A Year Later: A Remarkable Recovery
We are thrilled to share an uplifting update on the young patient we repatriated from Zilina, Slovakia, to Bogota, Colombia, in January 2024. According to his family, after a year of dedicated rehabilitation and care, the 20-year-old has made significant strides in his recovery.
You can read the original article here
The patient, who faced immense challenges following his initial condition, is now in much better health and spirits. His family reports that he has regained considerable strength and functionality, and his determination to improve has been truly inspiring. With ongoing therapy and support, he has been able to rebuild aspects of his life, and he now looks toward the future with hope and excitement.
We are deeply touched by the heartfelt gratitude expressed by his family. Their kind words reaffirm the importance of the work we do. Knowing that our efforts helped bring him home and contributed to his recovery fills us with immense pride and joy.
This story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the unwavering love of a family, and the collective dedication of all those involved in his transfer and care. It is an honour to have been part of his journey.
How was the repatriation now a year ago? We remind you here:
Home at Last!
On January 28-29, 2024, Aeromedical and Marine successfully transferred a 20-year-old Colombian patient from Zilina, Slovakia, to Bogota, Colombia. The patient, a university student with no prior medical history, suffered a spontaneous intraparenchymal hematoma (HIPE) in October, requiring neurosurgical intervention. Prolonged care in a neurocritical unit left him with quadriparesis and mixed aphasia.
Preparation for the Transfer
The process began in early January when the patient’s mother sought assistance. The Aeromedical and Marine team undertook a detailed planning process that included gathering medical reports, designing the safest and most efficient route, and securing logistics with airlines and governments. Air France was selected for its capability to accommodate stretcher-bound patients, and ground ambulances in Slovakia, Austria, and Colombia facilitated transport to and from airports.
The Transfer
The patient travelled on a commercial flight in a specially equipped medical section, assisted by a team of intensive care specialists. The journey involved meticulous preparation, including sedation to manage the patient’s neurological symptoms, and was monitored in real-time by Aeromedical and Marine’s ground team. Despite minor challenges, such as reconfiguring the final disembarkation in Bogota, the patient was safely delivered to a local hospital, accompanied by his family.
A Successful Repatriation
After 26 hours of travel, the patient arrived home, completing a complex yet smoothly executed mission. This effort underscores the dedication of Aeromedical and Marine in providing compassionate, safe, and efficient medical transfers.
A Year Later: A Remarkable Recovery
We celebrate his recovery and wish him continued success and happiness as he moves forward. This story reminds us why we do what we do, and we couldn’t be happier to see such a positive outcome.
