Issue 7 2020

Acquisition International - Issue 7 2020 21 Healthcare Heroes compromised health during flight which is unequivocally different from hospital environments. “We are always looking for qualified Nurses to join our team,” Gail goes on to say. “However, because of the physical and mental demands placed on Flight Nurses, not everyone would find this a suitable occupation. This is a highly specialized career and it comes with its own set of challenges. Keeping current with the latest care methods is essential along with processes for responding to the stressors that come with flying. It is a journey of continuous learning.” The clients that Angels of Flight attends to includes families, hospitals and healthcare providers, government agencies, employers and insurers. Many clients have related their frustration in spending days and weeks trying to find help. When travellers don’t have a back-up plan for a possible medical event, they can find themselves struggling very quickly. In an attempt to counter this trend, the team at Angels of Flight have created the Halo Medcard Program. We asked Gail to explain more about the benefits of this scheme. “Travellers need Peace of Mind and immediate access to Healthcare Professionals who can help them move forward expeditiously.” In practice, the Halo Medcard Program is a proactive card for use in times of crisis. Instead of struggling to get medical information across borders, this one-of-a-kind card allows medical professionals to connect with this information worldwide. In cases of illness or injury, it’s an incredibly powerful tool. To accelerate the process of getting in contact with a medical professional, when you need one, Angels of Flight has developed a free “Help Me” mobile app. Available at the Apple Store, or Google Play, this is sure to be an invaluable resource for travellers. A manual message mode provides travelers with the means to write a simple or detailed custom message that describes the problem. At the push of a button, regardless of time zones, the message will be received by a Registered Nurse who will be able to advise and take the appropriate action. Gail is keen to warn that the services offered by Angels of Flight, are designed to ensure travellers receive timely professional healthcare assistance when they most need it. “We firmly advocate that travellers purchase hospitalization and repatriation travel insurance but often travellers think “nothing is going to happen to me” and they choose not to pay the perceived high premiums. There are situations where the coverage is inadequate or there is a dispute over a claim. In the end, our duty is to make use of our expertise to help when we can.” Of course, the impressive success of Angels of Flight has brought social obligation, and the team have responded with gusto to the call. There are people across Canada who are geographically or financially disadvantaged and unable get to the medical care they need. Medical transportation costs can be high for many and often out of reach. As specialists in medical transportation solutions, it’s clear that they are the right people to try and find a way to help. Founded in 2007, the Global Angel Charitable Organization is committed to helping those in need of financial assistance. This incredible group has been able to contribute to ground and air transportation expenses for people of all ages across Canada. There is a sense of fulfillment to deliver a patient to their appointment, or treatment and even palliative care. The team have had the good fortune to work with and support this Canadian charity that continues to reach out and relieve the financial burdens for many families. Now, more than ever before, travellers must choose their destination wisely, and the way they reach that destination even more so. Nobody wants the unexpected, but if it happens, it’s a comfort to know that a team of specialists in Global Medical Solutions have your back. No matter where you are in the world, no matter what the time of day, Angels of Flight will always answer the call. Contact: Gail Courneyea Web Address: www.angelsofflightcanada.com