Recently, we got a request to transport an elderly woman who had fallen and sustained a femoral fracture from Liberia to Cote d’Ivoire. Before transfer, she had a pelvic immobilization done and was to be transported to a location where surgery could be done.

Although clinically stable, the client was a known hypertensive and diabetic patient on medications and due to her age and diagnosis, was at risk of developing deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

The hospital in Liberia had managed for 2 days and stated need for air transfer due to lack of facilities to perform surgeries. The doctors advised she be transported as a stretcher case and in a recumbent position. Arrangements were also made with the receiving hospital in Abidjan.

After we were contacted, preparations were adequately made for transfer and on arrival at Monrovia; our physician-led team assessed the client and boarded her for transport.

During the flight, her blood pressure increased and her oxygen saturation fell slightly due to the altitude however, our team kept her stable throughout.

The transfer was successful and she was handed over to the receiving hospital in Abidjan for further management.