Transporting High Oxygen-Need Patients Lessons from an Air Ambulance Houston to Brazil Case Study
- Ricardo Sanabria
- May 28
- 2 min read
In March 2020, Acute Air Ambulance / Aitheras Aviation Group to conduct a critical transfer of a 54-year-old metastatic thyroid cancer patient from MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, to Porto Alegre, Brazil, for end-of-life care.
Clinical and Logistical Challenges
The patient presented with high oxygen demands and anxiety exacerbated by BiPap mask therapy, requiring a highly specialized critical care team in addition to aviation resources. The transfer used a Cessna Citation Sovereign, operated by Aitheras Aviation, which could support extensive oxygen reserves—up to 9,900 liters—necessary for maintaining the patient’s respiratory therapy for the 11-hour multi-leg flight.
Given the patient’s fragile condition, the medical team carefully planned oxygen use, administered anxiolytics and pain medication to manage anxiety and discomfort, and avoided intubation, which was a critical clinical priority. Such careful coordination minimized risks and enhanced patient comfort throughout the extended transport time.
Flight Details and Execution
The transfer consisted of three flight legs with strategic technical stops to allow oxygen replenishment and patient care management:
Leg 1: Houston (KHOU) to Santa Maria, Brazil (SKRG) – 4 hours, 10 minutes.
Leg 2: Santa Maria (SKRG) to Brasilia (SGAS) – 6 hours.
Leg 3: Brasilia (SGAS) to Porto Alegre (SBPA) – 1 hour, 10 minutes.
Throughout this taxing journey, the patient’s oxygen needs were meticulously monitored, fluctuating between 30% and 40%, and minute ventilation volumes ranged from six to 10.4 liters. Precise administration of medications alleviated anxiety, lowering oxygen consumption and stabilizing respiratory parameters.
Why Choose Acute Air Ambulance?
Several key factors distinguish Acute Air Ambulance as a leader in critical care transport:
NAAMTA Accreditation: Since 2018, Acute Air Ambulance’s critical care team maintains a high standard of care, delivering expert in-flight medical management.
Experienced Personnel: The team includes a registered respiratory therapist with nearly 20 years of flight experience and a dual-licensed registered nurse/paramedic.
Oxygen Management Expertise: Aircraft carry fixed tanks totaling nearly 10,000 liters of oxygen, ensuring uninterrupted respiratory support for patients with intensive needs.
Collaboration with Aitheras Aviation: Aitheras brings advanced FAA-recognized safety and operational excellence, complementing Acute Air Ambulance’s clinical expertise for seamless air medical transport.
Conclusion
Acute Air Ambulance’s integrated approach to high-acuity air medical transport combines expert clinical care, aviation safety, and personalized patient comfort. The March 2020 transfer from Houston to Brazil is a clear example of how this company goes above and beyond to serve patients with specialized needs, ensuring safe, compassionate, and effective care from takeoff to landing.
For health providers, families, and insurers seeking reliable critical care transport solutions, Acute Air Ambulance delivers unparalleled service built on expertise, safety, and integrity.
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