Medical travel companions fly with travelers who need assistance to complete their journey. They make the trip from Point A to Point B easier for those with injuries, disabilities and older travelers who want support when flying to national or international destinations.
Adult children also often hire medical travel companions to fly with their senior parents who might have some physical limitations or who may simply get confused or uneasy with the hustle and bustle of the airport and airplane.
While many types of medical travel companion services are available, making the journey with a flight nurse provides travelers with a trained medical professional who is highly skilled in providing medical care on commercial flights and for those who need a long distance ambulance.
People with medical conditions cannot always make flights on their own. Having a flight nurse or medical travel companion gives those who need support during air travel a number of benefits.
In the case of flight nurses, each one is experienced with working in emergency situations, making them able to handle whatever situation might arise. They also have earned certification for providing medical services at high altitudes.
Many flight nurse companies can also make trip arrangements. This includes ground transport to and from the airport, assistance through the terminal (including security) and ensuring all needed medical equipment and medications travel with you.
Overall, the biggest benefit of a medical travel companion is the peace of mind of knowing you have professional, caring assistance for your journey.
Medical travel companies can provide vital support in a number of situations.
Senior Travel
As people age, running the gauntlet of lines, security checks, ticket kiosks, and crowds of people hustling quickly through the terminal and at the gate can become overwhelming. A flight nurse can make the process much less complicated, providing a steady companion who guides you through every step along the way in the airport. They also take away any concerns about the handling of medical equipment and prescription medications (including remembering to take them when required).
Traveling with a broken arm or leg, especially if a wheelchair is required, makes air travel difficult even for the youngest and healthiest of travelers. A medical travel companion can navigate the journey for you while also ensuring that your injury receives proper attention.
Those with disabilities typically become experts at getting through whatever life throws at them, but travel can provide a particularly strong challenge. A flight nurse can provide assistance when needed and also contact airport officials ahead of time to work out any special arrangements involving equipment or security.
Getting Home
For those who become ill or get injured while on vacation, a flight nurse can make the journey home much easier, including handling communication with medical personnel, even those in other countries. Clients can engage the services of a medical travel companion for domestic and international flights. Whatever your reasons for wanting a flight nurse with you, they can make your journey much less stressful and ensure you arrive at your destination safely while attending all your medical needs.
For those with epilepsy, traveling by air presents challenges. However, taking the right precautions, making a strong plan, and following tips for traveling with epilepsy can help make the journey safe and manageable, even when flying by commercial aircraft. Preparation makes all the difference.
It often helps people with epilepsy to travel with a medical professional such as a flight nurse who can support them with both medical and logistical help. Nurses help navigate the fast-paced environment of airports. During the flight, they take steps to keep clients safe during their trip and to ensure they get all the medical attention they need.
For those traveling with epilepsy, proactive measures to reduce risks and being well-informed can contribute to a more comfortable travel experience. That’s where non-emergency medical transport services can make a big difference.
Preparing for Your Flight
The first step when traveling with epilepsy is to consult with your doctor. Discuss travel plans well in advance and review any potential risks associated with flying. Your doctor may adjust your medication schedule to account for time zone changes or provide additional guidance to manage stress and other seizure triggers.
It’s also essential to carry a detailed list of medications, including dosages, along with a letter from your doctor explaining your condition. This is helpful for airport security and in case of an emergency. Keep your medication in its original packaging and carry it in your hand luggage to ensure easy access during the flight. Remember to pack extra medication in case of travel delays or lost luggage.
Navigating Airport Security
Security screenings can be a source of anxiety, but being prepared makes the process smoother. This is an area where traveling with a flight nurse and working with an RN Flight Coordinator can make a big difference. They work in advance with airports and airlines to make arrangements to make the experience run much more smoothly. Notifying security staff discreetly about your condition with a TSA notification card, if necessary, and informing them about any equipment you might carry, such as a medical alert bracelet, can ease the trip through security areas.
If you have an implanted medical device, such as a vagus nerve stimulator, let security personnel know. You may need to request a manual pat-down instead of passing through certain screening machines, as electromagnetic interference could impact the device’s function. Being aware of airport procedures and communicating openly with staff can reduce stress and make the experience more manageable.
Managing Triggers During the Flight
Air travel can expose you to various seizure triggers, including fatigue, dehydration, and bright or flickering lights. To minimize these risks, an important tip for traveling with epilepsy is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Consider bringing an eye mask or sunglasses to block out light and reduce sensory overload.
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule also helps. If your flight crosses multiple time zones, adjust your sleep patterns gradually before traveling. Bringing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can provide a quieter environment, making it easier to rest.
