Medical Evacuations
- Dr Lydia Zin
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
Medical Evacuation
Arranging a medical evacuation from Jamaica or any country while in the middle of a crisis is one of the most stressful experiences a family can face. The good news is that reputable air ambulance providers handle most of the logistics, but knowing what to expect, what to prepare, and who to call can make the process significantly smoother.
This step-by-step guide walks you through the process from the moment an emergency occurs to the point your loved one is safely receiving care at their destination.
Step 1: Stabilise the Patient at the Local Facility
The first priority is getting the patient to the nearest appropriate medical facility in Jamaica or your country. for example, in Jamaica the Kingston, the University Hospital of the West Indies is the main public referral hospital. In Montego Bay, the Cornwall Regional Hospital and private Hazba Medical Centre serve the northern coast. The patient must be clinically stable enough to transfer before any air ambulance can be dispatched.
Step 2: Call Your Travel Insurance Emergency Line Immediately
Do not wait until the patient is stable to contact your insurer. Call the 24/7 emergency assistance number on your policy as soon as the patient is admitted. Insurance companies require early notification and may need to issue pre-authorisation before they will cover the cost of air ambulance transport. Delays in notification can complicate claims.
Step 3: Contact an Air Ambulance Providers
If your insurer does not arrange the transport directly, contact one of the top air ambulance providers in your area:
• REVA Air Ambulance: 30+ years Caribbean experience, 24/7 operations, ITIJ 2025 Company of the Year
• Air Ambulance Worldwide: EURAMI accredited, ARGUS Gold rated, strong insurance coordination
• MTI 24/7: global provider, flexible transport options, 24/7 client support
Provide the following information to the dispatcher:
1. Patient's name, age, and nationality
2. Current hospital and treating physician's name and contact
3. Diagnosis and primary medical condition
4. Current clinical status and medical equipment in use (ventilator, oxygen, IV drips)
5. Desired destination hospital or city
6. Insurance details and policy number
Step 4: Gather Documents
While the air ambulance is being arranged, gather the following:
• Passport for the patient (and family members travelling)
• Travel insurance policy documents and emergency line numbers
• Medical records from the Jamaican facility including lab results, imaging reports, and medication lists
• Letter from the treating physician confirming diagnosis and medical necessity of air transport
• List of all current medications and dosages
• Contact details for the receiving hospital or specialist if already arranged
Pro Tip Keep digital copies of all documents in a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox so that family members in different countries can access them instantly. In an emergency, this eliminates hours of frustration. |
Step 5: Confirm the Receiving Facility
Your air ambulance provider can assist in identifying and confirming the receiving hospital. They will coordinate directly with the destination facility to ensure the appropriate specialist team is ready upon arrival. For time-critical conditions, this coordination can begin while the aircraft is en route.
Step 6: Prepare for Departure
The air ambulance crew will arrive at the hospital to conduct a medical assessment before departure. They will review the patient's records, assess clinical stability, and prepare the patient for transport. One family member can typically accompany the patient at no additional charge. Pack light — a small bag with essentials for the accompanying person is sufficient.
Step 7: Inflight Care and Communication
During the flight, the medical crew provides continuous monitoring and care. They will communicate with the receiving facility about the patient's condition during transit. After landing, ground ambulance transport is arranged to complete the bedside-to-bedside service.
Step 8: Follow Up on Insurance Claims
After the patient is settled at the receiving facility, begin the insurance claims process. Your air ambulance provider's insurance specialist can assist. Gather all receipts, invoices, and medical documentation. Submit claims promptly as many policies have claim deadlines.
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