Repatriating a schizophrenic patient from Indonesia to Russia
Marm Assistance successfully oversaw the safe transfer of a patient with schizophrenia from Bali, Indonesia, to Russia, demonstrating their expertise in handling such delicate situations
This case, managed by Marm Assistance, highlights the complexities involved in the medical repatriation of psychiatric patients, and how these challenges are expertly addressed. When dealing with serious conditions such as schizophrenia, medical repatriation requires meticulous planning and the involvement of a highly skilled team.
A serious psychiatric condition
The patient, a Russian national, had been incarcerated in Bali for two months after confessing to a crime. During this time, the patient experienced severe psychiatric episodes, including hallucinations, which led to their hospitalisation.
While the local medical authorities were able to stabilise the patient, it was determined that further treatment in Russia was necessary. Given the patient’s psychiatric condition and recent legal history, the repatriation required careful coordination to ensure both the patient’s and the public’s safety.
Dispatched to assess the situation
Marm Assistance was entrusted with the task of managing this complex process. A medical team, consisting of Dr Ozan Raimondo Perri and Flight Nurse İrem Durtaş, was dispatched to Bali to assess the patient’s condition on site. Due to the limited medical information provided by the local authorities, the team’s thorough onsite evaluation was crucial. After consulting with the local psychiatrist, they confirmed that the patient was fit to travel, though concerns about potential aggressive behaviour during the flight were raised.
A two-stage repatriation
The repatriation process was executed in two stages: the first flight from Bali to Istanbul and the second from Istanbul to St Petersburg. To ensure the highest level of comfort and control, the team booked business-class flight tickets. Initially, the patient remained calm – but halfway through the first flight, they exhibited aggressive behaviour. Thanks to the medical team’s preparedness, intravenous medication was administered promptly, ensuring the safety of the patient and fellow passengers.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, the medical team reassessed the patient’s condition and administered additional medication as a precautionary measure before the second leg of the journey. This proactive approach resulted in a calm and incidentfree flight to St Petersburg.
A successful operation
This case exemplifies Marm Assistance’s expertise in handling complex medical repatriations, particularly for psychiatric patients. The success of this operation was due to the medical team’s preparedness, detailed pre-flight assessment, and ability to manage psychiatric symptoms mid-flight. Furthermore, the collaboration between the medical team and airline staff was essential in ensuring a safe and smooth journey.
Marm Assistance’s comprehensive planning and experienced professionals were key in overcoming the challenges of this repatriation, underscoring their capability in managing even the most delicate medical transfers
Dr Ozan Raimondo Perri, Flight Doctor
Dr Ozan Raimondo Perri was born in Frankfurt in 1996 and grew up in Germany. After completing his medical education in Turkey, he worked as an anaesthesia assistant for one year in Germany. He has been a Flight Doctor with Marm Assistance since February 2023 and has performed numerous medical repatriation flights.
İrem Durtaş, Flight Nurse
İrem Durtaş was born in 1998. She has worked as a nurse in various healthcare centres and hospitals before transitioning to flight nursing. She has been working in Marm Assistance for two years. Serving as a flight nurse, providing critical care during medical repatriation flights.
Marm Assistance
Marm Assistance is a leading assistance company providing emergency roadside assistance, medical services and travel support solutions since 1986. Operating with a comprehensive service network in Turkey and across the region, the company prioritises innovation and customer satisfaction and produces professional solutions for the needs of different sectors.
October 2024
Issue
In this instalment of the Assistance & Repatriation Review, we look at the complex considerations involved in providing assistance in sub-Saharan Africa; we investigate how international students can suffer from poor mental health – and how to support them; and we explore the current state of the funeral repatriation sector.
Editorial Team
The Editorial Team updates the ITIJ website daily, and works on features for the print edition. With expert industry knowledge and years of experience in writing about complex travel insurance issues, the Editorial Team is ready to investigate and report on the topics that matter most to ITIJ's readers.