Another common trigger for seizures is low blood sugar. Bring healthy snacks that you can eat throughout the flight to keep your energy levels stable. Check with the airline ahead of time to learn about their policies on carrying food or dietary restrictions.
Staying Safe Onboard
When boarding the aircraft, let the flight crew know about your condition. Inform them of any assistance you might need in case of a seizure and provide clear instructions on what to do if a medical emergency arises. Flight attendants are trained to respond to emergencies, but having specific information about your condition is beneficial.
Choose a seat that will provide the most comfort and safety. An aisle seat close to the front of the plane may be a good option for easier access to the restroom and in case you need assistance. Buckle your seatbelt loosely but securely to avoid injury during a seizure.
It’s also advisable to travel with a companion who is familiar with your medical history and can help if needed. This is where traveling with a flight nurse provides a high level of security and peace of mind, managing all the medical and logistical needs of the patient.
For longer flights, additional planning is necessary. Make sure to move around the cabin periodically to improve circulation and reduce the risk of fatigue. Perform simple stretches in your seat if you cannot walk around, as this can also help reduce stress on your body.
Time zone changes can disrupt your medication routine, so plan ahead to ensure you take your medication at the correct intervals.
Traveling with epilepsy requires careful consideration and proactive measures. By consulting with healthcare professionals, preparing documentation and medications, and being aware of seizure triggers, travelers can minimize the risk of complications. It’s also worth contacting a NEMT such as Flying Angels and learning about affordable ways to make your journey safer and more comfortable.
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.
Benefits of non-Emergency Travel CompanionsApril 12, 2024 Bob Bacheler is the owner and managing director of Flying Angels, Inc. based out of Philadelphia, PA where he manages a team of medical escorts comprised of highly skilled nurses and doctors. In addition to...
Many people associate the idea of medical transport with air ambulances. Air ambulances transport people who have suffered injuries to hospitals for urgent medical care. But another type of medical transport is used much more frequently: non-emergency medical transport (NEMT).
NEMT has increased in popularity as more people learn the benefits of traveling with experienced medical professionals on commercial flights. From air travel assistance for seniors to bringing people back to the United States after suffering an injury or medical event abroad, medical escort services provide medical support and travel coordination for those who have difficulty traveling alone.
Many people might remain unaware that NEMT is a service available to them at far less cost than an air ambulance. Alternative medical transport options offer a cost-effective, comfortable and personalized option compared to air ambulance services.
Differences Between Air Ambulance and NEMT
When it comes to medical transportation, patients have a range of options. These options vary based on factors such as the urgency of the situation and the patient’s medical condition and travel distance. Air ambulances and NEMT both involve flying for medical transportation, but they serve different purposes.
Air Ambulance
Air ambulances are primarily used in emergency situations, often employing helicopters. They typically transport patients to trauma centers or intensive care units. Common scenarios for air ambulance use include accidents or natural disasters, where helicopters quickly transport patients in need of immediate medical attention. For longer distances, planes may be used.
Regardless of the aircraft type, air ambulances are equipped with emergency medical equipment to handle any in-flight emergencies. They also are expensive, with bills for air ambulances running well into the five figures.
Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT)
Alternative medical transport, as provided by services like Flying Angels, provides medical transportation under non-emergency circumstances. Depending on the situation, ground transportation or commercial airline flights are used, or sometimes both.
NEMT services make use of both domestic and international airlines to make travel arrangements. With Flying Angels, each patient is assigned a flight coordinator who manages all travel plans, including booking flights and organizing any necessary ground transportation. Additionally, a flight nurse is assigned to accompany the patient throughout the entire journey, ensuring they have any required medical devices or medications and are equipped to handle potential medical emergencies.
Reasons To Use Medical Escort Services Rather Than Air Ambulances
People should know the difference so they can choose the service that most meets their needs. In short, unless it’s an emergency, non-emergency medical transport is the way to go. NEMT services are more cost-effective compared to air ambulance services. NEMT services such as Flying Angels also have the capability to arrange both domestic and international travel.
One of the significant advantages of NEMT services is the presence of a dedicated flight nurse. This nurse is trained to manage medical emergencies and equipped to provide any necessary care during the flight. They also ensure the patient has all required medical devices and medications.
The flight nurse in NEMT services stays with the patient throughout the entire journey, from departure to arrival. This continuous care is reassuring for both the patient and their family, providing a sense of security and peace of mind.
As the need for medical transportation that doesn’t necessitate air ambulance services has increased, so has the popularity of NEMT. It provides patients and their families with a more cost-effective option for medical transportation. Various situations call for the use of NEMT, and services like Flying Angels have simplified the process of arranging medical transportation for those in need.
