Medical repatriation from Venezuela

In a critical scenario that underscores the vital role of coordinated global risk management, NGS successfully executed a complex medical repatriation for a British national injured in Venezuela. This case illustrates NGS’ operational precision in navigating international healthcare and logistical challenges.

The incident

While on a remote boat trip, our patient – a British tourist – dived from a boat into shallow water, where they suffered instant bilateral upper and lower limb paralysis. Prior to NGS’ involvement, this 21-year-old patient was taken to a medical facility by car on a wooden plank with just a cervical collar, as there were no ambulances available.

Following a two-hour drive to the first facility and initial assessments, the patient was then moved by ground ambulance to a second facility that had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner.

Strategic response and coordination

NGS was notified by the parents of the patient, who were incredibly concerned about the potential impact of the casualty remaining in Venezuela, and was fast to acknowledge the difficulties experienced by the patient and the family following the point of injury up to postsurgery. It was essential to act quickly to ensure the best outcome and gain full control of the complex case.

NGS recognised the importance of strong and frequent communication with the anxious family to ensure they understood what was happening, and explained the plan of action moving forward with our team.

Medical operations oversight

From the point of initial engagement, our 24/7 medical team were involved in the assessment of the treatment to date, along with the associated medical costs for the region. Identifying an immediate risk to the patient’s life, along with a better prognosis that could be achieved with a medevac to the UK, the team activated the closest air ambulance asset, coordinating directly with both the medical team in-country and the accepting medical team at the specialised unit in the UK.

Scrutiny of the medical reports and the proposed evac were conducted throughout the case. Our medical team had direct comms with the treating doctor in-country and the NGS Medical Director oversaw the move personally until the patient was safely admitted to the UK specialist facility.

NGS coordinated the admission into the UK hospital, via accident and emergency (A&E) for initial assessment, prior to acceptance in intensive care unit (ICU) and the associated specialists. We sent copies of all translated medical reports with the aircrew, along with X-rays, MRIs, blood and other test results to ensure a rapid triage by the National Health Service (NHS) to provide the best outcome/prognosis.

Successful patient repatriation:

The success of this complex case was a direct result of NGS’ network, the rapid action of the NGS 24/7 ops team and the in-house NGS medical team, who provided expert knowledge and opinion throughout the case. NGS was praised by the parents of the patient directly for our swift and professional approach to assistance.

Through expert planning, international coordination, and a focus on patient welfare, NGS ensures that individuals facing medical crises abroad receive the care and support they need.