Medical Evacuation: Saving lives, helping families

Chris Hutton and his wife Julie 

A first-year med student didn’t know that his family membership with AirMed would come into play one day in early 2014

Sandy Kinkade Hutton has been an AirMed member for the past eight years. When she married Kevin Hutton in 2011, she added both her husband and stepson, Chris, onto her membership.

Chris Hutton is a first year med student at American University of the Caribbean located on Saint-Martin island in the Caribbean. Chris had experienced inability to urinate for several days, and finally made a decision along with his wife, Julie, who is a French citizen, to go to the local hospital to be checked by a doctor.

During what would be fairly routine treatment in any metropolitan medical center, the island medical staff was unable to place a catheter and traumatized Chris’s urethra. Then they managed to slice off a segment of a plastic catheter inside Chris’ bladder. His situation went from bad to worse within hours with concerns of peritonitis mounting. “The island surgeon said he had sliced off the tip of the catheter.” It wasn’t until we were back in the U.S. that the urologist told us it was a foot long piece of catheter,” Sandy said.

After the “oops” moment with the catheter, the Hutton’s knew they needed to get Chris off that island and to a higher level of medical care back in the United States. Sandy told him to make the call to AirMed.

Once the call to AirMed was made, AirMed put its operation in motion. “We talked to AirMed the entire time. We heard from them through email and through phone calls, they kept us informed every step of the way,” Sandy recalls.

Chris states "Lying in pain in a bed at night there at the island's hospital, it was the worst feeling, to feel a million miles away from home. Once the crews arrived, everything changed. I knew from the instant they walked in that I was safe, and on the road to recovery."

AirMed arrived, and Chris was transported to the University of Miami Hospital early the next morning. Because it was an international flight, U.S. Customs came to the ramp to check all passports. Chris was transported by ambulance to the hospital. “AirMed even arranged for a taxi to take Julie to the hospital when she was finished with Customs. It was just a level of completeness—AirMed saw to it that nobody was left stranded.” said Sandy.

Chris was taken into surgery in Miami to remove the catheter and assess the situation. A new catheter was inserted and remained in place for 3 days. It was removed, and Chris and Julie were able to return to St. Martin to resume his medical school studies with a new understanding of what it is like to be the patient.

Kevin and Sandy Kinkade Hutton

“The thing that makes this entire event even more remarkable,” Sandy continued, “is that I was a flight nurse for 13 years, and Kevin was a flight physician. I am a past President of the Association for Air Medical Services (AAMS), and Kevin is the current Chairman of MedEvac Foundation International. We really know this industry, inside and out. Neither of us ever, in a million years, thought we’d need to use our AirMed membership. It was SUCH a relief knowing that one call took care of everything.”

“As a flight nurse, I remember arriving at hospitals and the sigh of relief on people’s faces when the flight crew would show up,” Sandy said. “For the first time, I was on the other end of that scenario. I was on the patient side, and I knew professionals were on their way to get Chris off the island and that they were fully able to take care for him. It was such a relief once I knew the medical crew was on that island.”

Dr. Kevin Hutton added, “We want to really stress the fact that you never think it’s going happen to you. You simply never know when something like this will happen. Had we not had the AirMed membership, we’re not sure how this whole thing would have transpired.”

Sandy said, “I’ve seen so many times where people think their health insurance will cover this type of thing and it doesn’t. I’ve kept my AirMed membership all this time because you’d like to think that healthcare is good everywhere, especially on an island known for attracting tourists, but it is not.”

Chris and his family knew that AirMed had their back. Since he’s been back at school, Sandy has helped Chris write a protocol for the medical school he attends to try and put some sort of medevac membership policy in place. “ In the event of a medical emergency such as this, being prepared is the key,” she said. Chris commented, "I don't know what we would have done without AirMed membership. I am so grateful that my family is covered for the future."

Kevin added “We will NEVER be without an AirMed card.” Several of the Hutton’s family members are also new AirMed members.

Travel and Health News, the latest issue is out

AirMed is there not only when you need us, but where you need us.

In this issue of Travel+Health, AirMed's member newsletter:

• How does AirMed work?
• A CEO's business trip turns terrifying
• The Number One Traveler's Health Issue 
• Our members sound off, and more!
  

Follow this link to see the full AirMed News. 

Security Concerns for 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi

The 2014 Winter Olympic Games will take place in Sochi – a city located in the Krasnodar Krai region of Russia on the Black Sea coast -- from 7 to 23 February 2014. The Games are expected to draw more than 120,000 spectators, approximately 5,400 athletes and support staff, and thousands of media, broadcasters and Olympic officials.

