From Botswana to Miami: a lengthy journey back after a critical crocodile attack

On an early afternoon in June, Redstar Aviation (RSA) received an urgent call from a global client asking for an urgent air ambulance transport for a 56-yearold male from Gaborone, Botswana, to Miami, US.

The patient had sustained severe leg injuries following a vicious crocodile attack in the river next to his hotel. Despite the severity, the local hospital stabilised him with damage control surgeries, ruling out serious nerve and vessel damage. However, it was crucial for the patient to return to the US as soon as possible for further treatment.

A perfect mission for Redstar, so the team immediately sprung into action. After assessing the patient’s medical need, swift mission planning and assuring that the client and patient were kept up to date, Redstar’s Challenger 605 was activated and made its way to Botswana. Following a pre-mission visit in the local hospital, Redstar’s medical crew confirmed the final details for the mission and were up early the next day to take over the patient for his repatriation back to the US.

After confirming the patient remained in a stable condition, he was transported by ground ambulance to the tarmac. Due to the nature of his injuries, he was immobile and required careful handling. Using Redstar’s specially equipped electronic loading system, the patient was securely transferred into the aircraft.

The flight from Gaborone to Miami spanned over 18 hours, necessitating meticulous planning and execution. Throughout the journey, Redstar’s team closely monitored the patient’s vitals, ensuring he remained stable and pain-free. The medical crew administered all necessary medications on time, maintaining a comfortable environment for the patient. Of course, executing such a longdistance mission involved significant logistical coordination, such as:

• First technical landing: Lagos, Nigeria

Overflight permits and landing permissions were obtained from Namibia, Angola, and the Accra Flight Information Region (FIR), which covers Ghana, Togo, and Benin

• Second leg: Lagos to Lajes, Azores

Overflight permits were secured from Togo, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Western Sahara. Necessary PPR (Prior Permission Required) and landing/takeoff permits for Lajes were also arranged

• Bermuda coordination:

Special efforts were made to align with Bermuda Airport’s operational hours (11am–11pm UTC), ensuring smooth transit through this critical en route point

• Second technical landing: Lajes, Azores

This stop was essential for refuelling and crew rest, ensuring the patient’s continuous care and safety.

A truly complex mission, which required the team to smoothly work together – both in the air and on the ground.

Smooth handover

After a lengthy but uneventful journey, the aircraft landed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the patient was once again accompanied by Redstar’s medical crew to the receiving facility. The smooth handover to the local medical team marked the successful completion of the mission. The patient arrived in a stable condition, with normal vital parameters. Most importantly, he expressed immense gratitude for the care and comfort provided during the journey, offering heartfelt thanks and joyful hugs to the medical team.

This mission yet again underscores RSA’s capability to handle complex and urgent medical evacuations efficiently. Despite the severity of the patient’s injuries and the massive logistical challenges, the team ensured a successful and safe transport, demonstrating our commitment to excellence in aeromedical services.

Redstar Aviation continues to set high standards in the aviation and medical transport industry, providing exceptional care and service to clients from all over the world. Whether it is a crocodile bite or anything else that requires the highest quality of support and care, Redstar is always just one call away.