Discharging patients from the hospital is one of the most important and complex steps of patient care. Case managers and hospital staff who oversee hospital discharges must arrange safe transportation for patients who often have significant medical needs. They may also face complications that include logistical hurdles, tight timelines, and the need for specialized care.
Most importantly, their decisions can impact patient outcomes and a hospital’s reputation. At Flying Angels, we understand the pressure you’re under. We specialize in non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) that can help with hospital discharge transportation.
We offer safe, seamless hospital discharges. Our bedside-to-bedside service is led by experienced flight nurses and coordinated by registered nurse flight coordinators who manage every detail of the journey. When you partner with Flying Angels, you gain a trusted ally committed to helping your patients transition from hospital to home or another facility with comfort, care, and clinical expertise.
The Importance of Effective Discharge Planning
Successful hospital discharge transportation is key to patient outcomes. Studies have shown that well-orchestrated discharge plans can reduce readmission rates and enhance patient satisfaction.
However, the logistics involved, especially when patients require medical supervision, are challenging. This is where Flying Angels bridges the gap, ensuring patients have a safe and comfortable transition from the hospital to their next destination.
A Trusted Partner in Patient Transportation
Flying Angels specializes in providing NEMT services. Our team manages every aspect of patient transport, delivering a comprehensive bedside-to-bedside service.
While known for services involving flying with patients on commercial airlines, we also provide ground transportation. Our experienced nurses travel with discharged patients. They manage the patient’s medicine and ensure they have the equipment needed to safely travel, such as a wheelchair.
Highlights of Flying Angels’ service include the following:
Experienced medical professionals. Our flight nurses have critical care and emergency experience, ensuring patients receive expert medical attention. For transport involving flying, they are fully trained in flight physiology and can manage situations that may arise during transport.
Seamless travel coordination. Flying Angels manages all logistics, including booking flights, arranging ground transportation, and coordinating any special services needed with airlines and airports. This planning alleviates the burden on hospital staff and patients.
Specialty care for diverse conditions. Our nurses are experienced in providing care for patients with a wide range of symptoms, including dementia, diabetes, brain trauma, broken bones, and other mobility challenges.
Enhancing Patient Outcomes Through Collaboration
Partnering with Flying Angels allows case managers and hospital discharge planners to make the discharge process more efficient while extending compassionate and patient-centered care. We also contribute to reducing the stress associated with hospital discharges by providing peace of mind to patients and families.
In providing a smooth transition from hospital to home or another care facility, our services help minimize complications. A comfortable and well-coordinated discharge experience will contribute to higher patient satisfaction.
Flying Angels is dedicated to upholding the highest standards in medical transport services. We work with healthcare providers, patients, and families to ensure every aspect of the transport process aligns with medical protocols and patient needs. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our attention to detail and the compassionate care provided by our medical professionals.
Our expertise, comprehensive services, and dedication to patient well-being make us the ideal partner in enhancing your discharge planning process.
To learn more about Flying Angels and how we can support your hospital’s discharge procedures and/or discuss partnership opportunities, please contact us. We can work together to make every patient discharge a smooth and positive experience.
Flying Angels has gained a well-earned reputation over the years for providing a much-needed service that helps those with mobility issues, including seniors and those recovering from injuries and illness, travel by air and ground. Simply put, Flying Angels services help people get safely from Point A to Point B.
But because the non-emergency medical transport services the company offers are still relatively new to many, Flying Angels Director Bob Bacheler frequently explains what the company does in appearances at conferences and in interviews. He recently made an appearance on KAKE TV, the ABC affiliate in Wichita, Kansas, to discuss how Flying Angels services benefit people.
“What we do at Flying Angels is we have nurses and doctors who accompany people who have medical or cognitive needs,” Bacheler said in the interview. “We’re flying people who need medical attention, need to get long distances, and we’re flying them with a critical care-trained registered flight nurse on a regularly scheduled commercial airline — Delta, American, United — and getting them where they need to go.”
Bacheler noted that Flying Angels provides care for patients from “bedside to bedside.”
“You tell us where the person is and where you want him/her to go, and we take care of everything in between. We’ll get them to the airport, we’ll fly them safely under the care of a nurse, then we’ll take them to their final destination,” Bacheler said.
Some of the Main Services Provided By Flying Angels
Flying Angels specializes in having trained flight nurses travel with patients on commercial flights. Flying Angels will book all the accommodations for the patient’s trip and work with the airport and airlines for any special services needed, such as early seating on the aircraft and getting medical equipment through security.
