Overview
A 60-year-old woman was travelling in the United States when she was admitted to a hospital in Los Angeles with right arm and leg weakness, and slurred speech.
Doctors diagnosed her with a stroke. Her complex medical history – including diabetes, a kidney transplant, and atrial fibrillation – significantly increased the risks associated with both treatment and travel.
Challenge
During her hospital stay, the traveller developed respiratory and kidney failure, requiring intensive care. While her condition was serious, World Travel Protection and treating medical specialists identified a limited window of opportunity to repatriate her back to her home country before any further deterioration made travel impossible.
However, she was not fit to fly commercially, meaning a highly specialised air ambulance transfer was required.
Solution
World Travel Protection’s medical and assistance teams quickly coordinated a bed-to-bed medical evacuation.
The operation involved:
- Assessing the traveller’s clinical stability for air transfer in consultation with the US treating team
- Engaging an air ambulance provider with full intensive care capabilities
- Managing all medical clearances, flight logistics, and ground transfers at both ends
- Liaising with healthcare providers in both countries to ensure continuity of care
Outcome
The traveller was safely repatriated after 19 days in hospital, with continuous bed-to-bed medical care by a specialist aeromedical doctor and critical care nurse.
This case highlights World Travel Protection’s ability to deliver rapid, expert medical and logistical coordination under pressure – ensuring that even in life-threatening situations, travellers receive the highest standard of medical and logistical support wherever they are in the world.
