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247 aviation medical team performing training in private aircraft

Fly with Confidence: Elevating Patient Care Through Continuous Aeromedical Training at 247 Aviation

Keeping up to date with aeromedical transfer training is not just an obligation, but an investment in excellence. The team at 247 Aviation is committed to continuous learning and skill development, not only safeguarding our patients but also strengthening the reputation of the entire air ambulance community.

Working in the aeromedical environment, it is essential to maintain skills and expertise. Whether you’re a seasoned Flight Nurse or a budding Flight Doctor, staying abreast of the latest protocols, honing your skills, and maintaining physical and mental fitness are paramount. That’s where 247 Aviation’s continuous learning culture comes in, playing a vital role in ensuring the best possible outcomes for critically ill patients.

Regular training ensures that our teams have the up-to-date knowledge and skills needed to provide high quality patient care.

247 Aviation medical teams participate in regular CPD days to ensure they are ready to manage any medical emergencies that may arise, gaining hands-on experience with scenario-based simulations which test teamwork and decision-making under pressure.

medical training dummy in air ambulance

Performing these training exercises is testament to 247 Aviation’s commitment to investing in patient safety and integration of our medical and flight crew training allows us to develop excellent teamwork, communication, and leadership. This is essential to consistently deliver high quality patient care.

Each simulation is followed by a thorough debriefing session, where the 247 Aviation team analyses their performance, identifies areas for improvement, and refines their approach. This continuous learning cycle ensures that our clinical delivery is safe, effective and can be replicated regardless of which team members are flying.

Regular medical training translates into tangible results:

Improved patient outcomes

Clinical Safety

Enhanced crew confidence and performance

Stronger reputation and trust

247 Aviation sets a high bar when it comes to medical training. We understand that by investing in crews’ knowledge and skills they will be ready to answer any calls for help with expertise and dedication

copeland distillery Ireland

Belfast’s Copeland Distillery Takes Flight with 247 Aviation in Collaborative Spirit!

Raise a glass to a partnership born in the clouds!  As a luxury air charter operator we are pleased to announce a thrilling step to supply renowned Northern Irish distillery, Copeland onboard our private charter aircraft.

The Donaghadee based distillery, best known as a producer of craft Gin, Rum and Whiskey creates a unique experience for domestic and international visitors. Steeped in the history of Belfast’s docks and renowned for its handcrafted whiskeys, brings generations of distilling expertise to the table.

Experience the rich maritime flavours of Copeland on board our 247 Aviation, Pilatus PC-12 and receive a warm Northern Irish welcome with a traditional range of premium quality craft spirits.

This exciting venture promises to blend the rich heritage of Copeland distillery with the innovative spirit of 247 Aviation private jet charter, resulting in a unique and flavourful expression that will tantalise taste buds and stir aviation dreams.

Copeland Spirits Range

Keep your eyes peeled on the skies (and social media!) for further announcements, and prepare to embark on a flavourful journey with Copeland and 247 Aviation.

Air Medical Staff

247 Aviation Air Ambulance Medical Team: A Commitment to Excellence

247 Aviation Air Ambulance is proud to introduce its medical team, who ensure the highest level of care for patients during air transport.

Leading the team is Dr. Neil Crooks our Medical Director. Dr Crooks has worked in the aeromedical industry for almost 20 years’ and brings a wealth of experience in complex aeromedical transfers, critical care and anaesthetics. He oversees the clinical aspects of medical operations, leading a team that places an emphasis on delivering high quality patient care.

Deputy Medical Director, Dr. James Hardwick, is a Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine and Anaesthesia. He brings over 15 years of experience in infant, paediatric and adult transfer, retrieval, and aeromedical repatriation. His other interests in organ donation, point-of-care ultrasound, and medical education contribute significantly to medical decision-making within the team.

Clinical Services Director, Adam Broom, comes to 247 Aviation with 20 years’ of experience in the aeromedical industry. His role is to oversee all aspects of clinical delivery, supporting the medical director, to ensure strong clinical governance.

Air Medical Staff

We are thrilled to welcome Judith McKinney as the newly appointed Chief Flight Nurse. Judith has been with 247 Aviation from its inception, working as a flight nurse coordinator. Her extensive critical care experience and strong leadership style make her a valuable asset to the team.

