We often receive requests to help repatriate UK nationals from France to UK. As international travel starts to get back towards some level of new normal we thought we’d give you a thorough guide as to how the process works.

If you are in an unlucky position to need medical repatriation from France you may be able to use your travel insurance. Failing that you will need to employ a specialist to help get yourself or family repatriated home to the UK.

There are several options available and each has pros and cons. The most appropriate option will often depend on the medical needs of the patient. It is worth considering that it might be more cost effective in some cases to stay in Europe for a few more days or weeks to recover before travelling and in other cases it might be best just to get home.

Commercial Repatriation

This involves returning on a commercial scheduled flight. A medical provider may send out a nurse or paramedic team to assist on the flight. There used to be lots of options for patients to travel on a stretcher on a commercial flight but many airlines have removed their stretcher services. For longer haul flights a first or business class seat that reclines may be appropriate however almost all European flights have replaced their business class seats with the same seats as economy usually with just a table that covers the middle seat. It is important to be aware that you will require a ‘fit to fly’ letter from your treating physician. It is important to understand that factors such as altitude and pressure can affect the body particularly after surgery. Mobility is another key factor as being able to sit up on a seat can be made difficult due to reduced tone or mobility or injury such as pelvic, or leg fractures.

For longer haul journeys there are still some airlines offering stretchers services but generally, since the start of the Pandemic, air ambulance has been the preferred choice for stretcher patients.

All of our flight paramedics and nurses are fully equipped for each journey and will carry out a thorough risk assessment. We also liaise with airlines to make any transfer and trouble free as possible. We also carry oxygen concentrators capable of delivering low level supplementary oxygen in flight and appropriate emergency medication.

Air Ambulance

An air ambulance is a small dedicated aircraft which is fitted with a stretcher as well as oxygen supply and emergency equipment. The aircrafts are generally small but there are options ranging from the smallest propellor driven aircrafts with unpressurised cabins to small and medium sizes jets similar to those used in the corporate market. No patient is too sick for an appropriately planned air ambulance transfer. Not all doctors on the ground understand the level of expertise available in the air. Special measures can also be taken to reduce the cabin pressure where required. However, the cost of a dedicated aircraft is substantially more than a commercial flight costing several thousands pounds and hour to operate. The cost of a air ambulance flight from France and the surrounding regions to the UK can be somewhere between £10,000-£25,000 depending on the flight time. The main benefits are the comfort and medical facilities. A bed to bed transfer can easily be achieve where the patient is transferred to a stretcher from their bed and remain in a lying position all the way home.

Road Ambulance

A road ambulance solution can be appropriate where the transfer times are not too high. Generally the cost of the medical crew can outweight the cost of the aircraft on very long distances. A long journey even on a stretcher can be tiring and a full risk assessment is required. Where there is a risk of deterioration or limitations on oxygen then an air ambulance may be more appropriate. I often say for all but the shortest trips if it was a relative of mine I would wish them to transfer by air ambulance. For Southern France and Spain a three person crew is required so there will always be one person attending to the patient.

Our crews carry a range of medical equipment including ECG, defibrillators, emergency oxygen, pressure relieving mattresses, nursing equipment and a range medications including strong painkillers and anti-sickness medications. Vehicles are staffed by the most appropriate medical professionals for the mission. This may include Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics and Ambulance Crew.

Summary

Ultimately the decision on the way to travel is likely to be determined by the medical condition or injuries. When you contact us one of our specialist Paramedics or nurses will review your case and advise on the options available to you. If you have medical notes please have these ready.

We offer completely free advice so feel free to contact us for more information.