As an innovative industry leader, Angel MedFlight Worldwide Air Ambulance implements a world-class training and development program to ensure every employee is equipped with the necessary tools to excel in his or her job function.

This requires remaining on the cutting edge of technology and education in two ever-evolving industries: aviation and healthcare.

Matt Greenwell, RN, CFRN, NREMT-P, FP-C, Angel MedFlight's Director of Clinical Operations teaches a Flight Physiology training course. He explains how pressure and altitude affect patients and the medical flight crew alike. Everything is measured in pressure and how it affects people differently; a patient is going to react differently at sea level than at 40,000 feet. "It's very important that the patient's history and condition is taken into consideration when the flight coordinators plan the flight," said Greenwell, adding, "Altitude and air density, cabin pressure and the condition of the patient all play a role in coordinating a flight and determining the correct altitude and cabin pressure."

Angel MedFlight's training curriculum is comprised of specialized instruction from each department including aviation, aviation maintenance, safety, operations, flight coordination, medical, quality management, legal, claims, human resources, IT and business development.

Employees are trained to understand the role of each job function and how they integrate; streamlining the overall communication process.

Employee training is an ongoing process; with continuing education requirements. An important part of Angel MedFlight's training program is a course designed for Flight Coordinators. It is imperative for Flight Coordinators to know how flights operate, the medical and technical aspects involved to accurately determine each patient's medical needs.

Allianz Worldwide Care’s new EuroSanté health plans provide employees of European Institutions with cover which is supplementary to EU’s Joint Sickness Insurance Scheme (JSIS).

While the JSIS scheme reimburses members with approximately 80 per cent of eligible medical expenses; Allianz Worldwide Care’s EuroSanté plans offer cover for the medical costs which are not reimbursed by the JSIS scheme, giving members, and their dependants, access to a more comprehensive level of healthcare cover and associated peace of mind.

Commenting on the new plans, Hendrik Boelens, Head of Inter-Governmental Organizations at Allianz Worldwide Care, said: “We already have a strong presence in the IGO market, so providing supplementary cover to staff employed by European Institutions was a natural extension of our existing offering. Allianz Worldwide Care has developed EuroSanté as one of the strongest supplementary insurance plans available in this market, offering individuals greater choice than ever before as well as a market leading level of service.”

There are three plans to choose from - EuroSanté Optimum, Equilibre and Tranquillité – each offering different levels of cover for a wide range of in-patient, out-patient and dental expenses which are not fully reimbursed under JSIS. These include hospital accommodation, surgical fees, diagnostic tests, MRI scans, complementary therapies, rehabilitation, speech therapy, prescribed glassed and contact lenses, periodontics and orthodontics.

Following a recent increase in the number of requests for repatriations from Kathmandu in Nepal, AirMed has taken the decision to invest in additional flight crew training and gain approval for operations into this complex airfield.

“We are constantly communicating with our clients to find ways in which we can enhance our service” says Jane Topliss, Director for Business Development. “With the increasing ease of access to the Himalayas and the growing popularity of travel to that area, it has become clear that our clients have a developing need for air ambulance capabilities in and out of Kathmandu, especially as it is known that the healthcare facilities in this region are limited.”

Kathmandu is a complex airport to operate from because of the difficult terrain and high altitude. Due to this all flight crews have to have specific training on the air traffic procedures at the airport prior to them being approved to be able to operate there. This is an annual training and approval requirement which is being integrated into AirMed’s standard flight crew training programme.

Two of AirMed’s Learjet 35A flight crews have already gained the approval with the remaining pilots scheduled to complete it during their next recurrent 6 monthly simulator training in the U.S.

Jane added, “During the last few years AirMed has gained considerable experience in longer distance air ambulance missions. Last year we repatriated patients from as far afield as Uruguay and Brunei and by providing this additional capability we are ensuring our clients are not only being provided with the highest quality of care for their patients, but also a service which covers the majority of geographical regions. We never stand still, we are continually developing in terms of what solutions we can provide to our clients and ultimately to our patients.”

