A paragliding trip gone wrong

In the field of international medical assistance, each case poses a unique challenge that requires an immediate and coordinated response. Iris Global, thanks to its expertise in managing health emergencies, faced a complex case that highlights the importance of agile and effective interventions in critical situations.

Serious injuries and emergency treatment

It all started with a striking paragliding accident in Antofagasta, Chile. A 38-year-old man suffered a severe fall, causing him a serious craniocerebral injury with frontal haemorrhagic contusion, as well as haemothorax.

He was immediately transferred to Antofagasta Clinic, where he had a right frontal lobectomy and a lung decortication to control his injuries. Additionally, due to his delicate state, he underwent a tracheostomy and a percutaneous gastrostomy for feeding purposes.

Despite the seriousness of the accident, the patient showed favourable evolution during the following days. His Glasgow scale rose from 3 to 8–9, and imaging studies only revealed sequelae from surgery, with no significant intracranial alterations.

Regarding his respiratory condition, he was stable with supplemental oxygen therapy, although he required regular aspirations of bronchial secretions to prevent complications.

The need for careful monitoring

Faced with this situation, his family requested his repatriation back to Spain. However, Iris Global’s Medical Department assessed that, due to his critical condition and the need for intensive monitoring, the transfer should be done by air ambulance, an option that was not included in the policy of the patient and which was financially unfeasible for the family.

In order to explore viable alternatives, Iris Global sent a neurosurgeon specialised in medical transport from Santiago de Chile. After assessing the patient, it was concluded that his persistent vegetative state and his dependency on high-flow oxygen made it difficult to transfer him on a commercial flight.

Nevertheless, after a comprehensive analysis of the insurance policy coverage and medical options, it was decided to move the patient to the nearest centre of medical excellence that was located in Santiago de Chile. The transfer was organised in air ambulance that was covered as part of the medical upgrade.

The return home to Spain

During the transfer, the oxygen supply was gradually reduced to 2L/min, thus indicating the patient’s good tolerance and stability. Once he arrived to Santa María Clinic in Santiago, he was admitted to the intermediate care unit, where he maintained his favourable evolution: it was possible to discontinue the oxygen therapy, his blood pressure went back to normal, and a more active neurological response was confirmed due to his obedience to verbal orders.

In view of these advances, Iris Global organised the patient’s repatriation to Spain in a commercial flight with a stretcher, accompanied by a specialised medical team. During the flight, his vital signs were closely monitored, and the administration of his treatment was ensured.

Upon arrival in Madrid, the second part of the repatriation was organised in an advance life support ground ambulance. Finally, the patient safely arrived in Murcia and was being admitted to Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the importance of efficient and well-coordinated international medical assistance. Iris Global’s ability to adapt to the circumstances, decisionmaking based on medical criteria, and rapid logistics management were key to ensure the patient’s safety at each stage of his transfer and treatment.