Air Medical Transports From The Caribbean

Challenges of Transporting Patients Out Of The Caribbean Islands

During the winter months where temperatures are below negative degrees in the northern parts of North America, many vacationers and retired “snowbirds” from US & Canada migrate down to the Caribbean.

With this influx of travelers there’s bound to be unfortunate medical emergencies producing a steady demand for air ambulance transfers out of the Caribbean. Due to limited resources and specialized care available within the area, hospitals must transfer patients to more advanced care facilities that are offered in the U.S. but are not available in the Islands.  

Executing an air ambulance in the Caribbean can sometimes be challenging. The key to a successful mission is effective coordination and proper preparation and planning amongst the flight crews, medical staff, and operations employees. Preparing for the unexpected and managing it when it happens is crucial to our operation.

Expected Quick Response Times Can Be Delayed Flying To The Caribbean

A top priority for every air ambulance provider is a fast response time, industry standard is two hours from the call to wheels up at the departure base. For missions to the Caribbean, making this happen regularly without incident can be challenging and takes strict management of the countless logistics associated with these flights such as passports, fly over permits, or international paperwork.

Other complications that providers face is the limited operating hours of the airports in the Caribbean. Most local airports are only open from 06:00 to 19:00L which makes it difficult to coordinate a mission if confirmation from the client is received in the late afternoon. At that point it’s possible to get into the islands that night but the crew won’t be able to depart the same day. Rather the team must overnight, adding extra costs, and receive the patient at bedside the next morning. 

Patient Assessments Are Hard To Obtain

Obtaining a patient assessment before pickup is difficult due to the limited care provided at these hospitals. Depending on the motives or capabilities of foreign medical facilities, these assessments are sometimes not accurate, with patients being in worse condition than originally reported. Assessing patients’ conditions in advance of the transport by incorporating video technology can be crucial to getting a true evaluation. Additionally, having sharp medical staff on board is an important element so they can adapt to unpredictable development.

Weather Around The Caribbean Islands Can Be Unpredictable

The sudden weather changes are also a big factor associated with the islands. Unexpecting low clouds, fog and high wind speeds can bring dangerous conditions. The weather may be perfect when landing but may not be at the time of departure. Pilots in the Air Ambulance industry are specifically trained to safely fly the aircraft to provide the best care and comfort for the patient.

Preparation, team coordination and experience are crucial in getting a patient transported from the Caribbean islands quickly and safely. With the right team, your patient or loved one will be transferred to the best facility to get the care they need to recover.

Contact our team today if you are in need of a medical flight and need a service quote. Or learn more about our air ambulance services today!