Life-Saving Operation After a Massive Brain Hemorrhage
A complex neurological emergency abroad required rapid medical decisions, international coordination, and strong teamwork — all of which led to a successful repatriation managed by Remed Assistance.
Sudden collapse during an excursion in Oman
During his stay in the UAE, a 58-year-old Russian tourist suddenly lost consciousness while on an excursion in Oman and was taken to Dibba Oman Hospital, where he received initial emergency care. Due to his critical condition, he was transferred to the modern Fujairah Hospital (EHS) for further treatment.
Diagnosis and urgent surgical intervention
Examinations revealed a large hemorrhage in the left hemisphere of the brain, causing significant pressure and displacement of brain structures. The patient underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure and remove the accumulated blood. Persistent brain swelling in the following days required a second operation, during which part of the skull was removed to reduce intracranial pressure. The patient remained in a medically induced coma, and two weeks later, a tracheostomy was performed to facilitate breathing.
Financial limits and the decision to repatriate
After 23 days of hospitalization, the full insurance coverage limit of USD 40,000 had been exhausted. Given the high cost of intensive care in the UAE, a decision had to be made whether to continue treatment locally or organize medical evacuation to the patient’s home country.
Coordination and involvement of a second insurer
The Remed Assistance team coordinated communication between the hospital, the insurer, and the patient’s family. On 26 October 2025, repatriation was approved. Because of the patient’s fragile condition, transportation on a commercial flight was impossible, and an air ambulance was authorized instead. Organizing the flight required additional time and financial resources, especially considering the insurance limit had already been reached. During coordination, Remed Assistance identified a second insurance policy held by the patient in his home country, and this insurer agreed to cover the cost of evacuation.
Successful completion of the evacuation
On 30 October 2025, the patient was safely transported home by air ambulance and admitted to a local hospital. Thanks to clear coordination and persistence from the Remed Assistance team, every stage of the complex operation was completed smoothly and without complications.
Reflections from the coordination team
According to Irem Fahri, Operations Team Leader at Remed Assistance, this case was a strong reminder of the human and organizational balance required in medical coordination: “In situations like this, the challenge lies not only in logistics or finance but in sustaining communication and trust among all parties — medical staff, insurers, and the patient’s family. Every small step had to be aligned, every delay explained transparently. The success of this evacuation was built on teamwork, empathy, and precise coordination across borders.”
This case emphasized the importance of swift clinical decision-making, flexible problem-solving, and cross-border coordination. Thanks to the professionalism, perseverance, and human empathy of the Remed Assistance team, financial and logistical challenges were successfully overcome, ensuring the patient’s safety and the continuity of medical care.