Transporting Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries

Sep 20, 2018

Patients who have suffered a severe spinal cord injury often face months of treatment and rehabilitation at hospitals and treatment centers specializing in spinal cord injuries. These facilities may be located long distances from the hospital where the patient received their initial care. After the patient has been stabilized, fixed wing air ambulance transport is often the best choice for moving the patient hours away to the new treatment center.

Meeting Patient Needs During Transport

The goal in moving a patient with spinal cord injury is safe transport without further injury or unfavorable impact on patient outcome. Keeping the patient comfortable and stable is of utmost importance. Limiting spinal motion during transport is essential. Pulmonary complications are a serious concern, so medical personnel must provide respiratory monitoring during the flight. Blood pressure and cardiac monitoring are also required. Patients who have spinal trauma are at risk for developing embolisms, particularly deep vein thrombosis. In addition, their injuries may have led to bowel and bladder disorders that must be managed.

Stress during transport can have negative effects on the patient. Medical staff who act with calm efficiency can help put the patient at ease. Allowing a family member to accompany the patient on the flight can help with a smooth transfer.

Why Choose Medway Air Ambulance?

Medway Air Ambulance has the expertise to successfully transport patients with spinal cord injuries. Medway provides bed to bed service. In addition to the flight, we coordinate medical ground transportation between the sending and receiving medical facilities and the airports. Our highly trained healthcare professionals create a mobile intensive care unit onboard our Learjets. The aircraft are equipped with all medical equipment required to manage the patient’s needs during the flight. Most flights can accommodate a family member traveling with the patient. Medway Air Ambulance has an unblemished safety record and works with all major insurance companies.

You alleviated all of my concerns

I just wanted to thank you for making all the arrangements for my mom to come home to me today. I truly appreciate how professional you were in dealing with this. You alleviated all of my concerns, and brought my mom home safely. The team on the flight was fantastic, as were the paramedics who transported her. I will never forget this experience, and am truly grateful to you for making this as simple as possible for me.

Michelle M

I was amazed at how smoothly it went

My husband had a heart attack while we were vacationing. At the hospital they told us he needed by-pass surgery. We wanted to have it done closer to home. Medway worked with the hospital’s discharge staff, arranged for the ambulance to meet us on arrival and got him pre-admitted for surgery. I was amazed at how smoothly it went. Thanks Medway!

Barbara, Atlanta

Thankful that your Guardian Angels were there

I want to thank the team from Medway Air Ambulance who airlifted me from San Jose, Costa Rica to Yale New Haven Hospital last week. I had fractured my pelvis in an ATV accident. The medical team of Donna (paramedic) and Steve (RN) were wonderful. I was sorry I had to use the care but I am thankful that your Guardian Angels were there. No one should be without this vital assistance in a time of need. I plan to spread the word. I thank you again. Also, if possible, could you give Donna and Steve my thanks as well. I should make a full recovery and look forward to a good 2012; and I wish you a Happy New Year.

Tedd W