When faced with the need to transport a patient across the country, whether for specialized medical care or to relocate to a new city, the logistics can seem overwhelming. Cross-country medical transport presents several challenges that need careful coordination, especially when patients require medical attention throughout the journey.
Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) companies have emerged as critical service providers to address these challenges, offering solutions that prioritize patient safety, comfort, and peace of mind.
From booking flights and coordinating with airlines to ensuring specialized medical care during the trip, these companies provide comprehensive services that relieve families and patients from the stress of navigating the complexities of long-distance medical travel.
Challenges in Cross-Country Medical Transport
Transporting a patient with medical needs over long distances can be challenging for various reasons.
Complex travel logistics: Managing travel arrangements for patients with medical needs is not as simple as booking a plane ticket. Consideration must be made for the patient’s condition, special accommodations required at the airport or on the plane, and ensuring proper seating and boarding arrangements. For patients who need medical equipment or medication during travel, these logistics become even more complex.
Medical needs during transit. One of the biggest concerns for families is ensuring that the patient receives proper medical care throughout the journey. Long flights can be physically demanding even for healthy individuals, so patients with medical conditions often require close monitoring and immediate access to care during transit.
Coordination with airports and airlines. Navigating the process of securing special accommodations from airports and airlines can be challenging. Medical equipment such as oxygen tanks or other devices may need prior approval, and specific arrangements must be made to ensure safe passage through security and onto the aircraft.
Emotional and physical stress for the patient. The emotional toll of long-distance travel can be exacerbated for patients with serious medical conditions. The anxiety of flying, the potential discomfort of long hours in transit, and the fear of medical complications during the trip can increase stress levels for both the patient and their family.
How NEMT Companies Provide Solutions
Non-emergency medical transport companies are experts in addressing these challenges, offering seamless cross-country medical transport solutions tailored to the patient’s needs. These companies take a comprehensive approach, managing everything from flight arrangements to medical care, ensuring the journey is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Booking and Coordinating Air Travel
NEMT companies remove the stress of planning the trip by handling all flight bookings and logistics. They work directly with airlines to ensure special needs are met, including priority boarding and extra seating space. The patient’s unique medical condition is considered at every step, from selecting the most suitable airline to ensuring the smoothest journey possible.
NEMT providers also coordinate with airports to arrange for wheelchair assistance or expedited security checks, minimizing the physical demands on the patient during the travel process.
In-Flight Medical Care
Perhaps the most crucial service offered by NEMT companies is the presence of a flight nurse who accompanies the patient throughout the trip. These nurses have experience in handling a wide range of conditions, providing expert care, and managing medications, medical equipment, and emergencies.
A flight nurse brings peace of mind to both the patient and their family. They monitor vital signs, administer medication, and manage any medical devices required during flight, ensuring a patient remains stable and comfortable. In the event of complications, the nurse is prepared to provide immediate care and make critical decisions to safeguard the patient’s well-being.
Managing Medical Equipment and Medications
For patients with complex medical needs, traveling with medical equipment can be a challenge. NEMT companies manage all aspects of transporting and operating necessary medical equipment. They ensure the equipment complies with airline regulations and that it functions correctly throughout the journey.
Flight nurses also manage the patient’s medication schedule, ensuring dosages are administered on time, and adjusting medications as needed in response to the patient’s condition.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
One often-overlooked benefit of NEMT services is the emotional support provided to patients and their families. The presence of a nurse throughout the trip significantly reduces the anxiety associated with long-distance medical transport. Patients are reassured knowing they are in safe hands.
The NEMT company communicates with the receiving hospital or care facility to facilitate a seamless handover upon arrival, further reducing stress for everyone involved. Cross-country medical transport is complex and demanding, but non-emergency medical transport companies provide comprehensive solutions to navigate these challenges. For patients and their families, the expertise and services provided by NEMT companies offer peace of mind, knowing that every detail is managed with care, precision, and compassion.
Medical travel consulting services combine healthcare expertise with travel logistics. This specialized service offered by non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) companies is especially beneficial for patients who need safe, reliable, and cost-effective transfers between medical facilities or from a hospital to their home.
NEMT companies provide an affordable solution for non-emergency situations. They offer comprehensive support and care without the high costs associated with air ambulance.
