How can an ill patient safely travel by air?
Normally, ill patients can only be on an aircraft if approval is given by a health professional. Where the illness is minor (such as fracture leg requiring a wheelchair), no special medical escort is required. The airline must be notified in advance to provide a wheelchair.However when a patient is critically ill or requires round the clock medical care.. the options for travel become limited to travelling with specially equipped and qualified doctor and nurse escorts. This is what Hope Air Ambulance specialises in.
What are the modes of air travel for patients?
- Air ambulance: can be deployed at moments notice and not limited by flight scheduals. Even the most critically ill can be stabilised for flight
- Commercial airlines: medical clearance and engneering (to place stretcher/oxygen etc) takes about 48 hrs. Thus not really suitable for emergency evacuations. Advantage is it is very cost effective and can be used for long flights especially repatriations
- Helicopter: a short range option for evacuation from remote areas / ships with no place for aircraft to land
Something bad happens, what do I do?
- Keep calm, institute first-aid / life saving measures
- Seek medical care: ambulance / bring to hospital yourself / housecall etc. It depends on situation
- Inform your insurance provider ASAP: update them regularly
- You may also call us at (+65)6100 1911 if you need medical assistance (non-obligatory)
Our family is planning and adventurous holiday in Asia. What medical issues should I look into?
No one expects to travel into trouble! The simple advice is to anticipate and prepare before you go.- Travel insurance (MUST include medical expenses and evacuation)
- Medical / first aid kit (learn first aid/CPR/simple self medication too)
- Your regular medication (bring an extra week)
- Check if you need malaria prophylaxis (malaria kills!)
- Any new vaccines to get? Check travel recommendations from CDC etc
- Mosquito repellent (for kids too)
- Don’t take silly risks when on holiday such as not wearing seat belts or motorcycling without a helmet
- Drink clean water (boil, bottled, water tab or iodine) & eat healthy
- Accept some travellers diarrhoea (self treat).. fluids. Recover and don't let it mar your holiday
- Know your hotel fire escape / find out local emergency telephone numbers / know where medical care is available 24H
- Keep in your wallet a prominent card highlighting your medical history and allergies. Also let a close companion know your history.
Can a family member or friend travel with a patient in an air-ambulance?
We are out to help and normally two accompanying family members is not a problem. It makes patients and loved ones feel better being together. However, this is subject to type of aircraft, travel restrictions etc. There is no extra fee for loved ones to accompany patient on the air-ambulance aircraft.For more information, you may contact us by email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), telephone (+65 6100 1911), or snail mail (56 Upavon Rd, Singapore 507745)