The combined experience of our senior clinical team is the cornerstone of 247 Aviation Air commitment to providing a safe, effective, and well-led aeromedical repatriation service.

interior of an air ambulance aircraft

247 Aviation: Providing World-Class Aeromedical Services Around the Globe

247 Aviation is a leading provider of aeromedical services in the UK, offering a wide range of solutions to meet the needs of patients, healthcare providers, and organisations worldwide. With a network of aircraft, 247 Aviation Air Ambulance is committed to providing safe, efficient, and compassionate care to patients on every continent.

Aeromedical services encompass a wide range of medical care and transportation services provided to patients in the aviation environment. These services play a central role in ensuring the safe and timely evacuation and treatment of patients with critical illnesses or injuries, particularly in remote or challenging locations.

What are Aeromedical Services?

247 Aviation’s aeromedical services include:

✔️ Medical retrieval or repatriation:

The transporting of ill or injured patients to their home country for the continuation of medical treatment.

✔️ Organ and tissue transport:

Ensuring the timely and safe transport of organs and tissues for transplantation.

✔️ Emergency Medical Evacuation:

The evacuation of critically ill or injured patients to a point of definitive or higher levels of care.

✔️ Commercially Escorted Medical transfers:

The repatriation of generally stable patients on scheduled airlines worldwide.

Case Studies

247 Aviation has a long history of providing safe and efficient aeromedical services to patients around the world. Here are a few case studies that demonstrate the company’s commitment to excellence:

✔️ 247 Aviation successfully repatriated a critically ill patient from a remote location to a specialised care facility. The patient was transported on a jet aircraft equipped with a full ICU setup staffed by a team of specialised medical personnel.

✔️ 247 Aviation provided emergency air ambulance transport for a patient in a life-threatening situation. The patient was transported from a rural hospital to a major medical centre supported with ICU level care.

Our Commitment to Safety and Quality

Aeromedical services offer several significant benefits, including improved patient outcomes, reduced risk of complications and efficient and specialised patient transport.

247 Aviation aeromedical staff possess specific qualifications and undergo rigorous training to work in this demanding field. Their expertise, training, and commitment to patient care make them invaluable assets in the delivery of aeromedical services worldwide.

We are committed to providing the highest level of safety and quality in all of our aeromedical services. The company’s aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and staffed by highly trained and experienced medical professionals.

With advancements in medical technology and aviation capabilities, aeromedical services are poised to continue evolving and expanding, further enhancing patient care and transportation in the aviation environment.

247 Aviation is a leading provider of aeromedical services, offering a wide range of solutions to meet the needs of patients, healthcare providers, and organisations worldwide. With a global network of bases and aircraft, 247 Aviation is committed to providing safe, efficient, and compassionate care to patients on every continent.

247 Aviation banner

247 Aviation Strengthens Medical Team with Key Appointments

247 Aviation, a leading UK-based provider of aeromedical services, today announced the appointment of three experienced medical professionals to its team. Dr Neil Crooks joins as Medical Director, Dr James Hardwick as Deputy Medical Director, and Mr Adam Broom as Clinical Services Manager.

“We are thrilled to welcome Neil, James, and Adam to our team,” said Stanley Edgar, managing director of SERE Holding Ltd. “As we expand our aeromedical capabilities, their expertise and experience will be invaluable in delivering the highest quality care to our patients.”

Dr Neil Crooks as their new Medical Director

Dr Neil Crooks – 247 Aviation Medical Director

Dr Neil Crooks brings nearly 20 years of experience in the aeromedical industry, having previously served as Medical Director at Air Alliance UK Ltd and Air Medical (AirMed) Oxford Ltd. He is an ALS, EPALS, and TEAM Course Instructor and also has a particular interest in remote anaesthesia. Dr Crooks is an Intensive Care Medicine and Anaesthesia Consultant at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

Air Medical Staff

Dr James Hardwick – 247 Aviation Deputy Medical Director

Dr James Hardwick joins 247 Aviation with over 15 years of experience in infant, paediatric, and adult transfer, retrieval, and aeromedical repatriation. His other interests include organ donation, point-of-care ultrasound, and medical education. Dr Hardwick is also an Intensive Care Medicine and Anaesthesia consultant based at the Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Adam Broom Clinical services manager

Adam Broom – 247 Aviation Clinical Services Manager

Mr Adam Broom has over two decades of experience in the aeromedical industry. He has carried out over 300 repatriations himself and has been instrumental in planning and executing countless complex repatriations and evacuations worldwide. Mr Broom previously served as Clinical Director at the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance and as Clinical Services Manager for Air Alliance Medflight UK Ltd.