Flying Angels, a leading provider of NEMT and medical travel consulting, offers an array of services for medical travel. These include arranging transportation and providing a flight nurse to accompany patients during transfers, whether on commercial flights or ground transportation.
No matter the type of transportation required, using the services of a NEMT company provides patients and hospitals with a reliable, affordable, and safe option to transport discharged patients to their destination.
Medical Travel Consulting: Comprehensive Travel and Medical Assistance
NEMT services are tailored to meet the needs of patients who cannot travel independently due to medical conditions, disabilities, or post-operative recovery. These companies manage the entire process, from travel arrangements to medical support, ensuring a smooth transition between care settings.
Patients can discuss transportation as part of their discharge plan created in collaboration with their hospital case manager social worker, and family. A NEMT company such as Flying Angels provides an experienced RN to travel with a patient upon discharge. They ensure that patients have the necessary medication and equipment to travel safely.
Flying Angels serves as a medical travel consultant, coordinating hospital discharge transportation to a patient’s home or to another care facility.
They also offer transportation support for patients who need to fly to their destination. This includes booking flights, arranging ground transportation, and coordinating with medical facilities to ensure a seamless transfer. For international travel, consultants ensure all required documentation is in order. This detailed planning is essential for maintaining continuity of care while minimizing the stress of travel for patients and their families.
One of the key challenges in medical transport is managing the logistics of traveling with medical equipment while addressing patient needs throughout the journey. Medical travel consulting companies specialize in managing the requirements for medical apparatus such as oxygen tanks, ventilators, and other essential equipment. This applies to both ground and air transport.
They also work closely with airlines and airports to secure necessary clearances and accommodations for patients, including priority boarding and specialized seating arrangements.
For shorter trips, medical travel consultants arrange ground transportation equipped with medical modifications. Vehicles designed for patient transfers are equipped to accommodate stretchers or wheelchairs, ensuring the journey is safe and comfortable.
Cost-Effective Patient Transfers
A key benefit of NEMT services for patient transfers is their cost-effectiveness. Medical travel consulting companies offer an affordable option for patients who require medical oversight but not emergency care.
By using commercial flights and customized ground transportation, medical travel consulting services significantly reduce costs while maintaining high standards of medical care. This makes medical transport more accessible to a wider range of patients, particularly those managing chronic conditions or recovering from surgery who may need regular follow-up care at various facilities.
For patients needing non-emergency medical transport, medical travel consulting offers an essential service that combines affordability with quality care. These services help eliminate transportation barriers to medical treatments, ensuring that patients can travel safely between home, healthcare providers, or different medical facilities. Companies like Flying Angels prioritize both patient health and safety while offering a stress-free travel experience for patients and their families. By choosing medical travel consulting, patients benefit from a reliable, professional, and cost-effective solution that manages the complexities of travel, ensuring continuity of care and satisfaction throughout the process.
For individuals who rely on supplemental oxygen, the thought of flying can be daunting. Air travel already comes with its own set of challenges, and the need to bring along an oxygen tank adds another layer of complexity. However, the good news is that flying with an oxygen tank is not only possible but also manageable with the right preparations and knowledge.
The following will walk you through the essential steps and considerations for flying with an oxygen tank, ensuring a safe and stress-free journey. The hope is to provide information to those who use an oxygen tank, including those who fly with COPD.
The Federal Aviation Agency Rules on Flying With an Oxygen Tank
The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits passengers from bringing compressed oxygen cylinders or canisters on board due to the significant risks they pose, such as the potential for explosion or fire. However, they provide a list of portable oxygen concentrators (POC) that meet the safety and performance standards required for in-flight use.
Passengers who rely on an oxygen tank must ensure they have enough batteries to last the entire flight, including any unforeseen delays, and these spare batteries must be properly protected to prevent damage. As of September 2024, the FAA has approved more than 20 POC models, including the Freestyle Comfort, SeQual Eclipse 5, Respironics SimplyGo Mini, and Respironics SimplyGo.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, permits portable oxygen concentrators that meet FAA specifications to be brought on board commercial flights for use during the journey.
After securing your POC, the next step is to notify your airline well in advance of your travel date. Most airlines require at least 48 hours notice if you plan to use a POC on board. During this time, the airline will likely request a letter from your doctor, confirming your need for oxygen and detailing your prescribed oxygen flow rate.
