationally ranked, providing an unparalleled level of care and the latest evidence-based treatment protocols. These centers bring together multidisciplinary teams of specialists, and a commitment to exceptional patient outcomes. However, many of these elite facilities are limited in number across the country, necessitating that patients travel from far and wide to access their services.
NEMT for Long-Distance Travel
When a patient’s best option for care is at a distant Center of Excellence or rehabilitation facility, NEMT services enable the journey through a well-coordinated system of ground and air transportation. For instance, Flying Angels employs RN Flight Coordinators who work closely with patients, their families, and medical teams to plan every detail of the patient’s transportation. This includes scheduling commercial flights and arranging suitable ground transportation at both departure and arrival points.
Flying Angels follows stringent protocols and has qualified personnel to ensure that a patient’s medical needs are addressed throughout the entire trip. From managing medication schedules, to handling special equipment, the transportation process is handled with utmost care and precision.
On board planes, flight nurses accompany patients to monitor vitals, administer oxygen or IV fluids as needed, manage medications, and are prepared for any medical situations that may arise. This high level of care provides comfort to patients and allows family members to travel separately without the additional burden of overseeing complex medical needs.
Making the transition to rehabilitation facilities a safe and efficient experience is one of many services offered through NEMT providers. Flying Angels exemplifies how expertise, trained personnel, and a commitment to using the latest equipment can make these transitions smoother and more manageable than ever before.
Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT) plays a crucial role in ensuring continuity of care for patients transitioning from hospitals to other medical facilities, including Centers of Excellence or home. This essential service bridges the gap between different phases of medical treatment, providing a seamless experience that enhances patient outcomes and supports healthcare systems.
Continuity of care is a cornerstone of effective healthcare delivery, ensuring patients receive consistent, coordinated, and comprehensive care across different stages of their treatment.
High-quality NEMT services are integral to this process when patients are discharged from hospitals and require transportation. Some, like Flying Angels, specialize in providing care for patients who need to travel on a commercial flight to reach their destination.
Ensuring Safe and Comfortable Transport
For patients requiring specialized care, a smooth transition is critical. NEMT services facilitate this transition by offering reliable, safe, and comfortable transportation tailored to the medical needs of each patient.
The importance of NEMT lies in its ability to cater to specific patient’s needs. Quality NEMT companies handle patients with a variety of medical conditions, ensuring they receive the necessary support during transit. For example, Flying Angels ensure patients travel with an experienced critical care flight nurse if they are taking ground transportation, flying by air, or both.
These services extend to a wide variety of patients, including the chronically ill and those recovering from accidents or injuries.
Patients recovering from surgery or those with chronic conditions often need to be transported in a way that minimizes discomfort and reduces the risk of complications. NEMT providers manage these scenarios by offering services such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles, specialized comfort carrier lift slings for transferring patients into and out of wheelchairs, and constant assistance from medical professionals.
This level of care is vital for maintaining the patient’s health and well-being, preventing potential setbacks that could arise from inadequate transportation.
NEMT and Long-Distance Travel
In certain situations, patients may need to travel long distances to access specialized medical care or return home after sustaining an injury while traveling. They may be seniors relocating to a new home, or closer to relatives. NEMT services that specializes in caring for patients on commercial flights can effectively manage these situations.
For example, Flying Angels recently facilitated the transport of a patient from Cuba to the United States and another from the Himalayas, who was experiencing oxygen issues.
“Our service is literally a bedside-to-bedside service,” said Bob Bacheler, Managing Director of Flying Angels, in a podcast interview on “Generation Bold.” “All of our nurses are critical care trained – U.S. trained – registered nurses. The majority have 10 to 15 years of ICU and critical care experience.”
Bob added that our nurses may take care of patients for hours, on flights (across the Pacific Ocean or over the North Pole) where there is no chance for stopping. The standards we’ve set for our nurses are high. “We need to make sure they can handle any eventuality. Or, in fact, avoid any problems. I often say that our nurses are not there to react to emergencies. Our nurses are there to prevent emergencies.”
When patients need to travel by air, NEMT providers work closely with airlines to ensure a smooth and safe journey. This involves arranging for medical escorts, securing necessary medical equipment on board, and preparing for any contingencies that may arise during the flight. Flight nurses accompany the patient throughout the journey, monitoring their condition and providing necessary care.
The Impact of NEMT on Patient Outcomes
The impact of NEMT on continuity of care cannot be overstated. NEMT services help reduce the risk of missed appointments, delays in receiving treatment, and complications during transit. This continuity is essential for patients with chronic illnesses, those recovering from major surgeries, or individuals undergoing complex treatments that require follow-up care.
For healthcare providers, NEMT services streamline the process of transitioning patients between different care settings. This reduces the administrative burden on hospital staff, allowing them to focus on delivering high-quality care. Moreover, it enhances communication and coordination between different healthcare facilities, ensuring that patient information is securely and accurately transferred, and that care plans are seamlessly continued.
Flying Angels offers ground transportation services equipped with the latest technology to ensure patient comfort and security. They employ a staff of professional, experienced critical care flight nurses trained to provide medical care at high altitudes. They handle all flight arrangements, managing the patient’s specialized needs in coordination with the airlines or airports. This service ensures continuity of care, and offers peace of mind, as patients travel with medical professionals who prioritize their well-being.
