As a medical professional, I’ve had the privilege of assisting families during some of their most challenging moments. One such case that stands out was the recent international medical transfer of a 66-year-old Indian gentleman, from Perth, Australia, to Delhi, India—a mission that reflected the precision and compassion required in long-distance patient care.
I first received a call from the patient’s son, who was understandably distressed. His father had suffered a sudden stroke while traveling in Australia with his wife. He was initially taken to Rockingham General Hospital after exhibiting symptoms such as facial drooping, slurred speech, and limited mobility. He was later transferred to Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital for more specialized treatment, where he was diagnosed with a cerebrovascular accident, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and severe carotid artery stenosis.
The patient’s son explained their situation clearly—they were far from home, and the family wished to continue his treatment in Delhi, where their support network could provide ongoing care. He inquired about all available solutions to transport his father safely under medical supervision, ideally without the high cost of an air ambulance jet.
After evaluating the medical reports and understanding the patient’s stability, I recommended a commercial stretcher transfer on a scheduled airline—an approach that falls under commercial air ambulance services. This type of ambulance flight service is a medically equipped solution provided aboard regular commercial aircraft, offering both safety and cost-effectiveness when full air ambulance jets are not required.
Once the family approved the plan and associated costs, our team at Ashoka Rescue began coordinating the entire operation with our signature attention to detail. We obtained the necessary medical clearances from both the treating hospital and the airline’s medical desk. Simultaneously, we arranged for a stretcher-equipped section aboard an Emirates Airlines flight, organized ground ambulance services at both ends, and secured accommodation for our medical team.
On 22nd April 2025, my colleague, Dr. Suryanarayana Mishra, and I flew from Delhi to Perth to assume direct responsibility for the patient’s care. After meeting with the treating doctors, assessing the patient’s current condition, and finalizing in-flight care protocols, we were ready to proceed. On 24th April, we boarded the return Emirates flight with the patient and his wife. The aircraft had been specially configured with a stretcher, oxygen support, and space for continuous monitoring. Throughout the journey, the patient remained hemodynamically stable and tolerated the flight exceptionally well.
Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, a waiting ground ambulance transported the patient directly to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, where he was admitted for continued neurological and rehabilitative treatment under the supervision of local specialists.
This case is a clear example of how ambulance flight services, including commercial air ambulance solutions, can provide critical support for patients who are stable enough to fly but still require professional medical oversight during international repatriation.
Every successful transfer like this reminds me how vital it is to combine clinical expertise, logistical coordination, and human empathy—especially when lives and families are involved across continents.
On behalf of the entire Ashoka Rescue team, I sincerely wish the patient a full and speedy recovery.
— Dr. Ashok Kumar
Lead Physician, Ashoka Rescue