Travelers to the Games should be aware of the Security Concerns outlined below, along with details regarding security measures, airport facilities, transportation and accommodations. 

Security Concerns

The primary security concern related to the Winter Olympics is terrorism. The potential for protests and other forms of unrest, as well as general concerns related to crime and the rate of corruption in Russia, should also be considered.

Terrorism

Although Sochi has remained relatively free of terror activity in recent years, terrorism is the primary security concern for the Olympics. Both domestic and transnational militant Islamist groups could target the Olympic Games; however, the Caucasus Emirate (CE) -- a domestically operating militant Islamist group that is part of the global jihadist movement -- is most likely to be the perpetrator of any attacks during the Olympics.

Crime
Due to its prominent status as a domestic tourist destination and the associated high level of security, serious crime has traditionally been less of a concern for travelers in Sochi than in some other Russian cities. Concerns are heightened during the Games. however, due to the potential for opportunistic individuals seeking to take advantages of the large number of foreign travelers. Basic precautions against petty and other minor crimes should be taken, and travelers should avoid the poorer residential areas outside of the main Olympic venues as a precaution.

Hate crimes motivated by ethnicity or sexual orientation are a concern in many Russian cities. In light of the increased international attention, security forces will likely be more diligent in responding to and preventing such incidents, particularly when foreign nationals are involved. All foreigners should act with caution when mingling with locals, and potential targets of hate crimes should minimize time spent in isolated areas and avoid public displays of affection or other identifying remarks in these situations.

Anti-LGTB Legislation
As indicated in the Protests and Other Disorder section above, Russia recently passed a law that bans homosexual “propaganda” aimed at minors, which has prompted considerable international discussion regarding the rights of LGTB visitors to Russia during the Games. While the law itself fails to adequately define what is considered “propaganda” and does potentially allow the prosecution of activists for a wide variety of actions, the Russian
leadership has repeatedly assured that, while all Russian laws will be enforced during the Games, the rights of LGTB spectators and participants will be respected.

Security Measures
Intensive security measures are being put in place for the Games. An estimated US$3 billion of the US$51 billion budget for the Sochi Olympics is reportedly being used for security. In addition to physical security barriers, reports have indicated that the city and venues are also being equipped with approximately 1,400 closed circuit TVs. It remains unclear the extent to which these security measures will be visible to the general public or hamper movement or other activity during the Games.

For a full copy of the Olympic Games Sochi security report, which includes extensive background information along with airport and transportation logistics, AirMed members may contact us to request it. 800-356-2161 or email. 

Don't let jet lag spoil your trip!

Jet lag, more formally known as desynchronosis, is a temporary disorder caused by a disruption of your body’s normal circadian rhythm or internal body clock. As any international traveler can tell you, jet lag occurs after rapid travel across multiple time zones. The most common symptoms are sleep disorders and daytime fatigue, but they can also include anxiety, constipation, confusion, dehydration, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness and memory loss.

What’s in a Zone?

The cause of jet lag is the inability of the body to immediately adapt to a different time zone. Your body has an internal 24-hour clock located in the hypothalamus of the brain which is triggered by environmental factors, the most important of which is light.

When the hypothalamus senses light, it stops the production of melatonin. This allows your body to “wake up” and begin its normal daily functions. When the hypothalamus senses an absence of light, it signals for the production of melatonin which helps put the body to sleep. Therefore, when an air traveler leap frogs through time zones, and thus perceives dawn and dusk with several hours difference from what a biological clock is expecting, the hypothalamus triggers activities for which the rest of the body is not prepared.

Go West!

Travelers flying east typically experience more severe symptoms, because they “lose” time. For example, if your body believes it is 1 a.m. (New York time) but your brain is sensing the 7 a.m. bright morning sunlight in Paris (you lucky dog), you will still be very sleepy due to your preprogrammed sleep cycle. We cannot immediately adapt to the new time zone, but gradually the internal clock will acclimate–usually at the rate of 1 time zone per day.

Travelers flying west have a little easier time because it is easier to extend your waking cycle (when you “gain” time) than it is to shorten a waking cycle. Adaptation usually occurs at a rate of 1.5 time zones per day.

Early to Bed

To help prevent jet lag, you can start adapting your body prior to your trip by gradually moving your bedtime and/ or wake time towards your destination’s time zone. Stay well hydrated during your travel, and avoid caffeine and alcohol, which not only promote dehydration but also disrupt sleep cycles.