Additionally, airlines may ask you to provide documentation that your POC is approved for air travel and that it has been tested and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
When you arrive at the airport, inform the check-in staff and security personnel that you are traveling with a POC. The device will need to go through security screening, but you will be allowed to keep it with you at all times. TSA officers are trained to handle medical devices, so they will guide you through the process.
Onboard the aircraft, make sure your POC is placed under the seat in front of you, with the tubing properly secured to avoid tripping hazards. The cabin crew will be aware of your oxygen needs and will be ready to assist, if necessary. Some people feel more secure traveling with a flight nurse who can support them with expert medical care throughout the journey.
Do Individual Airlines Have Rules About Flying With an Oxygen Tank?
Most airlines have their own specific rules and requirements for traveling with portable oxygen concentrators (POCs). While the FAA sets the overall guidelines and safety standards, individual airlines may impose additional procedures or restrictions. Some common aspects where airline-specific rules might apply include the following.
Advance notice. Most airlines require passengers to inform them in advance — typically at least 48 hours before the flight — if they plan to travel with a POC. This allows the airline to make necessary arrangements and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Medical documentation. Airlines may ask for a letter from your healthcare provider stating your need for oxygen, specifying the flow rate required, and confirming that you are medically fit to fly. Some airlines have specific forms that need to be filled out by your doctor.
Battery requirements. Airlines usually have specific rules regarding the number of batteries you need to carry for your POC. While the FAA recommends having at least 150% of the battery life needed for the duration of the flight, some airlines may require even more. Additionally, spare batteries must meet certain safety standards, such as being protected against short circuits, typically by placing them in protective cases or covering their terminals.
Approved POC models. Although the FAA provides a list of approved POCs, some airlines might have their own list of devices they permit on board. It’s essential to verify with your airline that your POC is approved for use during the flight.
In-flight use. Airlines might have specific instructions on how and when you can use your POC during the flight. For example, some may require that the POC be used only when the “fasten seatbelt” sign is off, or they may have designated seating areas for passengers using medical devices.
Seating arrangements. Some airlines might assign specific seating for passengers using POCs, often near a power outlet (if available) or in seats that do not block emergency exits. You may need to confirm your seat assignment in advance to ensure it meets your needs.
Airlines might have additional policies, such as requiring a backup device or charging a fee for carrying a medical device on board. Always check with your airline for their specific rules and policies. The following links will take you to the rules for some of the most popular airlines.
Flying with an oxygen tank or portable oxygen concentrator requires some extra planning, but it is entirely feasible. By understanding the regulations, choosing the right equipment, and preparing thoroughly, you can ensure a safe and comfortable flight. Always consult with your healthcare provider before traveling to make sure all your medical needs are met. With the right preparations, the skies are open to everyone, even those who rely on supplemental oxygen.
Whether you’re relocating a loved one to a new care facility across the country or managing their journey with medical needs, Flying Angels is here to help. We offer comprehensive bedside-to-bedside non-emergency medical transport services for clients facing a wide range of health challenges. We also have five-star reviews of Flying Angels that show the effort we put into what we do.
Our expert flight nurses, who are registered nurses (RNs) with specialized training, are equipped to travel with clients who have dementia, diabetes, mobility issues, or conditions like broken bones, heart attacks, or strokes. We also provide care for wheelchair users and patients requiring oxygen or other medical equipment during their journey.
We’re extremely proud of the more than 225 five-star reviews of Flying Angels. They offer a glimpse into how our experience and approach to providing NEMT services benefits our clients. The following takes a closer look at some of those reviews.
Flying From California to Texas After Spinal Cord Surgery
L. Watts writes that his father in California had no family or friends to help care for him after a recent spinal cord surgery that left him a paraplegic. Watts lives in Texas and tried to manage his care from afar but wrote that it became “very difficult and quite stressful.”
He wrote that because his Dad was independent and self-sufficient, “adjusting to this new medical condition has been a tough journey.”
“Words cannot express my sincere gratitude for Flying Angels,” he wrote. He added, “We considered many options but ultimately decided that medical transport with Flying Angels was the best option for him to get to Texas. Not only was it the best option, but it also turned out to be an outstanding experience!”