With these key appointments, 247 Aviation is well-positioned to continue its commitment to providing the highest quality aeromedical care to patients worldw247 Aviation is a leading UK-based provider of aeromedical services. The company operates a Lear 45 and Pilatus PC12 fully equipped medical aircraft and provides a range of aeromedical services, including air ambulance, repatriation, and medical evacuation. 247 Aviation is committed to providing patients with the highest quality aeromedical care worldwide.

Air ambulance nurse staff checking patient onboard a jet ambulance

247Aviation – A Guide to Patient Repatriation

Patient repatriations facilitate the transfer of patients back to their home base, ensuring the continuity of medical care they require to make a significant recovery. Suffering a sudden accident or illness in a foreign country can be an extremely traumatic experience, for both the patient and relatives, particularly if specialised medical treatment is unavailable abroad. Depending on how significant the injury or illness is, flying home commercially may not be feasible as it may cause extreme discomfort to the patient or further damage to their health. In cases like this, patient repatriation is often the best solution.

air ambulance service

247 Aviation’s Learjet45XR is a specially configured intensive care equipped jet, which is especially designed for aeromedical transport of critically ill patients. This aircraft is fully equipped with a range of the latest airportable medical equipment including a range of monitors, ventilators, and complex-care equipment to ensure that the patient is monitored, every possible situation is catered for, should the patient’s health require immediate assistance in flight. The jet is equipped with a bespoke and comfortable stretcher to maximise patient comfort during flight.

COORDINATION AND PLANNING

Once the repatriation has been confirmed; 247Aviation’s experienced operations team and flight nurse coordination team will carefully coordinate the transfer of the patient, by liaising with medical professionals and transportation coordinators to ensure a safe and efficient transfer of the individual. This process usually includes the transfer of the patient from the hospital to the airport, where the aircraft will be waiting to transport the individual to the chosen destination. Every patient repatriation case is different. Therefore, patients are assessed and categorised depending on their current health status, physical mobility and how high-risk they are. All these factors are considered and will determine which medical professionals are required to accompany the patient onboard. All decisions are made to ensure the patient’s health and comfort are always placed at the forefront of the operation.

DAY OF PATIENT REPATRIATION

Prior to travel, the flight crew and the medical team will have a team briefing to ensure that everyone is well informed for the day ahead. The medical team will brief the patient profile, medications/treatments on board, oxygen requirements and travel arrangements. The flight crew will brief the weather (including any expectation of turbulence during the flight which may cause discomfort for the passenger), the flight path and expected schedule for the day. Once the briefing is complete, our team will fly to the nearest airport to the patient’s location.

Upon arrival, the medical team will usually travel to the hospital to meet the patient. During this time, the patient and/or relatives, can express their concerns and ask any questions they may have. The medical team will also conduct a final assessment to determine that they are fit to travel by air, and that the transfer will not cause any further deterioration to the patient’s health. If there is any doubt, this will be expressed to the patient and/or to their relatives.

If the patient is deemed fit for travel, the repatriation will go ahead as planned and an ambulance will transfer the patient and their travel companions to the airport. Once the ambulance has reached the airport, it will be driven airside to meet the medical team and flight crew at the aircraft. Depending on how physically able the patient is, they will either walk on to the aircraft, or they will be lifted onto the aircraft using the stretcher equipment.

Throughout the flight, the medical team will consistently monitor the patient and note any changes in their condition. Medication for pain relief, as well as oxygen, will be supplied to the patient (at the discretion of the medical team), to ensure that the patient is as comfortable as possible. Next to the stretcher, there are additional seats for travel companions which will help with any anxiety the patient and/or their relatives may have. Throughout the flight, any questions or concerns are always addressed and welcome, to help ease everyone involved in the operation.