About AirMed

AirMed is a specialist fixed wing air ambulance company based at Oxford Airport (EGTK) in the UK. They have been operational for nearly 30 years and can provide specialist services like neonatal, paediatric, obstetric, burns and ECMO. Their fleet consists of 5 aircraft; 2 x Learjet 35As, 2 x Piper Cheyenne IIIAs and 1 Piper Cheyenne IIXL all of which are owned and operated by AirMed and are maintained at AirMed’s EASA Part 145 Approved Maintenance facility. AirMed is registered with the Care Quality Commission in England and holds Full Accreditation “Special Care” with EURAMI. During 2013 they carried out 600 patient transfers including one adult patient with 95% full thickness burns.

In A Closed Door Exclusive Round Table Business Forum International Private Medical Insurance Magazine Spoke With Industry Leaders From The International Assistance Market.

The 1st In A Series Of VIP Assistance Round Table Business Forums, we focus on the definition of medical, travel and technical assistance services in 2014 including service capability, geographic reach, memorable cases, custom networks, the benefits of outsourcing and the adoption of new technology.

Featuring C-Level Executive Commentary From Allianz Global Assistance, Athens Assistance, Europ Assistance, Medic Assistance International, REUTER Consulting And Rowland Brothers.

International tourist arrivals grew by 5% in 2013, reaching a record 1,087 million arrivals. Despite the current global economic climate, international tourism results were well above expectations, with an additional 52 million international tourists travelling the world in 2013. For 2014 the UNWTO forecasts 4% to 4.5% growth, above the long term projections. Demand for international tourism was strongest for destinations in Asia and the Pacific (+6%), Africa (+6%) and Europe (+5%). The leading sub-regions were South-East Asia (+10%), Central and Eastern Europe (+7%), Southern and Mediterranean Europe (+6%) and North Africa (+6%). The UNWTO forecasts international arrivals to increase by 4% to 4.5% in 2014, again above its long-term forecast of +3.8% per year between 2010 and 2020.

“2013 was an excellent year for international tourism. The tourism sector has shown a remarkable capacity to adjust to the changing market conditions, fuelling growth and job creation around the world, despite the lingering economic and geopolitical challenges. Indeed, tourism has been among the few sectors generating positive news for many economies.”
Taleb Rifai UNWTO Secretary General

In a Closed Door Exclusive Round Table Business Forum 2012, iPMI Magazine Spoke with Industry Leaders from the International Private Medical Insurance Market. Get the Inside Track on Expat Medical and Health Insurance from the Experts.

Moving a business into new uncharted waters where your native tongue may not be the local language, is a daunting affair. Speak to any CFO, HR Director or Expatriate or simply consider the stress put on ones shoulders when operating in a foreign and sometimes hazardous environment. For the unseasoned traveller on distant shores even simple tasks like shopping can be a strain. So imagine being in a life threatening situation, miles from home and family, seeking professional medical services and attention, in a foreign language and without the correct insurance coverage.

UK Private Medical Insurance Company

You may be a frequent flyer business traveler, student, leisure or medical health tourist considering the Expatriate Life.

Perhaps you are already established as a Expatriate living far from home on distant shores. Where ever you are now, understanding UK Private Medical Insurance company requirements is vital to safe, risk free Global travel. Accidents do happen and when you least expect it. Insuring you have the right type of Private Medical Insurance plan from the right private medical insurance company will mean, should anything untoward happen, you will not be faced with a large medical bill, or even worse, insufficient medical care.

Expatriates searching the internet to source, compare and select the best Private Medical Insurance company are now covered by International Private Medical Insurance Magazines Online UK Private Medical Insurance company guide.

Get the lowdown on who's who and which Private Medical Insurance companies you should trust with your life. Since 2009 International Private Medical Insurance Magazine has been providing mission critical news and information about UK Private Medical Insurance companies and providers to individual expatriates, expat groups, expatriate employers and Expatriate Health Insurance brokers and intermediaries.

It is important to fully understand UK Private Medical Insurance requirements before you travel and insure you select the right and most appropriate Private Medical Insurance plan and cover for leisure, business, educational or health travel purposes. Private Medical Insurance companies do come in all shapes and sizes so be sure to do a complete comparison of the Private Medical Insurance company, plan, costs and fine print.

Make your Private Medical Insurance plan and company covers you for costs relating to repatriation, emergency evacuation, medical and non medical transport services by ground ambulance or air ambulance.

