WHAT IS A STRETCHER FLIGHT?

Do you know what a stretcher flight is? A stretcher flight is a regular scheduled flight with runway access, where the ambulance enters the runway so that the patient can board the aircraft without having to go through the usual access route.

How does the process for a stretcher flight begin?

First of all, in order to carry out a stretcher flight in complete safety for both the patient and the medical team accompanying them, it is essential to have the patient’s medical report, always with a copy in English, confirming that they are fit enough to fly.

The patient is then transferred to the aircraft from an ambulance equipped with the individual requirements needed by the patient, if necessary. After the flight, upon arrival at the destination airport, the patient’s disembarkation and transfer are also coordinated using the means required.

Can a sick person travel on a regular flight?

For patients who need to travel lying down due to their medical condition, transport on a commercial airline is properly prepared to guarantee the safety of both the patient and the rest of the passengers.

In these cases, a stretcher, known as a stretcher bed or folding stretcher, is installed in the passenger cabin and separated from the other passengers with a curtain for visual privacy. The accompanying medical staff, usually consisting of a doctor and a healthcare assistant, travel next to the patient so that they are always available to provide assistance if necessary.

Can a stretcher flight be carried out anywhere in the world?

Yes, this type of stretcher flight, where the patient travels lying down, can be carried out anywhere in the world, making international transfers or repatriations to the patient’s home country easier.