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Medical Escort

Flying Nurses International is an internationally recognized Medical Flight Logistics service that specializes in commercial airline medical transports as a cost-effective alternative to air ambulance.

Our Services

Medical Escort: Our Specialty and Most Frequently Requested Service

The RN flight nurse will accompany you in the business or first class cabin of a major commercial airline. Business or first class seats offer a reclining position for patients who are immobile or unable to care for themselves during their flight. International carriers often offer sleeper seats in their first class cabin that recline to a bed position and provide for additional privacy.

To ensure safe travel we secure required medical clearances, coordinate all ground and air transportation and arrange for any specialized medical equipment that you require.

We closely monitor your medical status from your first phone call until reaching your destination. Under the direction of your personal physician and health care team, we receive updated medical reports until your departure to ensure that we modify your flight plan to secure a safe arrival. All treatment administered in-flight follows medical orders provided by your primary care physician. Emergency treatment is performed in accordance with the American Heart Association Basic Life Support Standards.

Upon arrival at your destination your flight nurse will provide a detailed briefing to the receiving medical facility. If your home is your final destination, your flight nurse will help you and your family make an informed and comfortable adjustment based on your medical needs.
Our Services

  • CLASS OF SEATING:

    The patient and flight nurse travel in the business or first class cabin, with the flight nurse traveling to and from their base in economy class. The flight nurses carry specialized equipment to safely transfer patients to their seat. We commonly lift patients and place them in a reclined business or first class seat.

    Other important details addressed in flight: Changing a patient’s position by shifting them in the seat, elevating their legs, and performing range of motion to their extremities is imperative to maintain adequate circulation, limit edema and decrease the risk of blood clots. The business or first class cabin offers more privacy, a quiet environment and added space if a medical emergency were to occur.

  • USE OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT:

    In-flight use of medical equipment must first be accepted by the medical department of each airline. They review the specifications and manufacturer of each device. Only equipment that has been FAA approved can be used and most often it must be gel-cell or lithium ion battery operated. Certain airlines rarely allow the use of their power system for auxiliary use.

  • CARE OF PATIENT DURING FLIGHT

    Many of our patients are unable to ambulate, converse, support themselves in a seated position or care for any of their needs. We commonly lift patients and place them in a reclined business or first class seat. Changing a patient’s position by shifting them in this larger seat, elevating their legs, and performing range of motion to their extremities is imperative to maintain adequate circulation, limit edema and decrease the risk of blood clots. The business or first class cabin offers more privacy, a quiet environment and added space if a medical emergency were to occur.

COMMERCIAL AIRLINE 
STRETCHER SERVICE 

While a commercial airline stretcher service exists on some international flights, it is not currently available anywhere in the United States. Moreover, it is often cost-prohibitive and uncomfortable for patients.

Commercial airline stretcher service involves setting up a platform on the backs of seats within the Economy class section. A gurney is placed on this platform, allowing limited space between the patient and the luggage compartment above. 

This arrangement has several drawbacks and is generally not recommended for the following reasons:

Narrow Frame and Thin Pad: The airline stretcher kit features a slim frame and thin pad, which can compromise patient comfort and support.

Limited Mobility and Repositioning: The patient must be secured with multiple straps across their chest and legs, resulting in restricted mobility. This narrow width makes turning or repositioning the patient during the journey difficult.

Respiratory Restrictions and Comfort: The stretcher's head and back support rise approximately 12 inches, preventing the patient from sitting reasonably upright. This limitation can hinder respiratory efforts and overall comfort.

Limited Accessibility for Caregivers: Placing the stretcher along the window restricts the nurse's ability to care for the patient to only one side. While a privacy curtain is available, the nurse must always maintain visual contact with the patient, exposing their care to multiple passengers.

Flying Nurses International understands the challenges patients face requiring medical transport, particularly when it comes to commercial airline travel. We prioritize your well-being and ensure a comfortable and safe medical escort experience. However, upon evaluating your medical transport needs and consulting with your healthcare providers, we can assist in securing authorization for stretcher service if deemed medically necessary.

This process involves obtaining approval from the airline's medical department which requires the completion and approval of a detailed medical clearance form. The authorization process may take between seventy-two hours to two weeks, depending on the airline's policies and procedures.

Your dedicated RN Flight Coordinator works closely with you and your healthcare providers to facilitate the necessary arrangements and ensure your journey is as seamless and comfortable as possible. We understand the unique requirements of medical escort services and are committed to providing the highest quality care throughout your travel experience.

Please contact Flying Nurses International to discuss your specific medical flight logistics needs and allow us to assist you in arranging the most suitable and comfortable transportation option available.

Transport Inquiry Form

More Questions?

We are available 24/7 and can be ready to travel within 48-72 hours dependent on family member needs and flight availability.

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Contact Information

Flying Nurses International, LLC
250 Palm Coast Parkway, NE
Suite 607-265
Palm Coast, FL 32137
Phone: 1-877-521-1333
Fax: 1-904-621-9924

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