Hi there.

I went to Kazakhstan in September for international medical evacuation. This time of medical evacuation was transferring a patient from a hospital in Kazakhstan to Japanese hospital. Of course we took the patient back to the Japanese hospital safely.

I had thrilled feelings because this was the first time for me to be there. I stayed at a hotel in Astana city and found a stunning Mosque that I want to share with you. I could see some Mosques there because Kazakhstan has Muslim around 70% of total population of Kazakhstan. I took the picture of a Mosque that was outstanding colors of gold and light blue on the top of each Mosque as you can see.

Since taking so long walk to get the light blue one from the place where I stayed, I took the picture of the gold one only. However, I took a glance of light blue one while I was taken by a taxi from Airport. If you are interested in them, please google it or if you are planning to go there, please see them at once.

I also wanted to try Kazakhstan cuisine such as soup with meats and a boiled dumpling looked meal, but I had KFC unconsciously. I ordered a burger and chicken tenders and that were good and similar to Japanese one, though, there was no mayonnaise inside of the original burger, there was cheese like paste in it instead. As I grew up eating Japanese KFC, I felt missing something. Also, I want to share with you about a meal on plane from Kazakhstan which is shown on here.

Do you have any idea the blue and triangle one? That was a cheesecake!! Taste was exactly cheesecake. I am assuming the colour is because of the represented colour of Kazakhstan.

Anyways, let me back to the main subject (medical evacuation).

Our patient had cerebral infarction and been paralysed a sided limb as a sequela. Even though relatively a young patient, oxygen therapy was required to reach adequate oxygen level for the patient who had the cerebral disease and took sleeping pills on the plane (as altitude increase, the oxygen concentration will be decreasing in compare to being on the ground).

Do you know where the oxygen coming from?

We usually bring POC (Portable Oxygen Compressor) from our clinic, and that should be approved by the airlines in each time taking place. POC is an electric medical device which is used for the patient for instance having COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease） as you can see below.

The POC is one of necessary electric medical devices for us to take in almost all cases of medical evacuations to stabilize patients’ oxygenation. We usually prepare extra batteries of POC than it is actual used for a long flight and an emergency case. In order to take such medical devices on cabin, these devices are going to be scrutinized especially batteries by an aviation staff when we check-in and baggage inspection gate, and we are asked checked them multiple time whether they are suitable for taking on the cabin or not. This time took us more than 1.5 hours to pass the area which was within our expectation. As our medical field is on the airplane, it is vital to take all medical equipment on a cabin to take care of patients comprehensively. To get approval from the airline for taking patients and medical devices, we have to reach them out in advance thoroughly for the application. It took us 3 days to get approval and more information given to the person in charge this time. So, it is long process we have to take multiple steps for one case.  

I would like to talk more about medical evacuation, but it is going to be long to finish. So, let me finish here for this time.

Please take care of yourself since it is getting cold here in Japan and do not forget to get seasonal Influenza vaccine shot, it is now available in our clinic. So, please feel free to contact and make an appointment with us!!