Once you board your flight, change your watch to your destination’s time zone. Try to sleep on the plane at times that are appropriate at the destination. Between naps, get up and move about the aircraft, stretch your legs and find some way to engage your brain (puzzles, books, conversations). If you are on a flight that will cross more than 8 times zones, consider scheduling your flight in such a way that you can take a 1-2 day layover halfway.

Why not just take a pill?

Medications may help, but should be used only after you have consulted your physician. Mild sedatives (benzodiapines, like Valium or Ativan) may help you get to sleep and adjust to the new time zones, however, using these medications on the flight itself will increase your risk of developing blood clots in the legs. Use of these medications may also cause morning-time “fuzziness” and even memory loss. Ambien, a well-known sleep aid, has the same potential side effects, but can also cause bizarre behavior and sleep walking, which could be an issue if you are staying in an unfamiliar place.

----------------------------

Dr. Beth Phillips, MD, is the Director of Medical Operations at AirMed International

What if you need medical evacuation?

There isn't a traveler alive who thinks they will be calling an air ambulance at the beginning, middle or end of their trip.  Whether it's a business trip or a bucket list vacation, no one expects to have an accident or be struck with a serious illness while they are away from home. That is where AirMed comes in.

Your health and safety means the world to us

If you become ill or injured while traveling, AirMed will safely deliver you to the hospital of your choice. If you receive a serious health diagnosis and don’t know where to turn, AirMed is there for you, coordinating every aspect of a medical or second opinion referral. This and so much more is the assurance AirMed offers to our members. We strive to be more than just a card in your wallet; we are your peace of mind.

• We cover every trip you take even domestically.
• You don’t have to be critically ill or injured to qualify for a flight.
• There are no deductibles, claim forms or out of pocket expenses.
• Pre-existing conditions are accepted.
• There are no financial limitations for medical transports.

More than simple travel insurance

AirMed is an important enhancement to existing health and travel insurance. Most insurance policies focus on trip cancellation and lost luggage. AirMed focuses on taking care of your healthcare when you need us most. In other words, we save lives, not luggage.

AirMed memberships protect your most important asset: your health. In the midst of an emergency or serious medical diagnosis, reliability and cost should be your last concern. AirMed provides you access to an unsurpassed quality of care, every day of the year.  Find out more about air medical memberships that cover you for one trip or all year at airmed.com 

Winter Driving Tips, Surviving Jet Lag, the Smallest Heart Patient and More

The latest AirMed Travel + Health News is full of great information for all of your travel and health needs this holiday season.  Jet lag? No problem. We've got ways to combat it.  Read all about one of our smallest and most miraculous patients and so much more. 

Click this link to read all the AirMed News and even get a discount code to Give the Gift of AirMed to the travelers in your life!

Visit us anytime at airmed.com to find our more about our life-saving air medical memberships with great benefits such as Second Opinion Referrals, 24/7 Medical Services Hotline and more.

Travel, Health, AirMed's Latest Newsletter

In this issue of AirMed News, we spotlight some of the best travel apps for smart phones to help your travel worries be few and far between. Also, one of AirMed's own staff recalls the reason she supports organ donation in a heartbreaking and uplifting story. 

Check out the member questions, a professional racecar driver's AirMed transport story, and so much more.

Travel Health News from AirMed - 2013

Important Documents - Where to Store Them When You Travel

Travel Tips: Always keep a digital back up of your passport

AirMed membership benefits include free international legal referrals, emergency call relay and 24/7 medical services hotline for referrals to English-speaking, Western trained doctors.  Find out more at airmed.com.

STEP into safety with free State Department Service

Know Before You Go

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. STEP also allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. For FAQs and to sign up, visit https://step.state.gov

AirMed provides our members detailed pre-travel country and city information, pertinent security information, and where the appropriate embassies, police stations, and hospitals are located. AirMed also recommends that our members enroll in the STEP program.

To become an AirMed member, visit airmed.com.

What to Know When Civil Unrest Strikes When You Travel

AirMed Provides Members with Security Assistance Around the Clock

You can rarely turn on the news and not see video or a news story about civil unrest happening somewhere in the world. Riots, demonstrations, and terrorist activities can occur anywhere in the world, especially in largely populated cities.

AirMed can and does provide assistance to our members if a crisis erupts. AirMed has close connections and agreements with multiple international security firms who specialize in up-to-the-minute security information and getting people out of harm’s way.

