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Travel Health & Safety Blog

Caring for Crewmembers & Supporting Operational Needs During a Pandemic

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Caring for Crewmembers & Supporting Operational Needs During a Pandemic

MedAire supports your crewmembers with medical and security assistance in any location their job takes them. Medical and security experts are available 24/7 to provide timely advice and assistance, no matter the issue.

MedAire leverages aviation medical and security operations expertise to maintain the health, safety and productivity of your crew. Whether it’s the actionable advice or life-saving evacuation support, MedAire has the resources you need to assist your crew when the unexpected happens. The following cases show how different regulations have impacted MedAire clients and their crewmembers.

CASE 1 | NO KNOWN EXPOSURE OR SYMPTOMS — COVID-POSTITIVE TEST RESULTS

A few hours after checking in to their hotel room in Incheon, South Korea, health authorities called the Flight Attendant’s room saying she received a positive for COVID-19 on arrival to the country.

The crewmember was worried because the call came suddenly, and she didn’t know where she was going or why. MedAire validated the claims of the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare and further detailed what to expect next.

The ambulance took the crewmember to the isolation facility and they remained there until receiving two negative test results. To provide further support and ease their anxiety, the medical team assured they would speak to the crewmember daily until they were safely back home.

MedAire was able to move the Flight Attendant to another facility for the remainder of her isolation. After 35 days in South Korea, MedAire cleared the Flight Attendant to travel home.

Due to the psychological impact of the events of this case, MedAire also provided several sessions of Emotional Support to help the Flight Attendant sort out the incident.

THE MEDAIRE DIFFERENCE

  • Arranged for transport from one isolation facility to a different facility where the crewmember would be more comfortable.
  • Continuously managed the case, MedAire was able to obtain all of her medical reports to share with her doctors back home and communicated as necessary with their employer.
  • MedAire provided follow-up Emotional Support due to the psychological effect of the case on the crewmember.

QUICK FACTS
CASE LENGTH CASE COMMUNICATIONS
35
DAYS FROM FIRST CALL
52
CALLS TO PATIENT
82
CALLS TO EMPLOYER


CASE 2 | EXPOSURE & SYMPTOMS — COVID-NEGATIVE TEST RESULTS

After arriving in Hong Kong, a Pilot called concerned about a sick colleague he flew with 3 days prior. He started to feel very sore, had a 101° F (38.3° C) temperature during the flight, with congestion and headache; but no sore throat or cough.

MedAire arranged a doctor appointment via the Teleconsultation App from the Pilot's hotel room. MedAire also dispatched a courier from the Hong Kong Assistance Centre to deliver the test and transport the sample to the lab for analysis; Expediting the process with results available the next day.

The Pilot’s condition deteriorated overnight, so MedAire requested a physical evaluation by a house call doctor.

Fortunately the COVID result was negative and the Pilot began to feel better. He returned home after he completed a 10 day isolation given his symptoms were consistent with COVID, history of close contact and risk of false negative test. He was able to do this from his hotel room rather than a government run facility; where he would have gone had he tested positive.

THE MEDAIRE DIFFERENCE

  • Arranged for testing, teleconsultation and doctor visit without the Pilot leaving their hotel.
  • Sent Customer Service Executive to hand-deliver the test to the patient and sample to the lab taking two days off timeline for results.
  • Continuously managed the case providing updates on the case to the Pilot and their employer as it progressed.

QUICK FACTS
CASE LENGTH CASE COMMUNICATIONS
10
DAYS FROM FIRST CALL
25
CALLS TO PATIENT
16
CALLS TO EMPLOYER


CASE 3 | EXPOSURE, NO SYMPTOMS — COVID-POSITIVE FOR 30 DAYS

A Crewmember called from Catania, Italy, with a fever and headache after being exposed to a COVID-19 Positive colleague two days prior. The medical team made arrangements for COVID testing at the hotel the next day.

The first test was positive. The local COVID guidelines require isolation for 14 days and two negative COVID tests prior to being released. The crewmember received four positive test results over the following 30 days, but was no longer symptomatic.

She was placed under prolonged isolation per local health authorities per protocol for repeat testing which continued to result positive. She continued to feel better and resolved of her COVID symptoms.

The Medical team provided medical advice and support to the crew member while in another country and different COVID guidelines. We were her contact daily that she could count on to update their employer.

Ultimately the Italian health officials approved travel via private aircraft. MedAire provided fit-to-fly certification for the crew and they returned home via client aircraft.

THE MEDAIRE DIFFERENCE

  • Arranged for testing at the crewmember's hotel, saving time and additional exposure. Existing relationship with the testing lab allowed for expedited results.
  • Continuously managed the case, serving as the crewmember's daily update with follow-ups to their employer as the case evolved.
  • MedAire provided medical certification for crewmembers to safely travel via private aircraft to return home.

QUICK FACTS
CASE LENGTH CASE COMMUNICATIONS
30
DAYS FROM FIRST CALL
46
CALLS TO PATIENT
83
CALLS TO EMPLOYER


CASE 4 | EXPOSURE & SYMPTOMS — COVID-NEGATIVE TEST RESULTS

After arriving at their hotel in Athens, a crewmember called with concerns about exposure to a COVID-19-Positive family member. She reported a sore throat, headache and fatigue for 48 hours.

MedAire’s medical team assessed the crewmember and advised she have an evaluation and self-isolate. MedAire had a COVID-19 test performed in the crewmember’s hotel room and followed up the next day with test results.

The test was negative, and the crewmember no longer had the symptoms they reported the previous day. However, since there was no possible alternative diagnosis, and symptoms were consistent with COVID-19, the crewmember’s history of exposure and potential risk of false negative results; the crewmember had to remain isolated for 10 more days.



THE MEDAIRE DIFFERENCE

  • Arranged for testing at the crewmember's hotel, saving time and additional exposure. Existing relationship with the testing lab allowed for expedited results.
  • MedAire worked with their employer to explain the need for isolation. The medical team maintained communication with the crewmember throughout their isolation, ensuring she was clear to fly home as a passenger.

QUICK FACTS
CASE LENGTH CASE COMMUNICATIONS
11
DAYS FROM FIRST CALL
12
CALLS TO PATIENT
17
CALLS TO EMPLOYER


FEATURES & BENEFITS

  • MEDICAL & SECURITY ASSISTANCE Advice from doctors and nurses ensure the best care available. A team of aviation and regional security specialists deliver actionable advice based on in-depth knowledge of the AVSEC landscape.
  • COVID-19 CASE MANAGEMENT With global regulations changing as COVID-19 levels rise and fall, MedAire’s case management stays current with variable and evolving global health guidelines.
  • TELECONSULTATION Convenience and speed of service are paramount for crewmembers with a medical need. If COVID-19 is suspected, it reduces the number of people the crewmember contacts until negative test results are received.
  • FIT-TO-OPERATE RECOMMENDATIONS If a crewmember becomes ill before departure, MedAire's medical experts will make a assessment of the crewmember to determine if they are well enough to passenger or operate the aircraft.

Tags

Commercial Aviation Business and General Aviation