Case Study: Human Ventilator Case
Overview
Alliance International Medical Services (AIMS) managed a critical case involving an elderly patient diagnosed with a bowel obstruction, complicated by a cardiopulmonary arrest. The incident highlighted the importance of timely communication and adherence to expert medical advice, particularly for overseas insurers. This case study outlines the chronological events and emphasizes the necessity for insurers to act promptly on the recommendations provided by medical assistance services like AIMS.
Initial Contact and Delay
In February, AIMS received an email request from the insurer regarding a patient in West Africa who was experiencing severe vomiting. The hospital that was mentioned was not part of our network and a different hospital from within our network was recommended. AIMS requested full case details and an initial guarantee of payment (GOP), but there was a lack of response from the insurer.
Escalation of the Situation
The insurer had responded, apologizing for the delay and informing AIMS that the patient had been admitted to the Hospital, with surgery planned if her condition did not improve. AIMS reiterated that they had no knowledge of the hospital’s suitability and recommended evacuation to Johannesburg, or the UK emphasizing the necessity for urgent stabilization at a hospital known to us.
Urgent Need for Evacuatio
Communication issues arose as neither the patient nor her companions could be reached. AIMS stressed the urgent need to evacuate the patient, the insurer proposed evacuation to the Canary Islands, but AIMS advised against this due to limited facilities there an evacuation back to the UK was suggested instead.
Medical Report and Further Complications
The hospital provided a medical report, as a laparotomy had been done, however, it lacked details on surgical findings and post operative treatment. Within the first 24hrs post operatively the patient complicated with a cardio-respiratory arrest requiring intubation, which is when matters become troubling.
Coordination and Intervention
A conference call is arranged between AIM`S CEO Bernadette Breton with the treating doctor at the first Hospital. The surgeon is very reassuring until she makes it known that the patient is indeed intubated but there is not a ventilator! When asked how exactly the patient is being maintained in the absence of a ventilator the surgeon very confidently tells Bernadette to not worry as she has an entire row of ventilators “they are called nurses”, this undoubtedly confirmed the patient’s need for transfer, where a mechanical ventilator was available. The transfer was complicated as the available ventilators of which there were two, belonged to the local Government hospital 4 bedded ICU, all beds occupied by nationals of the West African Country concerned.
Currently stress levels where high with suggestions coming from the Insurers side of the possibility to involve the patients Embassy, the Police, send an ambulance with a ventilator. Calmly knowledge of the area and relationships built of many years were called upon, a local Dr known to AIMS contacted the Government hospital explained the situation and asked if assistance might be rendered to this elderly patient, in this instance luck prevailed and space was made available in the ICU and a ventilator set up for this patient.
Additional extenuating circumstances were those of opportunistic locals from staff in the hotel to the first hospital telling family members blood for patient transfusion was being looked for in the streets of the town, transfer monies and the required antibiotics could be purchased!
In Conclusion
This case underscores the critical importance of timely action and adherence to expert local knowledge & medical input. Any delays in response and action by the parties involved Insurers or Assistance Company can exacerbated the patient’s condition, which should highlight the necessity for overseas insurers to listen closely to the recommendations of medical assistance services like AIMS. Prompt communication and swift action are crucial in ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients in precarious conditions.
Author bio:
Bernadette Breton founded Alliance International Medical Services (AIMS) over 22 years ago. As an experienced CEO and company director, she has a demonstrated history of working in the medical field and the medical assistance industry.
Her career journey took her to South Africa in 1982, as they say, “the rest is history”, on a 2-year medical contract at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, then know has Johannesburg General Hospital, Bernadette ran the Nuero Surgical ICU. She then moved to the private sector and ran the ICU for Sunninghill hospital and during her time in the private sector, she found herself assisting within one of the major South African Hospital Groups the concept of foreign patient admissions. This passion ultimately inspired her to establish AIMS, a leading provider of medical assistance services across Africa.
Company bio:
Alliance International Medical Services (AIMS) has provided medical assistance since 2002. We value our diverse local collegial ties in South Africa and across the African continent. We have also worked hard to build a large hospital network and many service providers. AIMS is currently a prominent Medical Assistance service provider within Africa, specialising in comprehensive medical assistance through strong local knowledge & connections in South Africa and beyond Africa.
