Heart Attack Abroad: Air Ambulance and Medical Repatriation
A heart attack during a trip abroad is first treated locally. Once the patient is stable, we organize the transfer to a cardiology unit or a hospital closer to home, with continuous cardiac monitoring.
After the emergency treatment received abroad, a cardiac patient may need a specialized unit, a further procedure or simply to be closer to family. We coordinate with the treating cardiologist and the receiving unit, assess with our coordinating physician whether and when the patient can fly, and organize a medically escorted flight with cardiac monitoring.
Our coordinating physician assesses each case together with the on-site medical team to determine the equipment required and the transport mode best suited to the patient's condition.
When we are called in
- Heart attack or other cardiac event during a holiday or a business trip
- Transfer to a cardiology or cardiac surgery unit in the home country
- Cardiac patient who needs to continue care closer to family
- Patient requiring advanced cardiac or circulatory support during the transfer
How the transport is organized
Before the flight
- Collection of the cardiac file, ECGs, imaging and treatments given
- Assessment of fitness to fly by our coordinating physician with the treating cardiologist
- Coordination with the receiving cardiology or cardiac surgery unit
- Transfer from the hospital to the aircraft with monitoring maintained
On board
- Medical crew with cardiology or intensive-care experience, depending on the case
- Continuous ECG and blood pressure monitoring, defibrillator and emergency drugs
- Oxygen and, when needed, advanced support equipment
- Cabin pressure and comfort managed according to the patient's condition
Fitness to fly and timing
The right time to fly after a cardiac event depends on the type of event, the treatment received and the patient's stability. Our coordinating physician discusses it with the treating cardiologist; for general information on flying after a heart attack or cardiac surgery, see our article on the subject.
Our team can work directly with the patient's insurer or assistance company to arrange fast coverage — see our dedicated page for insurers and assistance companies.
This page gives general information about how a medical transport is organized and is not medical advice. Every decision is taken by the treating physicians together with our coordinating physician, case by case.
Related services
Common questions
It depends on the type of event, the treatment and your stability, and the decision belongs to the physicians. See our article on flying after a heart attack or cardiac surgery for general information.
In most repatriation cases after a cardiac event, yes: the patient travels with a medical crew able to monitor the heart rhythm and to act in case of a problem.
Some missions involve ECMO or other advanced support. See our ICU/ECMO air ambulance service for the specific crew and equipment.
A medical situation abroad can't wait.
Our coordinators are available right now — every day, at any hour.