Information on international aeromedical transfer of non-COVID-19 patients, and on international or domestic medical transfer of patients with COVID-19 or who meet the clinical and higher index of suspicion criteria for COVID-19.
International aeromedical transfers of non-COVID patients
New Zealand-based medical attendants assisting with medical air transfers are exempt from the requirement to undertake 14-days quarantine or isolation on their return to New Zealand under the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Air Border) Order 2020. As they are exempt, it is strongly recommended that they meet certain conditions, both in flight and during layovers, and on their return to New Zealand.
Overseas-based medical attendants are also required to meet the relevant requirements during the transfer of patients to New Zealand.
These guidelines outline the requirements for international medical transfers with New Zealand-based and overseas-based medical attendants for non-COVID-19 patients. Implementation of these requirements will ensure that the medical attendants' risk of exposure to COVID-19 is reduced and help keep our borders safe.
Guidelines for international aeromedical transfers for medical attendants (non-COVID-19 patients)
- Guidelines for international aeromedical transfers involving New Zealand-based medical attendants (non-COVID patient) (PDF, 228 KB)
- Guidelines for international aeromedical transfers involving New Zealand-based medical attendants (non-COVID patient) (Word, 281 KB)
- Updated 30 July 2020
International or domestic transfers of patients with confirmed or probable COVID-19 or who meet the clinical and higher index of suspicion (HIS) criteria
Aeromedical transfer of patients
This document outlines infection prevention precautions when managing patients with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 infection or who meet the clinical and HIS criteria requiring transportation by rotary or fixed wing aircraft.
- COVID-19: Aeromedical transfer of patients (PDF, 107 KB)
- COVID-19: Aeromedical transfer of patients (Word, 274 KB)
- Updated 11 July 2020
Road ambulance transfer of patients
This document outlines infection prevention precautions when managing patients with confirmed COVID-19 or meeting both the clinical and higher index of suspicion criteria requiring assessment or transportation by road ambulance personnel.