They also provide services for:
Senior relocations: Assisting seniors in relocating to new homes by managing all flight arrangements and providing in-flight medical care, thereby reducing the stress associated with major life changes.
Medical Flights: Coordinating domestic and international travel for patients who cannot fly alone due to a chronic condition or injury, with flight nurses ensuring continuous medical supervision throughout the journey.
Hospital Discharge Transportation: Providing medical assistance during transitions from hospital to home or another care facility, ensuring quality care during this critical period.
Bacheler appeared on the KAKE TV interview with Katherine Ambrose, president of America’s Senior Home Coach, a company that offers a wide range of senior care services. She said Flying Angels is often key to helping families move seniors.
She said about 89% of seniors “don’t want to move out of their home, and so they wait until there’s an urgent crisis. Then, the family is in turmoil, and they might want Grandpa to move to where they are.
“How are they going to get him there? They could have somebody fly with him, or maybe they can drive them across the country, but he’s not in a condition to do that. So, this [Flying Angels] is the way.”
Bacheler said that in those situations, some families may think about hiring a neighbor or a friend to transport the senior. “But by using us, you’re actually having somebody who is experienced in flying, experienced in patient care, knows airports, knows what medical situations are, and can fly with them to where they need to go,” he said,
A Cost-Effective Service With a Global Reach
Flying Angels provides a cost-effective alternative to air ambulance. In the interview, Bacheler said the cost of an air ambulance can run as high as $40,000 to $100,000 for a flight across the country. Flying Angels, on the other hand, can provide services for the same distance at $10,000 or less.
“That’s the flights, the nurse, the ground transportation, the whole nine yards,” Bacheler said. “And it really doesn’t matter where you are in the country. If you’re 200 miles from the nearest airport, we’ll make the ground transportation arrangements to get you there.”
Living in a rural area does not prevent people from using Flying Angels’ services. Bacheler noted that Flying Angels also flies internationally, including trips to Africa. “If we can get somebody into the heart of the Congo, we can get them into any city in the U.S.,” he said.
Bacheler said Flying Angels often flies with patients to the other side of the world. “I have a nurse who’s on her way to Shanghai with a patient right now, and we’re routinely back and forth to India,” he said. “So, we have a global reach, we’re transporting patients all over the world.”
Medical Professionals Who are There to Prevent Emergencies
Bacheler said that while trained flight nurses are key to what Flying Angels does, he likes to tell people, “Our nurses are not necessarily there to react to emergencies. Our nurses are there to prevent emergencies.”
To that end, Flying Angels nurses travel with specialized equipment to support care for those with mobility impairment. They range from those who have been impacted by traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries to those who have suffered from strokes.
Bacheler said one of the frequently used devices is a “comfort carrier,” which is a transfer sling used to move patients in and out of their seats. Using the sling, he said Flying Angels nurses can “take somebody who has absolutely zero mobility, get them into our wheelchair, get them into their airline seat, or whatever is needed.”
Flying Angels has a specially designed wheelchair that provides maximum comfort and safety, including a special neck rest, which allows patients to relax while being transported. He said Flying Angels nurses carry portable oxygen concentrators for patients with oxygen dependency. They consistently monitor vital signs throughout a flight, including blood pressure and glucose.
All of this has helped Flying Angels emerge as a leading NEMT company. “We are very proud of our Google reviews,” Bacheler said. “I often tell people to just Google ‘Flying Angels’ and they’ll find that we have over 300 Google and Facebook reviews. I can talk forever about what we do, but realistically, what I care about is what our clients have said about us in the past.”
Ambrose added that Flying Angels is held in “very high regard, very high esteem,” and that Bacheler is known for his appearances at healthcare and senior care conferences. She laughed and told the KAKE TV host, “He’s kind of famous.”
Many travelers want medical assistance while traveling but do not need the urgency of an air ambulance. In those cases, a medical escort like Flying Angels provides a safe and efficient solution. Medical escorts, often flight nurses, travel with patients on commercial flights to ensure they receive professional care throughout their journey.
Providing a medical escort is a crucial part of non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), helping patients travel comfortably and securely between destinations. They provide patients with high-quality medical care, as well as peace of mind.
