Occupational Injury at Sea: Safe Evacuation When It Matters Most

Case Study: Africa

When a crew member cleaning the hold of a cargo ship fell nearly ten metres onto scaffolding, the outcome could have been devastating. He suffered multiple fractures, including spinal injuries and broken ankles – serious trauma requiring urgent medical attention and a coordinated international air ambulance evacuation.

The incident occurred off the coast of Madagascar, a remote location where emergency medical services are limited. The patient, a Philippine national, was covered under his employer’s occupational travel health insurance – a critical element that enabled this air medical rescue mission. Universal Air Evac was activated to manage the case.

Ground Support and Clinical Assessment

Due to poor weather conditions, the evacuation was delayed by 24 hours. Universal Air Evac’s team worked closely with local partners to ensure a safe and stable transfer from the vessel to shore. The attending doctor in Madagascar was instrumental as she is fluent in French and experienced in South African medical protocols.

This helped ensure clear, fast communication with Universal Air Evac’s South African team and maintained alignment on patient care. Such local insight can dramatically reduce the risk of miscommunication in critical missions.

With no CT scan available on-site, clinical assessment and sound judgement were key. The patient was immobilised using a vacuum mattress, creating a cocoon to protect his spine and ankles, and given intravenous pain medication to minimise movement and discomfort.

A Smooth Airborne Transfer

Much of the medical intervention was done on the ground before boarding the aircraft. This approach, standard for Universal Air Evac, is designed to prevent complications during flight and ensure the patient remains as stable and comfortable as possible.

Universal Air Evac’s operations team managed clearances, flight permissions, and fuel coordination in tandem with their clinical team to ensure a smooth transition from ship to shore to aircraft. It’s this level of detail and professionalism that makes the difference in complex international medical evacuations.

The patient was safely transferred and is expected to make a full recovery.

Why Workplace Travel Cover Matters

This case highlights the critical importance of workplace health insurance that includes air evacuation. Without proper cover, access to a specialist medical flight from a ship or remote region can be delayed.

Partner with Universal Air Evac

Partner with Universal Air Evac, a trusted air ambulance service in Africa and beyond. We work with insurers, assistance companies, and businesses to deliver safe, professional medical repatriation and emergency evacuations – even from the most remote or offshore environments.

If you’re looking to ensure your teams or clients have access to reliable emergency medical evacuation, get in touch with our team.

Note: For a firsthand look at the case from Dr Jane Olivier, who was on the ground during the evacuation, read her blog post here.