Medical repatriations refer to the process of returning a person to their home country for medical treatment or care. This can involve transferring individuals who have fallen ill or sustained injuries while abroad back to their home country where they may have better access to healthcare facilities, support systems, or familiarity with the medical system.
The repatriation process involves coordinating with the local healthcare team, creating a complete medical treatment plan for travel, arranging all travel logistics, and providing high quality medical care from a clinical escort throughout travel.
We understand that health emergencies can occur at anytime and anywhere. That's why we specialize in seamless medical repatriations, ensuring that individuals can safely return to their home country to receive the best possible healthcare for their needs. To be eligible for medical repatriation, a patient will need to be cleared as fit to fly on a commercial flight with a medical escort. Many airlines can accommodate medical and mobility devices onboard – please reach out with any specific questions regarding whether a case is appropriate for medical repatriation.
Our Services:
- Global Services: We provide comprehensive medical repatriation services worldwide.
- Case Management: In preparation for the repatriation, our medical team will review treatment records and speak with the local treating physician/care team to ensure fitness to fly, select the provider level, and create a customized care plan for the journey. We conduct daily check-ins leading up to the repatriation and monitor any changes to the patient’s status that may require altering the treatment plan. From arranging medical transportation to coordinating with healthcare providers, we manage all logistics with precision.
- Expert Medical Team: Our team is based in Washington, DC, and our lead physicians and medical escorts have extensive clinical experience working for the Department of Emergency Medicine at the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates. Our experienced medical professionals and support staff are dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition from your current location to your home country. They are trained to handle various medical conditions with utmost care and expertise throughout the travel journey. They bring with them all supplies necessary for medical care, whether this be vitals equipment or wound care supplies. The provider level (Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, or Physician) and number of provider(s) are determined by our lead physician team based on the patient’s clinical condition and anticipated medical needs during transport.
- Access to GW’s Specialist Network: If your case requires a specialty consultation (such as neurosurgery or orthopedics), our emergency physicians can add specialists from over 50 medical specialties to the team.
- 24/7/365 Operational Hub: The Worldwide Emergency Communications Center, or the WECC, serves as the operational hub for this program. The WECC is staffed 24/7/365 by EMTs and paramedics, with an emergency physician just a phone call away. The WECC monitors the status of the repatriation every step of the way, ensuring that the clinical escort and patient are always supported. The WECC also ensures that the patient’s family/friends/company are kept updated throughout the process.
- Operational Readiness: We are prepared to mobilize at a moment's notice. After taking the necessary steps to ensure the patient is prepared to safely fly back home, we will begin the planning process and fly the clinical escort to the patient.
- Customized Solutions: Every medical repatriation is unique. We tailor our services to meet individual needs, considering medical requirements, cultural sensitivities, and personal preferences.
- Compassionate Care: We recognize that this can be a stressful time for the patient and all others involved. We prioritize the health and comfort of our patients, providing high-quality and compassionate care throughout the process.
- Cost Effective: When a patient requires medical care to travel, the only option besides medical repatriation on a commercial flight is an air ambulance. Air ambulances are very costly compared to medical repatriations on commercial flights. Please contact us if you would like to discuss a case or to receive a quote for our services.