A flight nurse serving as a medical escort is a highly trained healthcare professional who specializes in providing in-flight medical care. These nurses are skilled in managing patients with various medical conditions, ensuring their well-being during travel. While commercial airlines can accommodate some medical needs, they are not equipped to provide continuous medical monitoring — this is where medical transport and flight nurses come in.
What Does a Flight Nurse Do?
A flight nurse’s responsibilities as a medical escort include the following.
Pre-Flight Medical Assessment. Before traveling, a flight nurse reviews the patient’s medical history and current condition. Coordination with the patient’s primary physician may be necessary to assess special medical needs.
Logistical Coordination. A flight nurse works with airline personnel to arrange seating accommodations, oxygen, or other medical equipment required during the flight. This process ensures compliance with airline policies and medical guidelines.
Assistance During Transfers. Patients needing medical assistance may require help getting to and from the airport, navigating security, and boarding the aircraft. A flight nurse ensures these transitions are smooth and stress-free.
Continuous In-Flight Care. During the flight, the nurse monitors the patient’s vitals, administers medications as needed, and provides care tailored to their medical condition. Whether managing pain, oxygen levels or mobility needs, the flight nurse ensures the patient remains stable and comfortable.
Emergency Response. While medical escorts serve non-emergency patients, unforeseen health issues can arise mid-flight. Flight nurses are trained to provide medical care at high altitudes. Nurses from Flying Angels also have experience in ICU and/or emergency room care settings.
Post-Flight Assistance. Upon arrival, the flight nurse ensures a seamless transition, whether to a waiting family member, a healthcare facility, or ground transportation to the patient’s destination.
The Importance of Professional Medical Escorts
Many people benefit from the work of medical escorts. They include seniors who require assistance while traveling, including when they relocate to a new home. Those recovering from a surgery also benefit from traveling with flight nurses, as do those with chronic conditions who may have difficulty traveling on their own.
Medical escorts also provide a good alternative to air ambulances. While air ambulances and NEMT companies provide medical care, medical escorts differ from air ambulances in key ways.
Non-Emergency Focus. Medical escorts are for stable patients who require assistance, not for those needing critical care transport.
Commercial Flight Travel. Unlike air ambulances, which use private medical jets, medical escorts accompany patients on regular commercial airlines.
Cost-Effective Option. Since patients fly on standard commercial flights rather than a private aircraft with specialized medical equipment, medical escort services are significantly more affordable than air ambulances.
Flight nurses offering medical escort services play a vital role in bridging the gap between independent travel and emergency medical transport. Their expertise allows patients to travel safely, whether for medical procedures, family visits, or relocation. By ensuring proper medical care throughout the journey, flight nurses provide peace of mind to patients and their families.
For those in need of safe and comfortable air travel with medical assistance, medical escort services offer a reliable, professional, and cost-effective alternative. Whether traveling domestically or internationally, patients can count on experienced flight nurses to provide the care they need every step of the way.
Despite the advancement of working conditions across all industries, workplace injuries remain an unfortunate reality. Accidents in the workplace can disrupt lives in an instant, leaving both employees and employers managing the aftermath and navigating the complex world of workers’ compensation claims. Flying Angels plays an important role in providing non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) services for workers’ compensation patients, supporting the needs of injured workers.
Flying Angels’ commitment to safety and efficiency helps ensure injured workers have access to the care they need. That reliable access is key to recovery. Workers face a wide variety of serious injuries, including severe burns, head trauma, and injuries that impact mobility. Flying Angels’ expertise in providing NEMT services bridges the gap between hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and homes, easing the journey toward recovery.
Flying Angels specializes in providing services to people flying on commercial airlines. However, the company also provides ground transportation services, including those required by injured workers, including hospital discharge transportation. They operate as a trusted partner for case or network managers and patients.
Industries Prone to Workplace Injuries
Certain industry sectors have more workplace injuries that lead to workers’ comp claims and the need for NEMT services for workers’ compensation patients. The federal government maintains records in this area, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracking the number of workers’ injuries by industry each year.
The BLS reports that in 2023 alone, more than 200,000 people who work in the accommodation and food services industry were injured in everything from slips and falls to burns and muscle injuries. Manufacturing employees also face potential challenges such as hazardous materials exposure, injuries from machinery, and burns. The manufacturing sector reported more than 326,000 injuries in 2023.
However, healthcare ranks first among all industries in the nation for on-the-job injuries. In 2023, the healthcare and social assistance sector reported 471,600 injuries and illnesses, reflecting the physical demands placed on nurses and other healthcare workers.