There is always constant communication between the medical team and the pilots which is particularly important should there be any issues during the flight. The pilots are regularly kept up to date with the patient’s condition. In the unlikely event of concerning deterioration to the patient’s condition, the medical team may decide that the patient’s condition requires immediate on-ground medical attention. In this case, the flight crew will relay the information to ATC to get the patient on the ground, to seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Learjet 45 parked at airport

Once the aircraft has arrived at the patient’s home base, an ambulance will transfer the patient to the hospital (if further treatment is required and/or they require medical supervision) or they will be transported to recover in the comfort of their own homes.

Should you have any queries regarding patient repatriations, please do not hesitate to contact our team by calling on +44(0)28 9344 5956 or filling out a contact form under the “Contact Us” section on our website!

SERE GROUP: SAVING LIVES THROUGH ORGAN TRANSPORTATION

Organ donation is a remarkable gift that can save countless lives. When an organ becomes available for transplant, time is of the essence. Organ donation transportation plays a crucial role in ensuring these life-saving gifts reach their recipients promptly and safely. In this blog, we’ll explore the intricacies of organ transportation and recognise the efforts made by organisations within SERE Group, such as IMT Medical and 247 Aviation Air Ambulance, that work to facilitate organ transport in the UK. 

During the week of Monday 18th September 2023, the spotlight shines on the remarkable efforts of the staff at SERE Group as Organ Donation Week unfolds. This week aims to raise awareness about organ donation, and the individuals instrumental in making it possible. The dedicated teams within SERE Group, which include IMT Medical, and 247 Aviation Air Ambulance, exhibit unwavering commitment to the cause as they work tirelessly to facilitate the vital transport of donor organs across the UK. Their relentless efforts ensure the efficient delivery of organs to those in need, underscoring the pivotal role these teams play in saving lives through organ donation transport.

THE PROCESS: FROM DONOR TO RECIPIENT

The organ transplant process begins when medical professionals alert the UK’s organ procurement organisation, NHS Blood & Transplant (NHSBT), on the availability of a donor organ. As NHSBT manage both the NHS Organ Donor Register and the National Transplant Register, they have the tools available to prioritise potential recipients based on medical urgency, organ compatibility, and various other factors.  

Once a recipient is identified, the skilled surgical team at the donor’s hospital starts the delicate process of organ recovery, ensuring meticulous preservation and preparation of the organs for transport. Specialised containers are used to ensure the organs are stable and shielded from external factors that may compromise their quality.  

Time is a critical factor in organ donation transportation. The moment an organ becomes available, a series of coordinated actions are set into motion. Organs have varying ischemic times – the time an organ can be without a blood supply – before they become unsuitable for the recipient. IMT Medical, NHSBT’s designated organ transport provider, organise the logistics to ensure the timely delivery of the organ to the recipient’s hospital.

Should air transport be required, IMT Medical will engage with SERE Group’s emergency air transport service, 247 Aviation Air Ambulance, provide a round-the-clock, nationwide service to ensure the timely transport of organs to their recipient. With most organs only viable for a few hours following their retrieval, 247 Aviation Air Ambulance aircraft and pilots are ready to take off at a moments notice. Utilising proprietary donor organ tracking and logistics software via IMT Medical, 247 Aviation Air Ambulance are able to quickly formulate the most efficient flight plan to ensure each moment is optimised.

Each organisation involved in the organ transplant process works together seamlessly to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of donor organs, contributing to the lifesaving process of organ transplantation. As well as dramatically improving the length and quality of life for the recipients, organ transplants can ease the pressure on the NHS and its resources. SERE Group acknowledge and appreciate the commitment and dedication of everyone involved in the process, which is often delivered in challenging circumstances, through anti-social hours, and in unfamiliar environments, all across the UK.  

ORGAN DONATION: THE BENEFITS

The choice to be an organ donor is a remarkable and selfless act that can not only save lives, but improve the quality of life for individuals. The benefits of organ donation are numerous and far-reaching, touching not only the organ recipients but also their families, the healthcare system, and the wider community.

Saving Lives 

The most significant benefit of organ donation is that it can save the lives of individuals with organ failure. An organ transplant offers a chance for those suffering from end-stage organ diseases to regain their health and lead full lives.  

