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.

Be Safe During Spring Break. A Guide for Parents and Students

From Moxie Health

While the biggest problems facing most of the thousands of spring breakers headed to the beach in the next few weeks will be hangovers and sunburn, things can happen, and kids and parents should be prepared.

Before anyone takes off for South Padre Island, Lake Havasu or Cancun, it’s a good idea to set some up some safeguards — and have a plan if something does go wrong. Communication is the first to-do on most spring break safety lists. Know when your kid is leaving, where they’re staying and who they’re going with, and ask them to check in by phone on a pre-arranged schedule.

 If you are the spring breaker, have everyone program the emergency contact information for each member of your group into their phones to avoid panic and delay if something does happen.

Be insured for health emergencies

This is especially important if kids are traveling out of the United States. Many student health insurance plans will not cover injuries sustained out of the country and worse, medical evacuation is incredibly expensive, as much as $100,000 for an international airlift by jet and $50,000 domestically. You can buy both health insurance and medical evacuation insurance to cover travel health emergencies.

“We have a great product we hope you will never have to use,” says Sarah Hanley, director of corporate communications for AirMed. With one call, AirMed will dispatch a medically-equipped jet to evacuate an injured kid back home, not just to the nearest acceptable facility, from anywhere on the globe. The company also has a 24/7 medical logistics team that can give referrals, consultations and prescription assistance for sick or injured people abroad. AirMed also provides transport between domestic hospitals and specialty facilities for treatment. AirMed offers short- and long-term student, individual, and family coverage, with costs ranging from $115-$400.

Read the complete Spring Break Safety article at Moxie Lady Online.

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.

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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 

How to Get Your Luggage Back

So you're standing at the luggage carousel like an putz. Everybody else on your flight has already gotten their gear and left, as have two flights that landed after yours, but you're still there, silently praying that you bag is just a second away from popping through the hole and tumbling down into your waiting arms. It's not going to happen. Here's what to do.

Blaze a Paper Trail

Do not leave the airport without filing a bag claim with the airline. This is essential because, just as with arguing your way out of service fees, filing the claim establishes a clear paper trail of when and where the loss occurred. This is super helpful, as nothing stops service agents from giving you the runaround faster than facts, and you're going to get a good deal of runaround.

Don't Hesitate to Escalate

So it's been two days in paradise, you're still wearing the same pants you got off the plane with, and the most helpful response you've received from your airline's customer service so far has been a perfunctory shoulder shrug. It's time to complain louder.

For more helpful information, read the full article at gizmodo.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.

How to Prevent a Cold

Prevention Magazine has a terrific feature called "How to Prevent Anything."  From hangnails to Lyme Disease, they outline it all for you.  Now that winter is fast upon us, here are a few tips from the section on How to Prevent a Cold.

1. Practice Tai Chi
This Eastern exercise rev’s your body's cold-fighting defenses by as much as 47% and even triples the protection you get from a flu shot. 

2. Wash Your Hands
Every time you push an elevator button, clutch a treadmill handle, or twist open a doorknob, your hands get populated by tons of germs. That’s why washing your hands is the single best way to keep from getting sick, say experts. Scrub with soap and hot water for 20 seconds, and don't forget between your fingers and under nails. When you can’t get to a sink, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, says Allison Aiello, PhD, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.”

3. Store Toothbrushes Separately
If someone in your house has come down with a case of the sniffles, it may seem inevitable that you will start sneezing, too. One trick to avoid catching their germs: Keep your toothbrushes separate. Don't store your family's toothbrushes together in a glass.

Read the entire article and search for How to Prevent much more at the Prevention website.





Prevent air medical transport costs from catching you off guard by becoming an AirMed member today!

Flu Shots, Flu Season, Know What's What

Don't get your flu shot too early!!  Visit airmed.com to find out about medical evacuation assistance from the leading air ambulance in North America.

Hearing Loss Symptoms and Prevention Tips

Protection is Key to Preventing Hearing Loss

Music, television, crowd noise, video clips, cellphones, street noise, ambulances, fire trucks and airplanes are just some of the noises that we hear on a daily basis. As a culture we have become inundated with LOUD noises that contribute to different types of hearing loss. It is estimated 32.5 million people in the United States are experiencing hearing loss symptoms.  Hearing loss can be painless and not recognized until permanent damage is done. Exposure to high levels of sound on a regular basis can cause damage to the microscopic hairs within the ear that are responsible for acute to severe hearing loss.

How loud is too loud? 

Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) are considered "hearing loss damage decibels" and may cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and/or permanent damage to your ability decipher sounds. Here are some hearing loss statistics:

• Normal conversation is measured at a noise level of 50-70 dB. 
• A motorcycle or lawn mower is 85-90 dB. 
• A typical rock concert is measured at 110 to120 dB. 
• An ambulance siren or jet engine at take-off is 119-140 dB. 

Regular exposure--even wearing headphones or ear buds--can be dangerous if the volume is too loud. As a good rule of thumb, if you can hear the music when someone is wearing their headphones, it is too loud!

Protection, Protection, Protection

Hearing protection can include ear plugs, ear muffs, and headphones. Those who work in a high risk environment should know that it is imperative to wear the best ear protection and take as many “quiet’ breaks as possible.

• Get your hearing tested yearly to track any loss that may occur.
•  Try to avoid long exposure to any dB over 85-90.

Younger generations should be encouraged to protect their hearing so they will enjoy the sounds of life as they age. They will thank you when they are grandparents.

Remember PROTECTION, PROTECTION, and PROTECTION!! Hearing loss is preventable!!!

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. 

Worldwide Heart Attack Stats

Heart Failure Can Happen Anywhere

AirMed memberships will bring you home to the hospital of your choice if you are hospitalized 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.

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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.