The Importance of NEMT Services For Workers’ Comp Patients
After a worker is injured on the job, the focus is where it should be: the health of the worker., Once they are receiving the treatment they need and their situation has stabilized, both the injured worker and their employer need to manage the practicalities of the situation. One of those is transportation.
The need for a nurse to accompany a patient during transportation, whether it’s ground transportation or on a commercial flight, occurs from a variety of injuries. Some frequent examples include TBI, SCI, CVA, or burn victims, who may require transport to specialized facilities for advanced care or rehabilitation before they can return to work.
Quality transportation for workers’ compensation patients discharged from the hospital is critically important for several reasons. Many patients require follow-up appointments, therapy sessions, or access to medications after discharge. Reliable transportation ensures they can attend these essential appointments without delays.
NEMT also promotes safety. Some patients, especially those with mobility challenges, post-surgical restrictions, or cognitive impairments, need trained personnel to transport them safely. Poor transportation options can increase the risk of injury or harm during transit.
Perhaps most importantly, discharge from the hospital can be a vulnerable time for patients and their families. Reliable, timely, and comfortable transportation reduces the stress of transitioning back home or to a care facility, allowing patients to focus on recovery.
How Flying Angels Services Support Workers’ Compensation Patients
Many types of workplace accidents result in mobility impairments, making travel more difficult. An experienced medical professional like a Flying Angels nurse can provide the care that a patient needs. As an NEMT company, Flying Angels is dedicated to addressing the specific needs of injured workers in a variety of ways.
Customized equipment. These include custom wheelchairs and comfort slings to ensure safety and support during transit.
Medical expertise. Flying Angels nurses have critical care and emergency experience and provide continuous medical supervision, ensuring the well-being of patients throughout their journey.
Comprehensive coordination. For workers’ compensation patients who need to fly, RN Flight Coordinators manage all logistics, including communication with healthcare providers, and case or network managers to streamline the process.
Navigating workers’ compensation claims can be complex. Flying Angels collaborates closely with case or network managers to ensure seamless communication, keeping all parties informed and coordinated. They can also assist in obtaining necessary authorizations to prevent delays in patient care and offer comprehensive records of transport services to support claims and ensure transparency.
With their team of highly trained flight nurses, custom equipment, and seamless coordination, Flying Angels takes the stress out of transportation, ensuring injured workers receive the care they need and the dignity they deserve. By focusing on the unique needs of injured workers and collaborating with healthcare professionals, Flying Angels provides patients with the highest standard of care during transport, aiding in their recovery and providing peace of mind to all involved.
Traveling with a neuromuscular disease presents unique challenges, but with careful planning and the right resources, it remains an achievable goal. The key to success is planning ahead and seeking the right support when needed.
Neuromuscular diseases encompass a range of conditions that impair muscle function due to nerve or muscle abnormalities. These include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), muscular dystrophy, and spinal muscular atrophy, among others. Each condition varies in severity and progression, necessitating personalized travel preparations to ensure safety and comfort.
Those who fly with chronic health conditions may find that traveling with a flight nurse who works with a non-emergency medical transport company can make the journey run more safely and smoothly. Flight nurses specialize in traveling with those who fly on commercial flights, giving them the peace of mind of being accompanied by a trained medical professional.
Tips For Traveling With Neuromuscular Disease
The following provides essential tips for traveling with a neuromuscular disease to ensure safety, comfort, and a stress-free experience.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
Before deciding to fly, consult with your healthcare provider to assess your fitness for travel and to discuss any necessary precautions. Obtain a letter from your physician detailing your medical condition, current medications, potential complications, and any special requirements. This documentation can be invaluable when navigating airport security and in the event of a medical emergency during your trip.
Plan Ahead For Medication and Insurance
Ensure you have an ample supply of medications to last the duration of your trip, plus extra in case of delays. It’s advisable to carry medications in their original packaging within your carry-on luggage to prevent issues with security and to maintain easy access. Also, verify that your health insurance provides coverage at your destination or purchase additional medical travel insurance.
Navigating Air Travel
Communication with airlines and transportation services is essential for a stress-free journey. Contact the airline in advance to arrange for special assistance, such as wheelchair services, priority boarding, or seating that accommodates your needs. If you use medical devices like ventilators or oxygen concentrators, inform the airline beforehand to ensure their compatibility with airline policies. Navigating airport security can be a challenge, but programs like TSA Cares can assist travelers with disabilities, making the process smoother.
