Some medical emergencies require a level of care that cannot be provided immediately on site. When a patient needs specialised treatment that is not available locally, or when transfer to a referral facility is necessary, an international medical evacuation may be the most appropriate solution.

Far more than simply transporting a patient, a medical evacuation is a complex operation involving healthcare professionals, logistics teams, assistance companies and hospitals, all working together to ensure continuity of care under the best possible conditions.

At Medical SOS by AMS, this coordination is available 24/7 to support patients and their families at every stage of the process, from the initial medical assessment to admission at the receiving healthcare facility.

What is a medical evacuation?

A medical evacuation involves transferring a patient to a healthcare facility that is better suited to their medical condition, whether in Guinea, within the West African sub-region or internationally.

The decision is based on a medical assessment. Before any transfer, the medical teams work to stabilise the patient and ensure that their condition allows transportation under appropriate safety conditions.

Depending on the patient’s needs, a transfer may be organised:

• to a specialised healthcare facility in Guinea,
• to a referral hospital within the sub-region, particularly in Abidjan,
• to a hospital in Europe when the patient’s medical condition requires it.

Every medical evacuation is different and requires a personalised approach based on the patient’s clinical condition, the medical specialty required, the destination and the conditions necessary for safe transportation.

End-to-end medical coordination

Organising a medical evacuation involves much more than booking a flight. It requires continuous coordination between several stakeholders to ensure continuity of care and minimise any disruption in the patient’s medical management.

The Medical SOS by AMS teams coordinate key stages of the evacuation process, including:

• the initial medical assessment and preparation of the patient for transfer,
• stabilisation of the patient before departure,
• coordination with the receiving healthcare facility,
• organisation of ground and air transportation,
• preparation and transmission of the necessary medical documentation,
• medical follow-up until the patient is handed over to the receiving medical team.

This coordination helps anticipate each stage of the transfer, reduce delays when the situation requires urgent action and ensure that the patient receives appropriate care throughout the evacuation.

International partnerships to facilitate patient care

In an emergency, medical considerations are not the only elements that need to be coordinated. Communication with insurers and international assistance companies can also play an important role in organising the transfer.

To provide patients with smoother and more efficient support, Medical SOS by AMS has agreements with several major international health insurance and medical assistance providers:

• Henner,
• Cigna Healthcare,
• Europ Assistance,
• Holistic Care.

Medical SOS has also strengthened its network through a partnership with Medicis, notably enabling the organisation of medical evacuations to Abidjan, which offers access to several referral healthcare facilities and medical specialties within the West African sub-region.

These collaborations facilitate administrative procedures and coordination between the different stakeholders involved, helping to ensure a smoother care pathway for patients covered by these organisations.

From Guinea to the sub-region or Europe

Depending on the patient’s condition, the required medical specialty and the level of care needed, Medical SOS by AMS can coordinate international medical evacuations from Guinea to other countries in the sub-region or to Europe.

The choice of destination is not based solely on geographical proximity. It primarily depends on the patient’s medical needs, the capabilities of the receiving healthcare facility and the conditions required to ensure a safe transfer.

The objective remains the same at every stage: to direct the patient to an appropriate healthcare facility while maintaining continuity of medical care throughout the transfer.

Medical and logistical expertise focused on the patient

Every medical evacuation is based on one essential principle: ensuring the best possible continuity of care for the patient.

Drawing on its experience in emergency medical care in Guinea, Medical SOS coordinates the various stakeholders involved to ensure that each stage is managed under the best possible conditions, from the initial medical assessment through to arrival at the receiving healthcare facility.

This expertise is supported by experienced medical teams, 24/7 availability and a network of partners that enables evacuations to be organised within the sub-region and to Europe whenever required.

For patients and their families, having a single point of contact capable of coordinating the medical, logistical and administrative aspects of the evacuation can also provide valuable reassurance during what is often an urgent and challenging situation.

Medical SOS by AMS: 24/7 medical evacuation support

Through its medical evacuation service, Medical SOS by AMS supports individuals, companies and organisations facing situations that require a medical transfer from Guinea.

From the initial assessment to the organisation of the transfer, our teams provide the coordination required to ensure care that is responsive, safe and adapted to each patient’s medical condition.