Medical Evacuation from the UAE After Cardiac Arrest
A critical medical emergency abroad required rapid coordination, professional determination, and compassion — resulting in a successful evacuation carried out by the Remed Assistance team under highly challenging circumstances.
Sudden collapse during vacation
On 30 September 2025, the Remed Assistance service centre received a call from the friend of an insured woman who had just arrived for a vacation in the UAE. On the same day, she began to feel unwell, and during the night her condition deteriorated sharply — she suffered a cardiac arrest. Thanks to the swift response of the emergency medical team and immediate CPR, her heartbeat and breathing were restored.
Fighting for life and emergency treatment
The patient was admitted to Al Qassimi Hospital, where doctors performed angioplasty on the left anterior descending artery. Following the procedure, she remained in the intensive care unit in a deep coma. The main diagnoses were cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction.
Decision for air medical evacuation
After consultation with the insurance company, the case was fully accepted under the policy coverage, including medical treatment and evacuation costs. Due to the patient’s critical condition, transport could only be carried out aboard an air ambulance with a full medical team.
Complex coordination amid international restrictions
Remed Assistance team coordinated efforts between the hospital, insurance company, airline, and the patient’s relatives. Despite significant challenges caused by international restrictions and the inability of national services to participate, the team obtained the necessary medical board approvals for stretcher transportation under full medical supervision.
Safe evacuation and positive outcome
On 27 October, the medical escort team arrived in Sharjah, consulted with the treating physicians, and prepared the patient for transfer. The next day, she was taken by ambulance to Dubai Airport and boarded the aircraft using an ambu-lift. The flight proceeded smoothly, and upon arrival in her home country, she was admitted to a regional hospital in stable condition.
Supporting the family with empathy
According to Sona Karamanci, Team Leader at Remed Assistance, one of the most sensitive aspects of this case was communication with the patient’s family. During a period of emotional exhaustion, the patient’s son considered discontinuing life-support therapy. Through patient and compassionate dialogue, the team provided detailed medical explanations and helped him make an informed decision to continue treatment.
Empathy, clear communication, and coordination across international systems proved essential to achieving this outcome. The dedication of Remed Assistance’s medical and operational teams, combined with transparency and persistence in complex international conditions, ensured a safe evacuation and reinforced the company’s commitment to human-centred care in every mission.