WASHINGTON, DC - Cellular phones, laptops, palm pilots… as technology further facilitates the global workplace, more businessmen find themselves conducting business away from home. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, 197 million business trips were taken in 1998, and analysts predict that number will increase in the coming year.

"On average, professionals take five business trips per year. That means more time away from home and those services that we rely upon and are accustomed to," says Roy Berger, President of MedjetAssist. "Our medical transport service enables today's busy executive to get back to loved ones and doctors they are familiar with in times of medical crisis, offering both the business traveler and their family peace of mind when away from home."

MedjetAssist is a worldwide air medical evacuation and emergency consultation service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Members are guaranteed transport to the hospital of their choice, anytime they are more than 150 miles away from home-either in the U.S. or abroad-and hospitalized. Unlike many insurance or platinum card plans, MedjetAssist is the only medical evacuation program that will transport members regardless of medical necessity. This enables the patient to decide where they will receive treatment, and gives them the ability to be transported close to family and friends in times of crisis.

Featuring state-of-the-art aircraft, MedjetAssist members are transported in medically configured planes. Each aircraft is essentially an intensive care unit that has the ability to travel 525 miles per hour at altitudes of 45,000 feet. Fully stocked for any medical situation, the planes are complete with standard medical equipment, including an oxygen supply, air compressors, cardiac monitors, defibrillators, dual suction pumps for surgery.

The "flying ICU" is staffed by physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists with expertise in advanced cardiac and trauma life support, emergency and critical care medicine, as well as pediatric and neonatal care. In addition, team members are specially trained in altitude physiology, as well as international air medical transports. Many of the nurses have flown more than 100 medical evacuation missions.

"If personally funded, a patient could spend anywhere from $20,000-$100,000 for this type of individualized service. With annual fees of $205 for an individual and $325, all travelers can leave home knowing that they will receive the medical care they deserve and desire when they need it most for a modest expenditure," stated Berger.

The North Pole, the Bahamas, Russia, New Guinea, Brazil, South Africa… MedjetAssist has responded to emergency evacuation calls from all over the globe. A worldwide affiliate network of medically dedicated aircraft enables the Birmingham- based service to respond to transports in an expeditious manner. Response to a domestic call can be launched within 90 minutes, while international missions can be launched anywhere from two-four hours to the next day.

According to Berger, "We want our members to have the luxury of knowing that no matter where they are in the world, they will be able to see the doctor of their choice, simply by making a phone call. It really is that simple."

BUSINESS TRAVELING STATISTICS
· - 43.9 million professionals traveled for business in 1998.
· - 197 million business trips are conducted each year.
· - Average professional takes five business trips a year.
· - 84% of business travelers stay at least one night away from home on their trips.
· - The average business trip lasts 3 nights.
· - Trips by airline account for 36% of all business trips, while 61% of travelers prefer to drive.
· - Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among Americans under 34 years old.

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