Security procedures can be more complex for travelers with medical devices or mobility aids. Arriving at the airport earlier than usual allows ample time to navigate these processes without added stress.
In-Flight Considerations
During the flight, maintaining comfort is paramount. If mobility is limited, plan for in-flight needs such as restroom access. Some airlines provide onboard wheelchairs, but assistance may be limited. Ensure that any medical equipment has sufficient battery life for the duration of the flight, as in-seat power availability can vary between aircraft.
Accommodation and Accessibility at Destination
Research your destination thoroughly to confirm that accommodations, transportation, and planned activities are accessible and can meet your specific needs. Many hotels and venues will provide detailed information about accessibility features. Consider reaching out directly to discuss any concerns and to make necessary arrangements.
NEMT Support Services
Engaging the services of a flight nurse can provide additional support, ensuring that medical needs are managed throughout the journey. They can assist with tasks ranging from medication management to mobility support, offering peace of mind and allowing you to focus on enjoying your travels.
Also, RN flight coordinators can make all the arrangements for your trip, taking your condition into account when planning every phase of the journey.
Traveling with a neuromuscular disease requires meticulous planning and consideration of various factors to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. By consulting healthcare providers, coordinating with airlines, and using available support services, those with neuromuscular conditions can continue to explore and enjoy travel opportunities.
As our loved ones age, their ability to care for pets may decline. This situation presents challenges for both seniors and their families. Pets offer companionship and joy, but they also require consistent care. When aging loved ones can no longer meet these needs, it’s crucial to find pet care solutions for seniors that ensure the well-being of both the individual and their animal companions.
Addressing this issue involves understanding the challenges, exploring alternative care options, and making informed decisions. As with issues involving seniors and medical transport, the best approach when talking about pet care solutions for seniors is to focus on empathy and practical strategies. Doing so can help families better navigate this transition.
The Challenges and Potential Pet Care Solutions for Seniors
Aging can lead to physical limitations, memory issues, and health concerns. These factors may hinder a senior’s ability to feed, groom, and exercise their pets. For example, walking an active dog poses a risk for someone with balance issues, while remembering feeding schedules is difficult for someone experiencing cognitive decline. Also, pets can pose risks, such as tripping hazards or infections.
It’s crucial to identify challenges early. Regular check-ins can help determine if an aging loved one is struggling to care for their pet. Pay attention to signs like an unkempt pet, irregular feeding, or missed veterinary appointments. Early intervention can prevent stress for both the senior and their pet while maintaining their cherished bond. Families can then focus on finding the right option to address the issue. Those options include the following.
In-Home Support Services
One option is to enlist in-home support. Professional caregivers can assist with pet care tasks, including feeding, walking, and cleaning. This support allows seniors to maintain the companionship of their pets without the full responsibility of care. Services like pet-sitting or dog-walking can also provide relief.
Family and Community Assistance
Family members and community volunteers can play a significant role. Relatives might share pet care duties, ensuring the animal’s needs are met. Community programs often offer support for seniors with pets, including assistance with veterinary visits or providing pet food. Engaging with local organizations can uncover valuable resources.
Many communities also have programs designed to assist seniors with pets. Local animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or non-profit organizations may offer free or low-cost resources, such as pet food deliveries, veterinary care assistance, or even temporary foster services. Engaging with these programs can ease the burden on both seniors and their families while ensuring pets are well cared for.
Considering Pet Rehoming
In some cases, rehoming the pet may be the most humane option. This decision is difficult but necessary when the owner’s well-being is at risk, or the pet’s needs are unmet. Working with reputable shelters or rescue groups can help find a loving new home for the animal. Open communication with your loved one about this possibility is essential.
Working with reputable animal shelters or rescue groups can help find a loving new home for the pet. Some organizations specialize in matching older pets with new owners, ensuring they’ll continue to receive the attention and care they need. Having open and honest conversations with your loved one about this option is essential to making the transition smoother.
Proactive planning can prevent crises. Discussing pet care preferences and establishing a plan ensures that, should the need arise, decisions are made in accordance with your loved one’s wishes. Legal tools like pet trusts can also be considered to provide for the pet’s future care. Navigating pet care for aging loved ones requires sensitivity and thoughtful planning. By exploring available options and engaging in open dialogue, families can make decisions that honor their loved ones’ bonds with their pets while ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved.
