Skip to content

For over 4o years, MedAire has been the preferred partner providing tailored assistance, expert education, and innovative equipment for Business & General Aviation, Commercial Aviation, and Yachts.

With 24/7 support and industry-leading solutions, we help ensure safety, health, and security worldwide.

MEDAIRE TURNS 40!

Celebrating a legacy of innovation and industry firsts from developing bespoke medical kits to founding the first global response centre for aviation. Our commitment to pioneering solutions continues as we look ahead, ensuring excellence for every journey.

Case Study | Ensuring Peace of Mind for Pilots on Layover with MedAire's Global Support

Case Study | Ensuring Peace of Mind for Pilots on Layover with MedAire's Global Support
4:33

Pilots often navigate varied environments while maintaining a rigorous schedule. During a recent layover in Tokyo, a 45-year-old pilot faced an unexpected disruption to his routine. What began as a typical stopover quickly changed with the onset of troubling health symptoms. Balancing the responsibilities of his role with health concerns, he needed fast, reliable medical guidance.

 

THE CASE

The pilot, having completed a long-haul flight from New York to Tokyo, initially disembarked feeling healthy, ready for his layover routine. However, the following morning brought a stark change when he awoke with chest heaviness and a low-grade fever. These symptoms were especially concerning given his recent recovery from the flu. The lengthy transpacific journey, usually routine, now exacerbated a potential lingering condition. Faced with uncertainty between standard traveller's fatigue and something more severe, the pilot wisely sought further medical understanding to ensure his health and professional responsibilities.

iStock-1288628726

CHALLENGES

  • Rapid Onset of Health Issues: The symptoms appeared suddenly after the pilot's apparent recovery from the flu, creating an immediate need for medical attention without prior warning.

  • Access to Local Healthcare Resources: In a foreign city on a layover, the pilot faced the challenge of identifying trustworthy medical facilities and professionals without local knowledge.
  • Complex Logistics Coordination: Prompt and thorough medical care required efficient coordination among local healthcare providers, ensuring swift communication and accurate examinations.

  • Professional Duty vs. Health Prioritisation: The pilot had to balance the urgency of addressing his health against the need to remain fit for duty, prioritising his immediate wellbeing while managing professional responsibilities.

MEDAIRE'S SUPPORT

  • Immediate Connection to Expert Medical Guidance: The pilot reached out to MedAire and was promptly connected with the MedAire Medical Team who are specialists in aviation healthcare for an initial telephonic assessment. The MedAire Medical team considers the medical situation, the local medical capabilities, security/safety concerns, and client specific needs when determining how to best assist the crew member. The medical team identified the need for further evaluation with a trusted in-person provider from our proprietary network of global provider.
  • Coordination of Local Medical Care: MedAire identified the need for Emergency Medical Care with a local provider who had capability to perform imaging and laboratory testing.
  • Facilitating Comprehensive Testing: Leveraging its extensive Global Network, MedAire secured an appointment at a nearby hospital, offering access to advanced testing facilities for comprehensive assessment.
  • Comprehensive Case Management: MedAire maintained clear communication with the hospital and coordinated all aspects of the pilot's care. Utilizing local resources as needed for language support.
  • Confirmed Case: The pilot confirmed a case of pneumonia resulting from his recent diagnosis of flu.  Through comprehensive testing we could ensure the pilot was not experiencing a life threatening illness and ensured that the plan of care was appropriate to facilitate recovery. MedAire ensured ongoing support throughout diagnosis and treatment. We also assisted with the determination of when it would be safe for the pilot to travel home.

SUCCESSFUL OPERATION

MedAire played a crucial role in managing the pilot's medical care, facilitating effective communication between the hospital team and the airline's operational staff. Through thorough examinations, pneumonia was confirmed, allowing the medical team to initiate necessary treatment promptly. Our commitment ensured that the pilot received the attention required for recovery, with regular follow-ups reinforcing his wellbeing. After comprehensive care during his layover, the pilot returned home off duty to continue treatment with his local doctors, ensuring continuity in care. This approach facilitated the pilot's safe recuperation, reflecting MedAire's dedication to safeguarding crew members' health worldwide. This case underscores the indispensable role of prompt, accessible medical support and MedAire's principled approach to comprehensive crew care.