US air ambulance for flying sick babies and children to and from the US safely

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Most parents are terrified of flying with a sick baby or child, and for good reason. Both air travel and infants are unpredictable, and they don't always get along. However, some forethought and preparation can help make the flight more enjoyable for your baby, you, and everyone else on board. This article addresses some common concerns you may have before flying with your sick baby or child, as well as tips for a safer flight.

The key points to remember about flying long distances with a sick baby or child:

  • Check with travel agencies and airlines ahead of time for child-friendly recommendations.
  • Pack a medical kit with items like baby paracetamol, a thermometer, oral rehydration solutions, and bandages.
  • To avoid earache, encourage your child to eat or drink during takeoff and landing.
  • Consider an air ambulance for critically sick babies and children. Our medical jets and turboprop planes are outfitted with the latest pediatric medical equipment.

child in airport

US commercial airline regulations when traveling with a sick child

With each airline company having its own set of rules regarding flying with a sick or disabled baby or child, there are no specific regulations on this subject.

However, the general rule for flying with a sick baby or child is to consult their pediatrician prior to the trip, particularly if they have a neurological disease, an ear, nose or throat infection/disease, a heart disease, a digestive disease, or a lung disease, such as bronchiolitis or asthma. You may be advised to postpone the trip if your child is critically ill. If they are allowed to travel, you must notify the airline of any health concerns when making your reservation.

Why are babies and children more vulnerable when flying commercially?

Children are more than just small humans. Their bodies are different from adults', and their immune systems are less developed to combat infections, making them more likely to contract an illness that can spread from person to person. Furthermore, their likelihood of them becoming ill on a long-haul flight increases if they have special healthcare needs like the ones indicated above.

What are the dangers associated with commercial flights?

Because of the recirculated air within a commercial plane, newborns and babies under the age of one, are especially vulnerable to infections, and may be at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19 than older children.

baby

Causing temporary changes in middle ear pressure, changes in cabin pressure can cause ear pain. If your child has had an ear infection two weeks before your flight or has had a recent ear surgery, this pain can be less bearable. In addition, airplane cabin noise levels are high and particularly debilitating for children, especially during takeoff.

Moreover, the air pressure in an aircraft cabin being lower during flight than on land, passengers experience a drop in oxygen. Otherwise not harmful to healthy babies, it can cause hypoxia and breathing difficulties if your baby was born prematurely or has chronic heart or lung problems.

Finally, air travel contains a variety of factors that can upset the balance of babies and young children. Fatigue, time differences, delayed food or medication intake, and jet lag can all cause or worsen health problems.

Precautions to take when flying commercially to or from the US with a sick child

Once your doctor has given your child the all-clear to fly, take the following precautions to make the flight as safe and enjoyable as possible:

  • Carry extra clothing.
  • Bring sanitizing wipes.
  • Keep your child hydrated.
  • Bring some basic medication.
  • Bring your insurance and other medical cards.
  • Bring your child's favorite toys to try to divert their attention away from their pain.
  • Consider giving your child a bottle, a gum or a lollipop to encourage swallowing and reduce pressure in the ears and sinuses.

US air ambulances: An efficient transfer service for sick babies and children

Do you intend to fly commercially with your sick child? Aside from a basic first aid kit, commercial flights lack medical personnel who are trained in childcare. As a result, there will be no one to intervene in the event of a mid-flight emergency.

ambulance jet

Because sick babies and infants are more fragile and vulnerable and require extra care, our air ambulances to and from the United States, carrying medical teams and specialized equipment, are often the only solution for ensuring that they arrive safely at their destination.

Why are our air ambulances suitable for sick babies and children?

Specialized medical equipment for newborns and infants: Our ambulance planes are equipped with everything needed to care for even the tiniest patient during the flight and in the event of a medical emergency in the air. These devices can be tailored to your sick baby's specific condition and requirements. For instance, we have mobile pediatric transport incubators and baby pods to ensure constant care during the transfer. 

Experienced medical team: We ensure that your sick child is accompanied by specialists who will look after them and intervene quickly in the event of a medical emergency. For example, when transporting newborns, we always have a trained neonatologist onboard to care for the tiny traveler. 

Less chance of airborne infections: There is less chance of germ transmission and infection because you will be the only person onboard the air ambulance, aside from the medical crew. Furthermore, thanks to private terminals, you will not have to worry about crowds or waiting in lines during the onboarding process.

Modern air ambulances: Our large air ambulance fleet consists of medical jets and turboprop planes that are optimized for your baby's safety and comfort. 

Stress-free experience: As an experienced international aeromedical transport service provider, we take on the responsibility of dealing with all of the flight arrangements' complexities. We also offer all-inclusive services and can pick up patients at the hospital in a ground ambulance to ensure their safety throughout the journey.

Our extra perk: Knowing that babies need the care and comfort of their parent, we allow one parent to accompany newborns and babies for free on our air ambulances. 

Contact us to arrange your US air transportation for your sick child

Our top priority is the safety of your child. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information on our US air ambulances or to book a flight.

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