Bringing Care Home: Successful Stretcher Medical Repatriation from Antalya
- Martin Ball
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
At UCS Assist, every mission is a story of compassion, expertise, and precision. One of our most recent repatriations perfectly captures the heart of what we do: safely bringing patients home when they need it most.
Earlier in June, our specialist flight medic team completed a stretcher repatriation from Antalya, Turkey, to the UK, ensuring a patient could return home for ongoing care after a suffering a traumatic injury abroad. With meticulous planning and an unwavering focus on patient comfort and dignity, the mission was a resounding success.
The Call That Sparked a Mission
The request came in via our 24/7 operations team—an urgent need to repatriate a British national who had been hospitalised in Antalya following a medical emergency. The patient was stable but required stretcher transport and medical monitoring throughout the journey. Within hours, our team had secured all necessary clearances, medical records, and flight bookings, and dispatched one of our highly experienced specialist paramedics to Antalya.
Medical Repatriation Coordination at it's Best
Stretcher repatriations on commercial aircraft require intricate logistics. Working closely with the airline, airport ground teams, and Turkish medical staff, our medic ensured that every detail—from appropriate analgesia to in-flight positioning—was tailored to the patient’s specific clinical needs.
As always, our approach was not just clinical but deeply human. The patient’s family, both in the UK and abroad, was kept informed throughout, reassured by our real-time updates and compassionate communication.
Seamless In-Flight Care
During the flight, our flight medic provided monitoring, managed medication schedules, and ensured the patient’s comfort and safety. Despite the challenges of an unfamiliar environment and extended travel time, the patient remained stable and relaxed—testament to both the medic’s clinical skill and calm bedside manner.
A Safe Return, A Grateful Family
On arrival in the UK, the patient was met by a private ambulance arranged through our trusted network and safely transferred to their local hospital. The family, waiting with relief and gratitude, described the experience as “flawless” and praised the professionalism of our team.
More Than a Journey
For us, this wasn’t just a flight—it was a bridge back to familiar faces, trusted care, and peace of mind. It’s why we do what we do. Every mission, every mile, every moment matters.
If you or a loved one requires medical repatriation—whether by stretcher, wheelchair, or medical escort—UCS Assist is here 24/7 to provide expert, compassionate support.
Because home is where healing begins.
