When care is needed on the way home, not just at the destination.
Medical repatriations return an ill or injured person to their home country on a commercial flight with a medical escort. WECC handles the logistics; our clinical team handles the patient.
Medical repatriations refer to the process of returning a person to their home country for medical treatment or care. This can involve transferring individuals who have fallen ill or sustained injuries while abroad back to their home country where they may have better access to healthcare facilities, support systems, or familiarity with the medical system.
The repatriation process involves coordinating with the local healthcare team, creating a complete medical treatment plan for travel, arranging all travel logistics, and providing high-quality medical care from a clinical escort throughout travel.
We understand that health emergencies can occur at anytime and anywhere. That’s why we specialize in seamless medical repatriations, ensuring that individuals can safely return to their home country to receive the best possible healthcare for their needs.
To be eligible for medical repatriation, a patient will need to be cleared as fit to fly on a commercial flight with a medical escort. Many airlines can accommodate medical and mobility devices onboard — please reach out with any specific questions regarding whether a case is appropriate for medical repatriation.
Everything from initial case review to the wheels-down handoff at home.
We provide comprehensive medical repatriation services worldwide. If it can be reached by commercial flight, we can plan the journey.
In preparation for the repatriation, our medical team reviews treatment records and speaks with the local treating physician/care team to ensure fitness to fly, selects the provider level, and creates a customized care plan for the journey. We conduct daily check-ins leading up to the repatriation and monitor any changes to the patient’s status. From arranging medical transportation to coordinating with healthcare providers, we manage all logistics with precision.
Our team is based in Washington, DC, and our lead physicians and medical escorts have extensive clinical experience working for the Department of Emergency Medicine at the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates. They bring with them all supplies necessary for medical care, whether this be vitals equipment or wound care supplies. The provider level (EMT, Paramedic, Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, PA, or Physician) and number of providers are determined by our lead physician team based on the patient’s clinical condition and anticipated medical needs during transport.
If a case requires a specialty consultation (such as neurosurgery or orthopedics), our emergency physicians can add specialists from over 50 medical specialties to the team.
The Worldwide Emergency Communications Center (WECC) serves as the operational hub for this program. The WECC is staffed 24/7/365 by EMTs and paramedics, with an emergency physician just a phone call away. The WECC monitors the status of the repatriation every step of the way, ensuring that the clinical escort and patient are always supported. The WECC also ensures that the patient’s family, friends, or company are kept updated throughout the process.
We are prepared to mobilize at a moment’s notice. After taking the necessary steps to ensure the patient is prepared to safely fly back home, we will begin the planning process and fly the clinical escort to the patient.
Every medical repatriation is unique. We tailor our services to meet individual needs, considering medical requirements, cultural sensitivities, and personal preferences.
We recognize that this can be a stressful time for the patient and all others involved. We prioritize the health and comfort of our patients, providing high-quality and compassionate care throughout the process.
When a patient requires medical care to travel, the only option besides medical repatriation on a commercial flight is an air ambulance. Air ambulances are very costly compared to medical repatriations on commercial flights. Please contact us to discuss a case or receive a quote.
Talk to our team about coverage for your fleet, contract staffing, or a specific medical situation currently underway.