Aeromedical
Evacuation
When distance, terrain, or clinical urgency makes ground transport insufficient, Medi Edge coordinates rapid air evacuation via fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft with specialist in-flight critical care.
24/7
Coordination
ECP
In-Flight Crew
SACAA
Compliant
National
Coverage
What is Aeromedical Evacuation?
Aeromedical evacuation (AE) is the rapid transport of critically ill or injured patients via aircraft — either helicopter (rotor-wing) or fixed-wing aircraft — when ground transport is too slow, impractical, or clinically inadequate. The goal is to deliver the patient to a higher level of care in the shortest possible time.
Medi Edge coordinates aeromedical operations through a network of SACAA-approved aviation partners, with our own Emergency Care Practitioners (ECP) deployed as the dedicated medical crew. Our practitioners are trained specifically in the physiological challenges of the aeromedical environment, including altitude-related pressure changes and in-flight emergency management.
We manage the entire operation — from initial clinical assessment and aircraft coordination, through in-flight care and documentation, to receiving facility notification and handover.
Regulatory Compliance
South African Civil Aviation Authority — all aircraft and operations are SACAA-compliant.
All in-flight medical crew are registered under the Emergency Care scope of practice.
Medi Edge holds provincial licensing covering aeromedical coordination and ground-support operations.
When to Call Immediately
If your patient is in a remote area, requires urgent tertiary intervention (cardiac cath, neurosurgery, trauma team), or cannot safely tolerate a long ground transfer — call our control centre immediately. Time is tissue.
Rotor-Wing vs. Fixed-Wing
Platform choice is driven by distance, terrain, landing availability, and clinical urgency. Our coordinators advise on the best option for every case.
Rotor-Wing (Helicopter)
Short to Medium Range · Scene Access
Helicopters provide unmatched access to accident scenes, rural areas, and locations without a nearby airstrip. Ideal for rapid scene response and short-to-medium distance transfers where every minute of flight time is critical.
Fixed-Wing (Air Ambulance)
Long Distance · Pressurised Cabin
Fixed-wing aircraft are ideal for long-distance transfers requiring a pressurised, climatically controlled environment. Larger cabin space allows for full ICU-level monitoring equipment and additional crew alongside the patient.
In-Flight Clinical Care
Our aeromedical ECP crews maintain full clinical capability throughout the flight. The aircraft is a mobile ICU — not a taxi.
Continuous Monitoring
12-lead ECG, SpO₂, ETCO₂, non-invasive BP, and temperature throughout the flight with transport-compatible monitor/defibrillator.
Mechanical Ventilation
Portable transport ventilator with pressure/volume control, PEEP, and FiO₂ adjustment — essential for intubated patients in pressurised environments.
Haemodynamic Support
Vasopressor and inotrope infusions via syringe drivers; fluid resuscitation management adapted to cabin altitude and patient response.
Pain & Sedation Management
Full controlled drug safe including opioid analgesics, sedatives, neuromuscular blocking agents, and reversal agents.
Altitude Physiology Management
Our ECPs are trained in Boyle's Law implications for pneumothorax, bowel obstruction, and air-filled medical devices at altitude.
Patient Documentation
Continuous Patient Report Form (PRF) completion during flight, handed over to receiving team on arrival with a full clinical summary.
Coordinate an Aeromedical Evacuation
Contact our 24-hour control centre immediately. Have the patient's location, clinical condition, and receiving facility ready. Every minute of coordination time counts.
WhatsApp Dispatch