Should you, as an AirMed member, become trapped in a dangerous situation where civil unrest is occurring near you or in the city you have traveled, AirMed will get you the necessary information you need and even make arrangements to evacuate you to a designated safe haven or city or location away from the danger.

If you happen to become caught in an unsafe situation, our members can contact us, and we will act as liaison between the member and the security firm, ensuring that you receive the information and assistance you need. Our contacts are experienced in getting people critical information, most even have “boots on the ground” ready to assist in a timely manner.

Travel Warnings are issued when long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable lead the U.S. State Department to recommend that Americans avoid or consider the risk of travel to that country. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government’s ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff.

All of the steps and information AirMed provides to assist you during an unstable situation are there to add to your peace of mind while traveling.

For up to the minute alerts, visit travel.state.gov.
Or, become an AirMed member and have 24/7 access to our
security and travel assistance. airmed.com.

Top U.S. Travel Destinations for 2013

Some of the Best Travel Destinations are Right Here

AirMed is an important enhancement to existing health and travel insurance. Most insurance policies focus on trip cancellation and lost luggage. AirMed focuses on taking care of your family when you need us the most. In other words, we save lives, not luggage. Find out more at airmed.com. 

Chancellor Health Trust and AirMed Announce Alliance

Chancellor Health Trust will include AirMed memberships in exclusive suite of benefits. 

Chancellor Health Trust’s impressive list of clients, both corporate and individual, will now receive annual AirMed member benefits along with Chancellor’s existing suite of service offerings. Benefits include worldwide medical jet transportation, domestic transport to specialty hospitals or clinics, medical and second opinion referrals, up-to-date U.S. State Department travel warnings and more.

Read the full story.

How many travelers require emergency care?

It Happens More Than You Would Think

AirMed is an important enhancement to existing health and travel insurance. Most insurance policies focus on trip cancellation and lost luggage. AirMed focuses on taking care of your family when you need us the most. In other words, we save lives, not luggage.

As an AirMed member, you will receive air medical transportation from any point on the globe if you are ill or injured while away from home. Find out complete details for your family, at airmed.com. 

The Ins and Outs of Being Locked Up Abroad

What happens when you're on the wrong side of the law in a foreign country?

by Dick Atkins, Esq.,
National Geographic legal consultant for "Locked Up Abroad"

The news is full of stories of unsuspecting travelers finding themselves in a foreign jailhouse. Clearly this is one of the most traumatic experiences anyone could face, especially for those maintaining and eventually proving their innocence. So what can you do to avoid getting locked up in a foreign country? You might not understand the language and probably will not be familiar with how the local legal process works.

Dick Atkins, a CNN contributor, and also the legal consultant for Nat Geo’s TV series “Locked Up Abroad” says prevention is the key and offers these suggestions that could mean a huge difference in how things turn out.

Know the laws of the country or state you are visiting or staying in. 

The only way you can avoid giving law enforcement cause to arrest you is to know what behaviors are prohibited under law and not engaging in any of them. If you are visiting a foreign country, purchase a travel book that outlines the laws and general culture so you are properly prepared on arrival.

Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). 

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free, online service from the U.S. State Department.  This will help the State Department contact you if there is a family emergency in the U.S. or if there is a crisis where you are traveling. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts will not be released to others without your express authorization.

If you are arrested or detained abroad:

Stay quiet and do not panic. 

Attempting to defend or explain might make things worse. It will be easy to panic, but you should focus on being calm. Being relaxed and calm may give you a positive chance in the situation. You may be asked to make a statement or sign papers. Do not do either unless your chosen legal counsel has advised you to do so.

Contact the Embassy or Consular office as soon as possible. 

They will be the best contact in this type situation to give advice about the significance of the charges, and the local legal procedure that will follow. They will also be able to contact your family or employer about the situation and keep them informed of the progress and arrange a potential visit.

In any situation that involves law enforcement in unfamiliar surroundings, the more you know and understand the situation, the better off you will be.

---

Dick Atkins, Esq. is an attorney from Philadelphia who specializes in assisting companies and individuals on legal issues in foreign countries. He is an owner of International Recoveries, LLC and lectures at travel insurance conventions. 

He is on the Board of Directors for the United States Travel Insurance Association and provides legal referral service for AirMed members.

Become an AirMed member and give yourself full peace of mind with foreign travel issues. Visit airmed.com. 

