20-Oct-2008

York-based private aviation company FlyMeNow.co.uk came to the rescue last week when a British holidaymaker suffered from severe kidney failure whilst in Faro, Portugal.

The gentleman's daughter contacted the 24/7 FlyMeNow Operations Centre and within hours a fully equipped Learjet Air Ambulance was dispatched to fly the ill patient back to his local hospital in Basingstoke. A specially trained doctor and a nurse monitored his condition and were on hand to provide medical care throughout the flight and journey. FlyMeNow also coordinated the ground ambulance to Faro Airport and to Basingstoke Hospital. The jet provided had been specially designed for medical repatriation flights complete with medical facilities on board, providing the smoothest possible journey.

Choosing a Learjet meant that the flight time was reduced and a fuel stop was not required, saving the patient precious hours before he got to hospital.

Barnes Hawkins, Flight Manager of FlyMeNow.co.uk explained: "We had to act very quickly as the man's condition was critical.  The key was to find the fastest option to get the patient home and into the right medical hands before it was too late.

"We are increasingly being asked to handle medical emergencies as our reputation for delivering in difficult and complex situations rapidly grows."

FlyMeNow specialise in arranging private aviation for a range of celebrities, businessman and people who need emergency travel.