Private Medical Insurance Company

You may be a frequent flyer business traveler, student, leisure or medical health tourist considering the Expatriate Life.

Perhaps you are already established as a Expatriate living far from home on distant shores. Where ever you are now, understanding Private Medical Insurance company requirements is vital to safe, risk free Global travel. Accidents do happen and when you least expect it. Insuring you have the right type of Private Medical Insurance plan from the right private medical insurance company will mean, should anything untoward happen, you will not be faced with a large medical bill, or even worse, insufficient medical care.

Expatriates searching the internet to source, compare and select the best Private Medical Insurance company are now covered by International Private Medical Insurance Magazines Online Private Medical Insurance company guide.

Get the lowdown on who's who and which Private Medical Insurance companies you should trust with your life. Since 2009 International Private Medical Insurance Magazine has been providing mission critical news and information about Private Medical Insurance companies and providers to individual expatriates, expat groups, expatriate employers and Expatriate Health Insurance brokers and intermediaries.

It is important to fully understand Private Medical Insurance requirements before you travel and insure you select the right and most appropriate Private Medical Insurance plan and cover for leisure, business, educational or health travel purposes. Private Medical Insurance companies do come in all shapes and sizes so be sure to do a complete comparison of the Private Medical Insurance company, plan, costs and fine print.

Make your Private Medical Insurance plan and company covers you for costs relating to repatriation, emergency evacuation, medical and non medical transport services by ground ambulance or air ambulance.

Private Medical Insurance

You may be a frequent flyer business traveler, student, leisure or medical health tourist considering the Expatriate Life.

Perhaps you are already established as a Expatriate living far from home on distant shores. Where ever you are now, understanding Private Medical Insurance requirements is vital to safe, risk free Global travel. Accidents do happen and when you least expect it. Insuring you have the right type of Private Medical Insurance will mean, should anything untoward happen, you will not be faced with a large medical bill, or even worse, insufficient medical care.

Expatriates searching the internet to source, compare and select the best Private Medical Insurance are now covered by International Private Medical Insurance Magazines Online Private Medical Insurance company guide.

Get the lowdown on who's who and which Private Medical Insurance companies you should trust with your life. Since 2009 International Private Medical Insurance Magazine has been providing mission critical news and information about Private Medical Insurance to individual expatriates, expat groups, expatriate employers and Expatriate Health Insurance brokers and intermediaries.

It is important to fully understand Private Medical Insurance requirements before you travel and insure you select the right and most appropriate Private Medical Insurance plan and cover for leisure, business, educational or health travel purposes. Private Medical Insurance comes in all shapes and sizes so be sure to do a complete comparison of the Private Medical Insurance plan, costs and fine print.

Make your Private Medical Insurance plan covers you for costs relating to repatriation, emergency evacuation, medical and non medical transport services by ground ambulance or air ambulance.

Health Insurance

You may be a frequent flyer business traveler, student, leisure or medical health tourist. Perhaps you are an already established Expatriate living away from home on foreign shores. Where ever you are now, understanding International Health Insurance requirements is vital to safe, risk free Global travel. Accidents do happen and when you least expect it.

Insuring you have the right type of Health Insurance will mean, should anything untoward happen, you will not be faced with a large medical bill, or even worse, insufficient medical care and treatment.

Since 2009 International Private Medical Insurance Magazine has been providing Daily mission critical Health Insurance News and information about International Health Insurance to expatriates, individuals, groups, corporate clients, brokers and intermediaries.

Select the right and most appropriate International Health Insurance plan for leisure, business, educational or health travel purposes, with the help and assistance of International Private Medical Insurance Magazines Online International Health Insurance Company and Plan Guide and Directory.

Medical Insurance

You may be a business traveler, student studying abroad, an expatriate, leisure or medical health tourist searching to source, compare and select the best Medical Insurance.

Since 2009 International Private Medical Insurance Magazine has been providing mission critical information about International Medical Insurance to individuals, groups, corporate clients, brokers and intermediaries.

It is important to fully understand Medical Insurance requirements before you travel and insure you select the right and most appropriate Medical Insurance plan for leisure, business, educational or health travel purposes.