Patient-friendly pressure adjustment (sea level flight)

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Due to certain illnesses or medical conditions, some patients cannot withstand changes in air pressure. This means that many patients believe that flying should be avoided at all costs since as soon as the aircraft hits high altitude, the level of oxygen decreases.

However, flying is still possible thanks to quick and safe air ambulance flights: air ambulances can carry out so-called sea-level flights - main sea level flights (MSL). On these flights, the cabin pressure can be adjusted so that it is closer to the pressure at sea level. This ensures the patient’s safety at all times, even while flying. 

When should you choose a sea-level flight?

On a regular flight, the air pressure inside the cabin will vary, but it is similar to the exterior air pressure at 2,500 metres. At this air pressure, less oxygen is taken up by the blood and gases within the body expand. This causes no problem for healthy passengers, but can lead to worsening medical symptoms for patients with certain conditions. These conditions include:

If patients cannot tolerate the change in atmospheric pressure, they can trust our medical planes which can operate sea-level flights. Before the flight, our medical team will consider a patient’s medical records and decide whether a flight at sea level is advisable. In case a sea-level flight is needed, they will take the necessary steps to ensure the patient's safety after takeoff and at altitude above sea level. 

Our team will ensure that the plane cabin will be pressurized during the flight so that the barometric pressure is similar to ground levels, ensuring an adequate level of oxygen in the airplane for the patient's safety. Our pilots, who are experienced in conducting sea level flights, will ensure that the patient can fly safely. 

This decision is even possible at very short notice, such as when the patient is being transported to the aircraft, or even during the flight.

Sea-level flights with Medical Air Service

A gauge

Our medical specialists have many years of experience in carrying out sea-level flights. Thanks to the advanced intensive care equipment on our air ambulances, patients can rely on quick, safe and comfortable transport on sea-level flights. For medium and long distances in particular, traveling by an aircraft is preferable to ground ambulance transfers for almost every patient. Flying is the safest transportation method for long distances our ambulance planes (MSL) allow patients to cross continents without worrying about their medical condition deteriorating because of altitude changes. 

As with all air ambulance flights, MSL (Main Sea level flights) include our ‘bed-to-bed’ service: if you ask us to, we can also organize ground transfers to the airport and the destination hospital. This ensures seamless transfer from the ground vehicle to the aircraft and continuous care all throughout the journey. 

Do you have any questions?

See our FAQs for more information on sea-level flights.

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