Security Scenarios, Sunscreen, Summer News from AirMed!

Important health, travel, air medical safety and other information from the leading air ambulance team.

AirMed Summer News is in!  Read all about it! Topics include:  

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States with more than 3.5 million skin cancers in over 2 million people diagnosed annually. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

Security Assessments: How AirMed helps members caught in an unsafe situation, where civil unrest is occurring in or near the city they have traveled.

Hurricane Evacuation:  What you and your family need to know.

Staff interviews, medical team training and more.

For more information on how to save your life and become an AirMed member, visit airmed.com.

Air Medical Transport Facts from AirMed

Get to know about air medical transports with AirMed

FACT:  80% of AirMed transports are within the continental United States

• We own our own aircraft; all aviation and medical personnel are AirMed employees. Complete vertical integration sets us apart in the industry, in fact, most travel insurers call on us to move their patients.
• With AirMed, the choice is always yours. Travel insurance will not get you home, only to the ‘nearest appropriate facility’ chosen by them. AirMed brings you home, to your doctor, your family, where you want to be.

FACT: The cost of a regional medical transport is approximately $22,000. The cost of an international transport can rise above $200,000.

FOLLOW UP FACT: 100% of our patients who have had to pay this full bill immediately become AirMed members when they return home. Retail cost of an annual AirMed individual membership: $265.

• Saving lives and bringing you home. AirMed brings you back home to your local hospital or to the hospital of your choice. Think your health insurance will cover air medical transportation? It won’t.

FACT: 25% of all AirMed member transports are to specialty facilities.

• Evacuation and Repatriation from any point on the globe, even as close as 150 miles from home
• Domestic Transports if you need specialized treatment at a hospital in another city
• 24/7 Medical Hotline for emergency physician consultation while traveling

For more information, check out AirMed.com

Important tips for those traveling with heart disease

Prepare Before Traveling Internationally

AirMed Members Ask Important Health Questions

My husband and I are planning a wonderful safari in Botswana. We are both so excited to fulfill this life-long dream! However, I have some concerns because I have recently undergone a cardiac cath and had stents placed in two arteries. I’ve done well and feel so much better since surgery, but I am afraid that if I have a problem while we are so far away I’ll be unable to get to the medical care I need. Do you have any suggestions?

Excellent choice of adventure vacation! I certainly understand your concern regarding access to quality medical care when traveling to such a remote location. My first suggestion would be that you discuss these plans with your physician at least three months prior to your planned departure. Make sure that he or she understands certain details of your trip, particularly the level of difficulty and exertion. 

Your physician can then best advise you individually on whether your exercise tolerance will allow you to safely participate in this adventure. Of course, you will also need to ensure that you are taking all of your medications as prescribed, and that you have an adequate supply of your medications for the duration of your excursion. Also, as I have mentioned in previous columns, keep your medications in your carry-on luggage – NEVER in your checked bags!

I believe, though, that you are asking more about what to do in case you experience chest pain or other symptoms indicative of a “heart attack” while in a remote area. If you experience these symptoms and you are a long way from medical care, chew an aspirin immediately (even if you already take one per day). In addition, use nitroglycerin tablets as directed. 

Since you have a cardiac history, I expect that your physician has given you a prescription for these, even if you rarely or never use them. Ensure that you take these with you, and that they are not expired. You still may be hours, if not days, away from reaching a medical facility, so I would suggest that you begin that process at the first sign of trouble and not wait to see if you “feel better.” Any additional delay could mean significant damage to your heart muscle, and could put your life at risk.

Contact AirMed prior to your trip. We can look at your travel itinerary and identify recommended hospitals and clinics in the areas you will be visiting. We can also ensure that you have all the contacts you might need with the embassy or consulate, legal assistance, and ambulance services. During your travels, if you experience any medical issues, you can contact us and we will assist you through the process of getting to definitive medical care, as well as begin the process of planning your air ambulance return home if that is required.

All of these suggestions hold true whether you are traveling in exotic locals such as Okavango Delta in Botswana or a business trip three states away from your hometown. We are here to help you plan safe and healthy travel just as much as we are here for your medical transport needs!

--Dr. Beth Phillips, MD, FACEP, FAWM, is AirMed's Director of Medical Operations and a regular contributor to this blog

Flight Upgrades Are Possible With These Ten Tips

Increase Your Chances of Upgrading Your Flight With These Tips 

Skyscanner conducted a survey of 700 cabin crews from 83 countries and calculated the top ten ways to boost your chances of scoring an upgrade to business class or better on flights.

