by You’re on an overseas trip of a lifetime, savoring the moment while in great company. Then, you suddenly get injured and face an unexpected medical emergency. How do you cope? Where do you start?
ACC Medlink is a trusted provider of long-distance medical transportation services. The firm is aware of the challenge some patients undergo when looking for an international emergency medical service (EMS) in an unfamiliar country or location. As such, the guide below can help you select the best service provider and enhance your ability to deal with a medical emergency.
1. Local and International Presence
When you are in a foreign country, it’s advisable to consider an EMS with international exposure and knowledge of the local area. This implies they’re aware of current regulations, language and culture, resources, processes, and assistance available.
An understanding of the area the firm serves can ensure you get help quickly and safely. For instance, they’ll know when it’s advisable to opt for air versus land transport based on your condition and the distance you need to travel. That way, you’re assured of efficient transport from start to finish, no matter your location or destination.
Similarly, the EMS provider can support you throughout your entire journey. Their team can coordinate with all relevant parties to ensure seamless transitions at each point along the way while also providing support during transport. This includes ensuring the type of supplies they bring onboard conforms with customs requirements – as this may affect your travel plans.
When facing an emergency, it’s critical to have access to experienced personnel who can assess your condition accurately before determining the ideal treatment plan or course of action. Thus, it helps to research your options in advance.
So, find out whether the EMS provider you’re looking into is properly licensed or accredited in the relevant jurisdiction. You can also check if they have affiliations with regulatory bodies, which indicates they follow approved processes and procedures.
Additionally, confirm whether the service provider or their staff are certified by international organizations or agencies. You can verify such information online – on their website or via third-party resources. Besides, the credibility of the governing body in a given country impacts the quality of international EMS service you can expect.
An international EMS with a flexible fleet of vehicles and aircraft is essential. You need a reliable team to arrange and manage your transportation needs, regardless of the distance or vehicle required. A provider with a network or fleet featuring different sizes or types of vehicles and aircraft is best poised to meet your medical needs as you travel or relocate.
The key factor is to ensure vehicles are designed with your comfort in mind. Properly equipped and staffed ambulances, helicopters, ground transport vehicles, or other forms of aircraft should be available to ensure safety and convenience during your medical trip.
What services does the international EMS offer? Well, some provide more than medical ground and air transportation. Others offer comprehensive services such as pre-travel consultations or medical coordination.
Also, find out whether they escort patients or their families or offer destination assistance. And if they handle non-emergency and emergency transport, the better.
An EMS with a 24-hour helpline also comes in handy if you have questions or need assistance while traveling. Also, some EMS providers can provide referrals to local physicians or arrange for care at a destination facility. These services and extras can help make your journey smoother and less stressful.
To know the level of service you can expect from an international EMS, check reviews and testimonials from their past clients online. This can give you an idea of the quality and reliability of their services. If possible, speak to their customers directly and ask about their experience with the company. That way, you won’t commit blindly and are assured of quality service.
Similarly, local medical bodies can clue you in on the standard of service provided by the EMS provider. A referral from professionals in the know can thus make your work easier.
Membership or subscription fees are often a prerequisite for utilizing the services of an international EMS. However, these fees don’t necessarily reflect the quality or coverage you can expect to receive. Therefore, price should not be your primary consideration when selecting a provider.
Rather, weigh their cost against the benefits and services they offer to ensure you can get value for your money. Ask about the different packages available and confirm the coverage you receive for each plan, so you don’t get a raw deal. That aside, some providers have flexible payment plans, while others may accept insurance to reduce your financial burden.
Due diligence is essential when selecting an international EMS provider. From verifying their credentials to confirming the services and cost, you need to have all the facts before taking the plunge. That’s the only way to ensure you get the best and most reliable service. After all, such a service should ensure a safe, swift, and stress-free experience – no matter your destination. And if your life is on the line, it goes without saying that you need the right EMS partner.
