In Good Hands

David Ewing tries to be prepared for the worst. As someone who works in the travel industry, Ewing knows the unexpected situations that could occur while visiting another city, state or country for that matter. In fact, the Miami resident had a firsthand experience of such an “unexpected situation” that made him even more convinced of the importance of having the right coverage.

“I was in Quebec City in May 2024; it’s a place I had visited many times before, but this time was for a business conference that I was attending,” said Ewing. “I was returning to my hotel from a meeting, when I fell in the hotel driveway. I thought I was okay to go to my room, but then noticed excessive swelling in my leg.” In spite of his pain, Ewing managed to drive to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.

“The hospital did not accept my travel insurance and requested immediate payment before being seen by a doctor, unlike what we are accustomed to in the U.S.,” he said. “I was sent back to the waiting room and within a few hours, was assigned a bed in the hallway. After getting a few scans and lab work done, I was informed that I had a fractured femur (break in the thigh bone). That’s when I told the staff I want to go back to Miami for treatment.”

Ewing then emailed AirMed International for help.

As a member of the AirMed International Membership program, Ewing was able to receive valuable support that didn’t involve any costs on his end. Benefits of the membership program include, AirMed facilitating transports to a hospital of the patient’s choice in one of the program’s medically equipped, private aircraft. The patient pays no out-of-pocket expenses for the flight and AirMed coordinates all aspects of the mission. Additional membership benefits include worldwide air medical evacuation and repatriation to the hospital of the patient’s choice, commercial medical escorts for less extreme circumstances and transportation of mortal remains.

Ewing says he received a call back from AirMed’s communication center within minutes of his email, informing him that the air ambulance acknowledged his request to be flown to the hospital of his choice in his home city.

“AirMed kept the Quebec Hospital updated as well as the hospital I was going to be sent to, which was Jackson Memorial Hospital/Ryder Trauma Center,” recalled Ewing. “Then, almost to the very minute, 48 hours later, I was back in Miami.”

Today, Ewing is recovering well and remains a strong proponent of having a membership with AirMed.

“When I sent the email to AirMed, I knew I was on my way home to be treated among friends and family,” said Ewing. “As I told my story to doctors and nurses in Miami, they all wanted to know how to sign up for their travels. This service is a must-have for anyone who travels; the process is from start to finish very smooth: one call and email to AirMed, and I was on my way home. You really are in good hands with this membership.”