Transportation of patients
SOS International organises approximately 8,000 instances of medical transportation a year – including 1,000 stretcher repatriations on scheduled flights. Some 500 flights take place in dedicated air ambulances.
Such transportation normally requires accompanying medical personnel, and SOS has a pool of about 200 doctors and 100 nurses. Individual transportation home can be implemented with a non-medical companion or someone from the SOS emergency team.
When a patient is to be air lifted, it is the SOS doctor’s task to ensure that
- the patient is fit for air travel, based on the diagnosis given
- transportation is implemented in a medically responsible manner – no matter whether scheduled flights can be used or an air ambulance is required
- there is relevant medical accompaniment during transportation
- the necessary medical equipment is available during transportation
- the patient is conveyed to the correct treatment centre on his or her return home
Seven good reasons to choose SOS as a partner for transportation of patients:
- SOS’ pool of doctors cover 15 specialisations and together they speak 20 languages
- The patient’s treatment process is monitored by an SOS doctor
- The patient is given relevant treatment and is transported home where feasible
- If necessary, hospitalisation at the patient’s local hospital can be arranged
- Advantageous price agreements with the best scheduled airlines and air ambulance companies
- Transportation is implemented with expert, linguistically capable companions as well as up-to-date medical equipment
- Case status can be constantly monitored online via the SOS Extranet
