Intensive Care Patients

Worldwide Transport

At European Air Ambulance, we take pride in offering critical care in transit that rivals even the most advanced hospital ICU. Our team is equipped to transport patients of all ages, including premature babies, and we use advanced life support techniques such as ECMO. Additionally, we are able to transport certain critical care patients that other air ambulance companies may not be equipped to handle.

Tailored Mission Planning: Meeting the Unique Medical Needs of Each Patient

Navigating the intricacies of intensive care repatriation can be quite challenging, with potential risks looming large for patients who are already sick, injured or terminally ill. Nevertheless, thanks to our exceptional medical teams and top-of-the-line equipment, the possibility of issues arising is significantly reduced.

Before proceeding with any repatriation request, we carry out an in-depth risk vs benefit analysis, weighing the likelihood of poor outcomes if the patient remains abroad against the chances of complications during transport. In essence, if a patient finds themselves in a country with limited medical facilities, moving them to a better-equipped location becomes a no-brainer.

Our highly trained medical experts provide top-notch care, ensuring that most patients can be safely transported with peace of mind. Repatriation is typically only denied in extremely rare medical situations, and in cases where logistical challenges arise – such as active war zones – we work closely with air ambulance specialists to find a reliable solution.

Every mission is planned according to the specific medical needs of the patient, with staff and equipment selected and adapted to suit from the wide-ranging human and technical resources available.

Critical Care in the Air: EAA's Fleet for ICU Patient Transport and Treatment

EAA’s aircraft are all dedicated air ambulances set up to monitor and treat ICU patients, with options for single or double-stretcher transport, and equipped with a minimum of:

• ICU respirator (LTV1200, BREAS; Hamilton T1)
• Corpuls C3 (invasive and non-invasive monitoring including capnography, with integrated defibrillator)
• 6 x Syringe pumps (Braun compact)
• 1 x Infusion pump
• POC blood analysis (i-STAT)
• Suction pump (Accuvac)
• Transcutaneous Haemoglobin measurement (Pronto 7)
• Intraosseous access (EZ-IO)
• Video-laryngoscope (C-Mac)
• Vacuum Mattress
• Ampoule kit with >65 medications (including Metalyse)
• Equipment/disposables for emergency procedures (chest drain, tracheostomy etc)

Learn more about our medical equipment

Our Pre-flight medical clearance procedure

European Air Ambulance (EAA) is committed to repatriating sick and injured people safely. However, before every air ambulance mission takes off, the patient needs to pass the pre-flight medical clearance.

The process begins as soon as EAA receives a request for assistance at their Mission Control Center. To evaluate each case, EAA's medical experts gather and clarify details about the patient's condition from various sources. These sources include the current hospital/doctor's reports, discussions with the medical team treating the patient, further tests if necessary, and an assessment of the patient's location and access to assistance on the ground.

EAA evaluates each case individually by performing a risk/benefit assessment. This assessment involves carefully considering the risk of transport against the benefit of repatriation. In other words, EAA's medical team assesses whether flying home would put the patient at a greater risk than if they remained abroad.

While EAA is confident in its ability to safely transport the vast majority of patients, the more detailed and accurate information the medical team can obtain beforehand, the more efficiently they can plan a personalized, safe, and speedy transfer home for the patient.

Therefore, EAA requests those requesting assistance to provide as much information as possible about the patient, including medical and logistical details. With this information, EAA's medical team is better equipped to judge what's in the patient's best interests and plan for a seamless and safe transfer home.

Medical informations -- When preparing for transport, European Air Ambulance (EAA) requires detailed and accurate information about the patient's medical history, treatment regime, special medical equipment, and physical data, as well as relevant administrative and logistical details. This information ensures that EAA can select the appropriate medical crew from its pool of specialists, properly equip the aircraft, and plan a smooth and efficient transfer of the patient.

EAA requires immediate and up-to-date diagnosis and current medical reports, though they may request further information or medical tests such as x-rays and scans if necessary. Additionally, EAA requires a full background to the patient's current illness or injury, including the evolution of symptoms from first onset to hospital admission to present day. Information about past medical history is also crucial, as underlying or pre-existing conditions may pose complications during transport. Specific details about current treatment regimes and special medical equipment such as ventilation, monitoring or electrical syringes should also be provided.

Logistical informations -- In terms of logistical information, all relevant administrative data including passport and visa details must be confirmed and physically with the patient. EAA also requires physical data such as weight, size, height, and BMI to ensure that they can properly accommodate the patient. Additionally, EAA needs the name, address, department, and personal contact information for both origin and destination hospitals, as well as details of a named person to be contacted in case of emergency.

Having accurate and complete information is vital in order to ensure that EAA can plan and execute the transfer safely and efficiently. Any inaccurate or incomplete information can compromise the safety and well-being of both the patient and crew, and may lead to wasted resources and ultimately poorer outcomes for the patient.