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Case Studies

Asian Dilemma

Aircraft

Scenario:

A corporate travel insurance scheme for an aviation company based in Singapore contracts with Specialty Limited to provide medical case management and repatriation services.

One of the Singapore company’s Bulgarian employees was working out of a small airfield in a remote area in Vietnam. This employee sustained a minor abrasion to his foot. As the injury was minor, the employee thought little of it and continued his normal duties. Slowly his foot became infected and due to the delay in recognising the problem, by the time he consulted a local doctor the infection had spread over the whole foot.

The medical problem was complicated by the patient’s history of heavy smoking. The blood supply down his leg and into his foot was weak and not strong enough to act as a healing or cleansing agent. It was immediately obvious to the doctor consulted in Vietnam, that some dramatic action was required to prevent the patient becoming extremely ill.

Due to the poor local medical facilities Specialty were contacted and asked to assist. We quickly ascertained the patient’s medical details and our Medical Director discussed the patient’s case with the local doctor by telephone. Urgency was required and we made provision for immediate evacuation with a medical escort by initially an ambulance and then transfer to a commercial airline destined for Singapore. Finally by ambulance again to the receiving hospital for further assessment and what ultimately became necessary and dramatic medical management.

Specialty acted swiftly to ensure the receiving hospital and their consulting staff were briefed on the case and knew when to expect the patient. We ensured that the patient would not have complications in transit requiring a block of 3 seats to be issued for his comfort on the commercial airline. Liaison with the airline meant his transit through to the aircraft was smooth and trouble free. Within 48 hours of arrival in Singapore the patient required surgery to have two toes amputated. With the infection showing no sign of improvement, it became clear to the treating medical team that they would have to consider a below knee amputation.

After further case discussion a vein by-pass operation was performed in an attempt to improve the blood flow to the infected area. The operation was a partial success with the healing process marginally improved. Further surgery was required and another two toes were amputated. After a short period of time the patient showed excellent signs of recovery and the need for further surgery was avoided and the leg was saved.

Swift action and skilled doctors in well-equipped facilities, saved the patient from losing his leg, The patient made a full recovery and returned to his home in Bulgaria a few weeks later, to continue physiotherapy and rehabilitation treatment.

Specialty ensured that his travel home was a comfortable, safe and trouble free journey.

Other Case Studies