Critical care without limits – long haul commercial medevac using commercial airlines.

Ms Angela Coward¹

¹New Zealand Air Ambulance Service Ltd, Auckland , New Zealand

Many patients requiring aeromedical repatriation and retrieval that can be transported safely and efficiently using commercial airlines. In some cases, the only feasible option to achieve long haul patient travel will be via commercial airline.
Medevac via commercial airline allows a relatively efficient and cost-effective transport with minimal planned interruptions. Many patients including those who are ventilated and immobile, who are medically stable and are not requiring a cabin altitude restriction are suited to this type of aeromedical transport.
The discussion will centre around cabin class selection, satisfying airline MEDA requirements, expecting the unexpected, staffing and equipment considerations and will touch briefly on changes that have occurred due to the worldwide pandemic.

Biography:

Angela is a critical care flight nurse who is currently based in Auckland and works as Director of Flight Nursing for New Zealand Air Ambulance Service Ltd.