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.
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.
Flying Angels stands out not just for their expertise but also for their commitment to the case management community. As a regular sponsor of both Regional and National conferences of the American Case Management Association (ACMA) and the Case Management Society of America (CMSA), they demonstrate their dedication and deep roots within case management.
Flying Angels provides unparalleled support for case managers, offering high-quality care for patients traveling by commercial airline. Their seasoned flight nurses guarantee safety and comfort, ensuring all medical needs are met throughout every journey.
The Advantages of Medical Transport with Flight Nurses
For case managers who want patients to have quality care while traveling, non-emergency medical transport specialists offer what they need. Flying with a travel nurse offers a range of benefits, especially for individuals with medical needs or those who require additional assistance during air travel. Flying Angels travel nurses have experience in providing care in emergency situations and have trained in providing care at high altitudes.
For those with complex medication schedules or who require injections or infusions, a travel nurse ensures all medications are administered correctly and on time throughout the journey. Travel nurses also provide support for patients with mobility issues. They can assist with transfers, help patients in and out of their seats and ensure they have access to any mobility aids they may require during the flight.
Travel nurses also work with individualized care plans to meet the specific needs of their patients. This can include dietary restrictions, mobility accommodations and any other medical requirements that may be necessary during the flight.
Perhaps one of the most important forms of support involves emotional support. For those with medical conditions or mobility issues, traveling can be a stressful experience. A travel nurse offers emotional support, reassurance and companionship throughout the journey, helping alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of well-being. They also can advocate for patients with airlines and airplane staff, if needed.
How Flying Angels Supports Case Managers
The trained healthcare professionals who work at Flying Angels can provide case managers much-needed support in managing travel of patients, especially for those rare cases when patients might need to travel to specialty medical appointments by commercial airline.
NEMT services provide a vital lifeline for patients who may have difficulty navigating flying on a commercial airline alone. Case managers work closely with these experts to arrange convenient and timely transport for their patients. This eliminates the stress and logistical challenges that patients might face when trying to travel long distances or even internationally for specialized medical treatments or procedures.
Every patient is unique, and their transportation needs can vary significantly. Some may require wheelchair-accessible vehicles, while others may need assistance during boarding and disembarking. Experts at Flying Angels specialize in arranging a wide range of services to accommodate these diverse needs. Case managers collaborate with these experts to ensure that each patient receives the level of support that best suits their individual requirements.
Similar to how associations like the Aging Life Care Association® offer invaluable resources to families through consultation, assessment, care coordination, and advocacy, Flying Angels acts as a vital link for case managers. They serve as direct advocates for their patients, playing an integral part in every stage of their medical journey.
Making Medical Transportation More Efficient
Coordinating transportation for patients can be a complex task. Medical transport experts have the experience and resources to streamline this process, often resulting in cost savings for the patient. Case managers rely on their expertise to make efficient and economical transport arrangements.
NEMT experts also ensure patient safety and comfort. They are trained to handle various medical scenarios and ensure patients travel safely and comfortably. They understand how to handle equipment, provide necessary medical support and respond appropriately to any unforeseen situations.
One of the primary goals of case managers is to ensure patients receive consistent and uninterrupted care. Non-emergency transport experts play a crucial role in achieving this objective. By providing reliable and timely transportation, they help patients attend specialty treatments or surgeries that may be located far from their place of residence, as recommended by their healthcare providers. This contributes to better health outcomes and a higher quality of life for patients.
Non-emergency transport experts can play a vital role in supporting case managers in their mission to provide the best possible care for their patients. By working in tandem, case managers and non-emergency transport experts form a powerful team dedicated to the well-being and comfort of patients in need.
In recent years, the landscape of medical travel has undergone a significant transformation, with a growing emphasis on providing comfortable medical travel solutions for patients who want to travel with experienced medical professionals when flying on commercial airlines.
Flying Angels specializes in providing medical travel solutions in the non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) field. NEMT involves having a flight nurse travel on a commercial flight with those who have injuries, chronic conditions or medical disorders that impede their mobility and ability to travel alone. The list of Flying Angels services range from senior relocations and hospital discharges to long-distance medical transportation and providing travel companions.
As more people explore healthcare options, the concept of comfortable medical travel solutions has gained prominence, offering not only top-notch medical care but also a seamless and pleasant experience for patients and their families.
The Importance of Medical Travel Solutions
When it comes to NEMT, comfort and well-being are of paramount importance. Whether patients are relocating to a new home or flying for a specialized medical appointment, the journey should be as stress-free and comfortable as possible. Fortunately, NEMT is evolving to prioritize the comfort and needs of patients, offering a new level of convenience and care.
One of the key elements of comfortable NEMT solutions is personalized assistance. Trained flight nurses who understand the unique needs of patients provide support throughout the journey. Whether it’s helping people navigate airport security, the onboarding process or finding the best seats on the plane, flight nurses ensure that the experience runs as smoothly as possible.
An RN flight coordinator books all the flights for clients, working in advance with airports and airlines to ensure that they provide the services needed. They oversee all arrangements, including all reservations, handling all travel-related paperwork, arranging for special accommodations, anticipating any challenges for the trip and managing them efficiently, and quickly addressing any travel delays, flight changes and cancellations.
Taking a Patient-Centered Approach
As an NEMT company, Flying Angels provides comfortable medical travel solutions by prioritizing a patient-centered approach. This means understanding the unique preferences and needs of each patient and tailoring the flight experience accordingly.
Travel can be stressful, especially for individuals with chronic illnesses or complex medical needs. Patients can rest assured that they will arrive at their destination safely and on time, allowing them to focus on their health and well-being.
Flying Angels also recognizes the importance of maintaining patients’ dignity and independence. By offering assistance that is respectful and considerate, these solutions empower patients to retain a sense of control over their transportation experience. This can have a positive impact on their overall emotional well-being.
The evolution of NEMT solutions reflects a commitment to enhancing the patient experience from start to finish. The emphasis on comfort, personalized assistance, accessibility and patient-centered care redefines how individuals access medical care. As the industry continues to innovate, patients can look forward to a journey that prioritizes their comfort, well-being and overall peace of mind.