1. Be friendly and polite. (It helps more than you know.) 
2. Join the airline's frequent flyer program 
3. Travel alone. 
4. Point out that sprained ankle. 
5. Dress smartly, not too revealing, not too casual. 
6. Make sure the cabin crew is aware you are on your honeymoon. 
7. Make friends in high places. 
8. Travel at unpopular times. 
9. Give the crew a sob story to gain their sympathy. 
10. Look your best.

According to the survey, the most likely traveler to receive an upgrade is a smartly dress, 30-something male traveling alone.  The least likely?  Teenager girls in revealing clothes traveling in a group.

“Not many of us are lucky enough to bag a free upgrade, but if you’re a single guy in your thirties, you have a better chance than any of us," said Victoria Bailie, a spokesperson with Skyscanner in an interview with Scotsman.com.

For info on air medical evacuation services, travel to AirMed.com

AirMed's Medical Flight Insurance Gets Called Into Action From a Traumatic Vacation

Medical Flight Insurance That Never Fails

An accident can and will happen when you least expect it. Just ask American Bar Association member John Morrow. John is a senior partner with Bradley, Boult and Cummings in Birmingham, Alabama, and has been an ABA member since 1958. He is a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has been listed in Best Lawyers in America for over 20 years. Not once in his life did he ever think he or any member of his family would need a medical evacuation—especially from a vacation spot he’d traveled to for many years.

In 2010 while vacationing with his wife and daughter-in-law, Morrow’s car was struck broadside by a semi-trailer truck in Colorado. The accident claimed the life of his daughter-in-law, and John and his wife, Martha, were rushed to a nearby hospital. They were both suffering from multiple, severe injuries when they were admitted to a hospital in Ft. Collins.

Because John and his family had a membership with AirMed, they knew that they could return home to their local hospital in Birmingham on an AirMed medical jet, but they didn’t realize just how comprehensive the AirMed service was. 

 “Once my son contacted AirMed, they took it from there. Everything, and I mean everything, was taken care of for us, even the ground ambulance to and from the hospitals,” said Mr. Morrow. “My wife was hurt worse than me, and our son, who is also a member of ABA, stayed in Colorado to help us. During this difficult time, it was extremely comforting that we could all be on the same AirMed jet back home. The AirMed crew was extremely competent, helpful and professional.”

"Everything, and I mean everything, was taken care of for us, even the ground ambulance to and from the hospitals"

AirMed provides award-winning, bedside-to-bedside service to you and your family if you are injured in another country or just across a few state lines. “I can’t express how much AirMed meant to me and my family during that devastating time,” added Mr. Morrow. “AirMed was truly our angel in the sky. Our period of hospitalization was far from over, and we were in no condition to travel any other way. We do not know what we would have done without AirMed.”

American Bar Insurance has arranged for ABA members to receive substantial discounts on annual AirMed memberships. There are no deductibles, no out-of-pocket costs, and no co-pays. AirMed is true peace of mind for any traveler.

When you need a medical referral or medical advice for a serious medical diagnosis

AirMed to supply medical advice or a medical referral 

Throughout our company’s history, AirMed has traveled all over the world, working with the top hospitals and specialists in the U.S. and abroad. Large employers, universities and physicians have turned to AirMed to assist their employees, alumni, and patients with referrals to specialists or other well-known physicians. 

In addition to these medical referrals, AirMed is regularly called upon to help secure a second opinion referral for a more serious medical diagnosis. Second opinions are vital to informing the patient of all available treatment options, and in some cases, recommendations.

AirMed is pleased to announce that we have expanded this referral service to our members as

Download a copy of our latest
membership brochure

an additional benefit to their existing AirMed coverage. 

Members need only make one call to AirMed, and our team is set in motion. AirMed’s medical department will coordinate every aspect of the medical or second opinion referral according to the member’s needs.

AirMed works with the member’s current physician, relays all pertinent information about our member and the diagnosis, and provides a referral to a known specialist. “We will even schedule an appointment for a member if that’s what they need,” says Denise Treadwell, AirMed Chief Operating Officer. 

 “We know this is a frightening and life-altering time in someone’s life, and if we can make our member’s journey a little less daunting, then we’ve done our job at the end of the day.”

The Medical and Second Opinion Referral service is just another reason why AirMed is your complete medical solutions company when you travel and when you’re at home. We’ve got you covered. Learn more about AirMed membership benefits at airmed.com.