When you can't walk, air travel immediately becomes more complicated. However, it's often still the most efficient, cost-effective mode of medical transport for non-ambulatory patients. By working with a knowledgeable medical transport provider like SentinelMED, patients can turn over all the advanced planning tasks to an experienced team that will ensure their comfort and safety.
For long-distance transport, SentinelMED often uses commercial airlines, an option that is typically faster and less expensive than an air ambulance service. Here are some of the preparations the SentinelMED team makes when coordinating transport using commercial flights.
Procuring equipment in advance. Non-ambulatory patients may need a wheelchair or even a specialized stretcher for transport, which some international airlines allow. The SentinelMED team will consult with the patient's doctor to determine what equipment is needed and have it waiting when the patient is ready to be discharged.
Notifying the airline and purchasing tickets. Airlines have different policies about how they accommodate passengers who have disabilities. They also want to be informed of any accommodations a patient may require when flight reservations are made. The SentinelMED team has decades of experience and is familiar with the policies of international and domestic airlines. They also can help select seats and rows that will be the most comfortable for the patient.
Getting to the airport. Patients may need a van that’s equipped to carry a manual or electric wheelchair or stretcher. The SentinelMED team can coordinate logistics for picking up a patient at home or at a discharging medical facility, allowing for the extra time that non-ambulatory patients require.
Navigating check-in, screening, and arriving at the gate. U.S. airlines are required to promptly provide wheelchair assistance to passengers with disabilities who need help. However, the person must request it at the airport, and there are some services that airline personnel can’t provide. For patients who need additional support, SentinelMED can arrange for a medical escort to accompany them before, during, and after transport. The medical escort will:
- Stay with the patient during security screening
- Advocate for the patient’s privacy during security searches
- Help the patient get food or water before boarding if requested
- Assist with any hygiene or medical needs before the flight
Boarding and care while flying. If a patient can’t walk onto the airplane, the airline can provide an aisle wheelchair and help the patient get settled. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, passengers in wheelchairs may also request help stowing their carry-on bags. However, any other support from airline personnel will be limited during the flight.
SentinelMED’s medical escorts can provide any care that the patient requires during flight. They are trained or experienced in emergency, critical care, or aeromedicine. These physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses will:
- Monitor vital signs
- Administer medicine and supplemental oxygen as needed
- Position and move the patient to prevent pressure sores and blood clots
- Help the patient get to the bathroom or with a catheter
- Ensure the patient’s comfort and safety.
Deplaning and baggage pick up. The medical escort will stay with the patient throughout deplaning and help them exit the airport after retrieving checked bags.
Transporting the patient home or to a medical facility. SentinelMED will coordinate pick-up at the airport with a caregiver or arrange transport to a receiving medical facility. The escort will stay with the patient until they are safe with a family member or will ride with them to an admitting medical facility.
More About SentinelMED
SentinelMED provides domestic and international medical escort, transport, evacuation, and repatriation services for travelers who need assistance to travel long distances in comfort and safety.
We understand the complexity of delivering exceptional care to patients who need assistance during travel. Please contact us to learn more about SentinelMED's services or its staff.
