CASE STUDY
Facilitating a Medical Evacuation for an Assignee with Ongoing COVID-19 Restrictions in China
OVERVIEW
An assignee working in China was admitted to a local hospital due to a medical emergency. Not familiar with the local healthcare environment and concerns over language barriers, he was evacuated back to Korea amid the complex logistical challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
PROBLEM
International SOS Seoul Assistance Centre received a call from a client, stating one employee in China was taken to a local hospital. The medical advisor in Seoul reached out to the patient while our Beijing Assistance Centre contacted the local hospital and the treating doctor to understand the diagnosis and treatment plan.
SOLUTION
With the insights gathered, the medical advisor in Beijing explained to the patient and the client that the local hospital was capable of providing sufficient care and treatment locally. However, if the patient still had concerns and preferred to be treated in the home country, the only viable option then would be to evacuate through a dedicated air ambulance due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions in China at that time.
After a thorough discussion with the patient and his employer, the decision was made to stay in China. International SOS continued to monitor the patient’s condition and daily check-in with the patient.
A few days later, the patient developed new symptoms and required an additional procedure. Considering the new development, the International SOS medical team recommended medical repatriation for the patient. Upon the client’s approval and after thorough logistic arrangements, an air ambulance and escort team were activated, taking the patient and his family back to his home country for further treatment.
IMPACT
With direct client support at the headquarters and boots on the ground in China, International SOS was able to bridge the language and cultural barriers, supported the patient with dedicated care, and provided sound medical advice to support the patient and the client in making an informed decision in a medical emergency. Despite local COVID-19 restrictions and logistic challenges, International SOS managed to arrange the air evacuation and brought the patient back to his home country.
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