Road Accident Abroad: Air Ambulance and Medical Repatriation
A serious road accident during a trip abroad often means a long hospital stay far from home. We organize the transfer of the injured patient to a facility closer to family, with the right medical crew.
Road accidents are among the most frequent reasons for a repatriation. After stabilization by the local hospital, the family or the insurer may want the patient treated closer to home, or in a facility with a specific trauma or orthopedic specialty. We coordinate with the treating team, assess the patient's fitness to fly and organize a medically equipped flight on a stretcher.
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
- Multiple injuries after a road accident during a holiday or a business trip
- Orthopedic or trauma care that the patient wants to continue in the home country
- Accident involving several travelers, with several patients to transfer
- Transfer of a stabilized patient to be closer to family and to the insurer's network
How the transport is organized
Before the flight
- Collection of imaging, operative reports and the current treatment plan
- Fitness-to-fly assessment by our coordinating physician with the treating team
- Coordination with the receiving trauma or orthopedic unit
- Careful stretcher transfer, with immobilization if required
On board
- Medical crew with intensive-care or trauma experience, depending on the case
- Continuous monitoring, oxygen and analgesia managed by the medical team
- Immobilization equipment such as a vacuum mattress when needed
- Comfort of the patient and of any accompanying relative
Fitness to fly and timing
The timing depends on the injuries, on any operation still planned, and on the patient's stability. Some patients can travel within days; others need to wait. Our coordinating physician discusses it with the treating team and decides with them when the transfer is reasonable.
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
Often yes, once the patient is stable enough to travel. The decision is taken with the treating team and our coordinating physician, who review the medical file together.
The team uses equipment suited to the injuries, such as stretchers and vacuum mattresses, and manages pain and monitoring during the transfer. Each step is planned in advance with the local team.
It depends on the policy. We can work directly with the patient's insurer or assistance company to arrange coverage, and give them the elements they need to take the decision.
A medical situation abroad can't wait.
Our coordinators are available right now — every day, at any hour.