Model Evacuation Basic Example

(Note: all names are fictitious)

Ella Crump, a 68-year old female, stares at the drab curtains in her Paris hospital room. The pain in her badly-fractured ankle reminds her she would much rather be home in Boston .

Air Medical Escorts receives a request for service from her insurance company, and we give the assignment to Nancy, a nurse with over 5 years of critical care experience. We contact the client, her nurses and the assistance company to review the itinerary and anticipate her medical needs.

We make sure the airline seats and the subsequent ground transportation will enable Mrs Crump to elevate her leg, to decrease swelling (and possible circulation compromise and tissue damage) and any resultant pain. We then make any changes necessary. Passport in hand, Nancy meets Mrs. Crump in Paris the day prior to the flight, taking note of her condition and looking for infection, skin breakdown and cast tightness. Since surgery was recent, Nancy requests that the cast be bivalved, to allow for swelling inside the cast during the flight.

Nancy also makes sure Mrs. Crump is on anti-DVT medication and checks to be sure her pain medication is adequate. She makes sure there is enough medication to tide them over in the event of a flight delay.

Nancy reviews in-flight exercises with Mrs. Crump, checks her mobility level and arranges for medical records to be ready for them to take with them tomorrow. On travel day, she assists Mrs. Crump to the car. At the airport a wheel chair is waiting for them, set up when the reservations were made. Nancy helps her through security, and then wheels her to the business lounge to await boarding. After visiting the restroom one last time, they board early and set up the seat, elevating Mrs. Crump's leg and putting the pain medication within easy reach in Nancy 's transport kit.

During the flight, Nancy reminds Mrs. Crump to do the foot exercises, takes Mrs. Crump's vital signs, administers her pain medication as needed, and helps her to the restroom. After landing, she helps Mrs. Crump through customs and immigration.

Ground transportation in Boston goes as planned, and Mrs. Crump's daughter is waiting for them at Mrs. Crump's home. Unfortunately, her home has all the bedrooms upstairs, so Nancy assists the daughter in creating a makeshift, but safe, living space downstairs. Nancy also reviews the area Mrs. Crump will be walking, to be sure there are no items which might cause another fall, such as loose rugs, and advises their temporary removal. The job isn't finished. Nancy spends a considerable amount of time showing Mrs. Crump's daughter how to care for her and help her walk safely. She instructs the daughter about any warning signs of problems she should watch for, such as signs of circulation compromise, infection and blood clot.

All is well, and Nancy leaves a small pilot bear wearing an Air Medical Escort pin. It's a reminder that she was in the soft but strong arms of safety during her flight home. Nancy returns to the airport hotel to rest prior to her flight home in the morning. It's been a long day for both of them.

< Return to Model Evacuation Information >