The Caribbean, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, is also home to unique challenges in healthcare accessibility due to its geography and dispersed populations. In such a setting, Medical Evacuation,plays a crucial role in ensuring timely and specialized medical care for those in need. This article delves into the significance, operation, and impact of MEDEVAC services in the Caribbean guaranteed by St Barth Executive.
Medical Evacuation, or MEDEVAC, is a critical component of emergency medical services. It involves the safe and rapid transport of patients from areas where they are unable to receive adequate medical care to facilities equipped to provide the required level of treatment. Many remote areas lack specialized medical facilities, making it imperative to have reliable MEDEVAC services in place. The Caribbean region,presents unique challenges in healthcare accessibility. Many Caribbean nations have established government agencies dedicated to emergency medical services, including medical flights. Our private companydecided to play a significant role in the MEDEVAC services. In our fleet,a dedicated medical aircraft and a team of highly trained medical professionals, help optimize our regional health system.
Vincent Beauvarlet, CEO of St Barth Executive, declares
St Barth Executive, based in St Barth, with secondary bases in Guadeloupe and St Martin, is a French operator EASA-certificated, managing a fleet of Pilatus PC-12 NG/ NGX. The Pilatus PC-12 is the leader for ambulance flights. This airplane is the only business aircraft with a cargo door, in addition to a main passenger entry door, that facilitates the safe loading and unloading of the patients. With Pressure Cabin, the plane will hold a sea-level cabin pressure throughout the flight for at-risk patients. The spacious and entirely modular cabin can accommodate one or two patients in a flat position plus the medical personnel. The medical personnel are equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment to stabilize and monitor patients during transport.
St Barth Executive Crew Members can take-off in 01h30’min if under contract and 2/3 hours for one shot requests, after the hospital and medical crew confirmation. The Company has existing contracts with the local hospital facilities. In life-threating situation, minutes can make a significant difference, and St Barth Executive, ensures the patients receive timely attention. The company is on duty 24/7/365 for the MEDEVAC.
“While MEDEVAC services in the Caribbean have made significant strides, there are still challenges to overcome. These include issues related to weather conditions, infrastructure, and funding. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, private providers, and international organizations are essential for further development. Looking ahead, advancements in technology, including telemedicine and remote monitoring, hold promise for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of MEDEVAC services in the region
he stated again Mr Beauvarlet
As the region continues to grow and develop, the continued expansion and enhancement of MEDEVAC services will be vital in safeguarding the health and well-being of Caribbean residents and visitors alike.
As you know, time is precious!
SBE invested very early in the medicalization of its aircraft and invested without waiting to have state contracts to start operating medical flights. From the beginning of SBE operations, these pilots were trained to take off at night from St Barth. which were no longer practiced for several years and today still the only company to operate at night in ST BARTH.
After a long work with the authorities of St Martin, the airport of Grand-Case and the civil aviation we succeeded in certifying the landings of night in Grand-Case as part of the medical evacuations. SBE is now the only certified company to land at night in Grand-Case, which significantly increases St Martin’s medical capacity.
In the same logic SBE has invested, trained, and developed procedures in partnership with the SAMU971 (French state emergency organization) for the transport of contagious passengers, this from the very beginning of the epidemic in Europe and before the first case of COVID19 in our islands. Thus, SBE was the only private company in the French West Indies to transport contagious patients throughout the crisis and still today if necessary in complete safety (we transported more than a hundred COVID19 patients).
Our team of great experiences is totally dedicated to the health continuity of the islands to ensure the safety of our families and dear important visitors whom we take care of.
St BARTH EXECUTIVE is able to fly throughout the Caribbean basin but also in the USA (direct flight St BARTH – MIAMI in 4h40)
SBE MEDEVAC in a few figures: almost 500 medical evacuation flights in 2022 including a hundred night between ST Martin St Barth and Pointe-à-Pitre and Fort-de-France.
With its dedicated call center, the medical flight, can be scheduled 2/3 hours ahead of time depending on the destination of the flight (including long-range international flights such as Miami)
For any request, please contact ops@stbarthexecutive.com, or via phone (24/7) +590 690 754 667