Medical evacuation from Sierra Leone to Morocco: how do you manage the step between Freetown and the airport?

From Freetown to Lungi

Several options exist depending on the time: crossing boats, ferry, or the road around the estuary, which is much longer. For a stable patient able to move about, a crossing may be suitable, with a companion. For a patient lying down, on oxygen or unstable, the crossing and transfers between vehicles and boat are moments of risk: they must be assessed by the medical team, and medical transport organised from start to finish may be preferable. The timing of each step is matched to the flight, with a margin.

A file in English that also states what is missing

English is the official language and the language of medical reports, which specialists in Morocco can read. When some tests could not be carried out locally, this must be stated: they will be planned on arrival, which affects the length of stay and the estimate. During the stay, day-to-day exchanges often take place in French or Arabic: a companion or interpreter makes information and consent easier.

Time zone and malaria

Sierra Leone is on UTC+0; Morocco is on UTC+1 for most of the year and UTC+0 during Ramadan. Malaria is common: a recent fever or antimalarial treatment must be included in the file, and a fever in a patient who needs to travel calls for medical advice before departure.

The medical file to prepare

• a recent summary letter with the question being asked;
• recent reports, dated;
• the imaging files whenever possible;
• current treatments and allergies.

These documents can be sent by email or WhatsApp before any travel.

Funding and entry into Morocco

The family, an insurer, an employer or a body may fund the care pathway, with prior approval obtained before departure. Entry requirements for Morocco depend on nationality and change over time: they are checked with the competent Moroccan diplomatic mission or on the official websites of the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Preparing the return

On the way back, the crossing between Lungi and Freetown is also planned, especially after a procedure. The patient leaves with their reports, if possible a summary in English, prescriptions using international non-proprietary names and a follow-up schedule adapted to the tests available.

Frequently asked questions