Improved Quality of Life 

Organ transplant recipients often experience a significant improvement in their overall quality of life now that they are free from the constraints of chronic illness. They can return to normal activities, resume their careers, and spend quality time with their loved ones. 

Saving Healthcare Resources 

When individuals receive an organ transplant, they may no longer need expensive ongoing treatments or continuous medical intervention, resulting in substantial savings for the NHS. 

Medical Advancements 

Organ transplantation has spurred medical advancements in surgical techniques, immunosuppressive medications, and post-operative care. These advancements have not only improved transplant success rates, but have also contributed to medical knowledge that benefits patients with a wide range of conditions.

Families Find Comfort 

Donating the organs of a deceased loved one can provide families with a sense of comfort and purpose during this very difficult time. Knowing that their loved one’s organs have given others a second chance can bring a sense of solace.

Social and Emotional Satisfaction 

Organ donors often experience a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfilment for having made a positive impact on someone else’s life, whether the donor knew the recipient or not. This act of selflessness can lead to increased emotional well-being and a sense of purpose.

Stronger Communities 

Organ donation fosters a sense of community and solidarity. It encourages people to come together for a common cause, reinforcing the notion that every individual has the potential to make a difference in the lives of others.  

Addressing Organ Shortages 

Organ shortages are a significant challenge in the field of transplantation. By donating organs, individuals contribute to addressing this shortage and help provide lifesaving options for those on transplant waiting lists. 

ORGAN DONATION IN THE UK

Organ donation is a topic of profound significance, one that holds the power to save and improve countless lives. In recent years, Northern Ireland and the wider UK have witnessed significant developments in organ donation laws and practices, bringing about a shift in how this life-saving act is perceived and regulated.

DÁITHÍ’S LAW

In Northern Ireland (NI), a notable change has occurred in the realm of organ donation. The new opt-out system, often referred to as Dáithí’s Law, was introduced to make the process of organ donation more streamlined and effective. This law, which came into effect on 1st June 2023, assumes that individuals aged 18 and above are potential organ donors, unless they explicitly opt out, or are within an excluded group.

While the new opt-out system may raise questions about the compulsory nature of organ donation, it is important to emphasise that donation remains a voluntary act. Individuals still have the choice to opt out if they wish to do so, and the law respects their decision. This change is designed to increase the number of potential donors and reduce the gaps between organ supply and demand, ultimately saving more lives.

Specialist nursing staff continue to engage with families at this difficult time, to address any concerns surrounding donation, faith, and beliefs, and ensure a considerate approach prior to any organ or tissue donation taking place. For more information on this law and its implications, you can visit NHS Organ Donation and Organ Donation NI.

It’s worth noting that the new organ donation law is not exclusive to NI, and extends to the wider UK as well. The opt-out system was already in place in Wales and England, and its introduction in NI further harmonises the organ donation process across the UK. For a comprehensive understanding of organ donation and transplantation services in the UK, you can refer to NHSBT.

Organ transplants have an immense impact on saving lives and providing recipients and their families with a second chance. NHS Blood & Transplant (NHSBT) are playing a vital role in the area of organ donations in the UK, however there is an ongoing challenge of organ shortages and an urgent need for more donors. In 2022/23, NHSBT facilitated over 4,600 transplants throughout the UK which each transplant showcasing the power of selfless donors, and the marvels of the medical teams who carried out the procedures.  

Despite the remarkable achievements of organ transplants, the reality remains that there are currently over 7,000 individuals on the UK Transplant Waiting List. The numbers, accompanied by the fact that over 430 people lost their lives while waiting for a donor organ, underscore the urgency for more organ donors. The Department of Health revealed that 59 Northern Irish donors facilitated an impressive 140 life-saving transplants across the UK last year. It is important to understand that not everyone has the opportunity to become an organ donor. This is why Dáithí’s Law which aims to  enhance the availability of organ donors in Northern Ireland, is so significant. However, the challenges of organ scarcity and lengthy waiting lists continue to require ongoing attention. Each individual on the waiting list is waiting for their chance, emphasising how crucial it is to register as an organ donor, or have an open conversation with your family so they understand your intention to become a donor. 

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