He wrote that Flying Angels coordinated everything very efficiently, communicating well and answering any questions or concerns. “The flight nurse, Andrew, is very knowledgeable and passionate about his job. I cannot imagine how this would have gone without Andrew’s experience, patience, and compassion,” he wrote.
Flying Angels also came through when the airline canceled his father’s flight. Flying Angels quickly set up another flight with a different airline and got all the ground transportation set up. L. Watts wrote that “Andrew waited at the hospital with Dad the day before hoping for clearance and was readily on point once things got back on track for the journey home. We prayed and crossed our fingers for no more delays. Andrew communicated well with me the entire way and sent pictures of my Dad to reassure me that he was OK!”
“They finally made it to Houston, TX late that night and I met them at the receiving facility. Andrew stayed the course to make sure my Dad was well-received and settled in. This service went above and beyond my expectations and I would absolutely recommend this company to anyone that needs medical air transport for a loved one!”
Traveling From Colorado to Ohio After Having a Stroke
A reviewer who wrote under the name David French shared the story of having to move his Mom from Colorado to Ohio. She had suffered a stroke and lost mobility on her right side, making it impossible for French to transfer her from a wheelchair to an airplane seat.
French wrote that he initially looked into a van transport that would have required an 18-hour drive. He wrote that it would have been more expensive than what he paid Flying Angels. He also looked into a private jet, but that cost was “prohibitive, to put it mildly.” They eventually chose Flying Angels.
“Audrey was our RN and we couldn’t have been more pleased with her in every way. She introduced herself via text before we met her the night before our trip. She was thorough, personable, knowledgeable, confident, and understanding,” French wrote. “My mom and I knew we were in good hands as Audrey maneuvered us onto the transport van, through the airport, onto the flight, and then to my mom’s new facility. It gave us such peace of mind that we were even able to enjoy the experience. We highly recommend this service, which was truly a Godsend to us in every way.”
Senior Care on a Move from Idaho to Georgia
Another reviewer under the name Clark Savage wrote about having to move their 90-year-old, non-ambulatory mother from Boise, Idaho to Atlanta, Georgia. Like many people, Savage said he did not know where to begin.
“So, I Googled it and found Flying Angels. I have to admit thinking about the process filled me with apprehension and anxiety. But, from the moment I spoke to Elise in a preliminary consultation, I began to believe that I could do this move and that everything would work out.”
He wrote that the flight nurse, Chris Davis, was excellent. “Chris met us a day before the flight and connected with my mother. Throughout the entire process, Chris was knowledgeable, professional, empathetic, and kind,” he wrote. “Due to Chris’ exceptional skills, the flight was smooth and painless. When we tucked my mother to bed in Atlanta that night, she was smiling and happy, which made me thankful.”
He concluded that “there are not enough words in the English language for me to express my appreciation for Flying Angels. I recommend using them to the highest degree possible. If you have a precious cargo you need to relocate, use Flying Angels. They are outstanding!”
Providing Information and Confidence, Assured Help During Your Flight
Many reviews take the time to point out how the Flying Angels team, both the RN Flight Coordinator who books the trip and the flight nurse who travels with the patient, made the experience so much less stressful.
A review from a Google reviewer named Emily Riggall focused on a trip from Los Angeles to Atlanta, the flight coordinator was “exceptionally organized and communicative from the moment I first reached out to learn more about the company and their services. She patiently answered my millions of questions and was endlessly reassuring.”
She also had praise for the flight nurse, Chris, writing that he “was absolutely wonderful” and “truly took the time to talk with me and my family prior to travel. He was calm, collected, and confident throughout the trip. Chris was prepared and personable and made us all feel calm.”
Another review under the name of Indra Samaroo expressed similar sentiments about flying her Dad back to the United States from Trinidad. She wrote Flying Angels, which made the whole process so easy and affordable. Although I was scared how he was going to do on the trip, [the flight nurse] made sure that he was stable the entire trip. Words cannot express the amount of gratitude and peace I felt during the entire process. Thank you. Flying Angels.”
These types of five-star reviews of Flying Angels are plentiful on Google because of the time and commitment the company makes in providing the best possible care to clients. With years of experience and a track record of success, Flying Angels provides a needed service in the best possible way.
Contact Flying Angels to learn how they can meet your non-emergency medical transport needs.
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.
