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The Sunday Series (87), with Mark Brodinsky

November 15, 2015 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

Frequently life will introduce you to unexpected revelations. Live long enough and you will discover something for which you never gave more than a passing thought. Then circumstances bring it into your sphere of focus and the knowledge becomes an eye-opening experience.

Get to know someone who regularly saves lives and you will learn about triumph in the face of tragedy, about miracles born from desperation and light extracted from darkness.

There is no doubt – everyone has a story.

I am Mark Brodinsky and this is the Sunday Series.


The Sunday Series (87): On a Wing and a Prayer

PLANE-STAIRS

You don’t really think much about it until it happens, someone is injured far from home, or far from where they need to be to get the best care they possibly can. All of a sudden the questions become obvious in the most critical of situations: how do you get them where they need to go? How can that person get the proper care? How can it be done quickly, efficiently and safely.

In many cases these days you take to the air.

Such was the case when Jennifer Granek suffered a traumatic brain injury while on vacation in Costa Rica. Not only were dollars raised quickly for medical care and transport, but the story gained worldwide attention through the virtual web of social media and a the blog on Huffington Post, (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-brodinsky/its-just-about-helping-an_b_8279302.html).  This is one of the e-mails I received in response to Jen’s story from Dr. Mark Merlin:

Mark,

“I read your story about Jennifer Granek.  I am the Chief Medical Officer of a large Fixed Wing Medical Flight company that flies people around the world with medical teams.  I have reached out for this family… but I am not sure my messages are getting through to them.  We can fly Jennifer anywhere at anytime on our of our planes with a full medical team if needed.”

Dr. Merlin left his phone number in the e-mail so I called and spoke to him about his service.  The details of what an emergency air transport company could accomplish were fascinating and I sent his information to the Granek family. In the end they were not the company who brought Jen home, but nonetheless, I decided it worthy of gathering more information from Dr. Merlin to share with the world, (after all this is what this blog is all about), to understand how the system works and how other people in similar situations might gain knowledge which could help save a life.

ELI-AND-SIM-IN-PLANE

Dr. Merlin says the most important thing he wants people to understand is they, (Jet911, http://jet911.com/), have the ability to transport the most critical patients, in situations you wouldn’t believe, for example with their chests wide open, to get them to the facility they need to go and get the care they need. “We can fly any patient, anywhere, anytime”, says Mark. The limitations on transport are not a plane, or a pilot… it’s on the other side, the other people providing care.”

Dr. Merlin says the greatest challenge is when doctors in other countries don’t understand, or are unfamiliar with the scope of what an emergency flight team like Jet911 can accomplish in terms of critical-care transport. He says, “we try to emphasize to families that while their loved ones might be getting care right where they are, even good care, you want to be in the United States, because we have the best tertiary care in the world, meaning all these doctors who specialize in different areas. They have been practicing and practicing and practicing, some as long as 20 years or more, to be the best at what they do. Other countries don’t really have that.”

Jet911 uses large fixed wing aircraft to get the job done with the ability to carry the patient, a complete medical team and as many as 15 family members. Because they own and operate their own aircraft they have complete control over the situation and can fly as far as 6,000 miles without stopping, with their largest planes.

SIM-STRETCHER

But this is not a commercial for Jet911. It’s about understanding how the system works in this world we currently live. What is fascinating and important is this – because if you are ever in a situation where critical air transport is needed – just as in any area of life – applied knowledge is crucial. If you search the internet looking for a flight service to get your loved one to where they need to go, either from inside the United States, or from beyond its borders — you will see some great websites and beautiful pictures of nice planes, good-looking flight attendants and fantastic medical teams.

But as Dr. Merlin explains, welcome to the internet.

“There are lots of brokers, guys who look for these types of cases, (the families of critically ill or injured patients trying to get them home or to the appropriate medical facility), and while their websites look fantastic, they are actually operating out of a small office, or even out of their cars, simply calling around to arrange flights and creating their own margins for profit. Most people don’t know this. Even insurance companies might use these brokers, or simply google and come up with a flight company.” It doesn’t mean these are necessarily bad – but when your family member’s life might hang in the balance, it’s information you might just need to know.

The other lesson Dr. Merlin wants people to know is this: make the call within 24 hours. If someone you love is injured, or sick, if you contact the insurance company immediately you have a much better shot of getting the insurer to pay. If you wait a few days, or even a few weeks, the insurance company can easily make the argument the person is getting the care they need right where they are, so they are not picking up the bill for air transport.

That’s the other challenge, it’s not free. While 20 years ago Jet911 started off doing charity cases – angel flights – like flying kids with cancer and their friends to different parts of the world, they received so many requests for medical flights by people who have the means to pay, they decided to expand their business.

SIM-STETHOSCOPE

Understand this – and this is an important piece of the puzzle to know – not only is it a business for these flight companies, it can be BIG business for the foreign country where the patient is receiving care. Part of the cost for a medical emergency transport team, especially a fixed-wing flight company like Jet911, is that they have to pay landing fees in foreign countries, or islands, in order to get the patient home.  Dr. Merlin says while some countries charge $2,000 to $3,000 for a plane to land at a private airport, some countries take complete advantage of the system, charging as much as $30,000 to $50,000 to allow a plane to land! Between that fee and jet fuel, you can understand why the costs for air transport can be so significant.

Yet sometimes the care needed is so critical, the line between life and death so fine, that somehow, someway, families need to find a way to get their loved one to the best care they can.

ELI-WITH-BABY

A couple of examples of recent flights for Jet911:

Medical Escort from China to US

52 year old male was in a serious motor vehicle accident in China. Patient sustained a shattered pelvis, amongst other injuries. A decision was made not to do surgery in China and to transfer patient back to the USA for treatment. A medical team was immediately dispatched to China while red tape was navigated . Patient was flown back on commercial airliner via stretcher transport.

Or this one:

Air Ambulance from Ohio to New York with same day surgery

9:00 AM, patient sustains a fractured pelvis while visiting family in Ohio.
10:15 AM- Patient’s family contacts Jet911 requesting an expedited transport to NYC.
11:45 AM- ground ambulance crew picks up patient at hospital and transfers patient to airport.
12:45 PM- patient is flown back via private medical jet to NYC.
3:00 PM- patient is in surgery

The benefit of going from here-to-there by air when someone needs care the most can be significant in saving a life or even in the speed of recovery. And there’s one other piece of advice Dr. Merlin wants to share: “If I could tell people one thing – it is get travelers insurance when you travel. For a few hundred dollars, if that, most companies will pay the entire bill if you get hurt and have to get home from another country.”

Dr. Merlin lives the truth he desires to teach. His resume is detailed and distinguished: Associate Professor, Rutgers School of Public Health/Medical School, Vice-Chair Emergency Medicine and EMS Fellowship Director, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center/Barnabas Health, Chief Medical Officer, MONOC, Chief Medical Officer, Jet911.

nbi-emsfellow-drmarkmerlin

One of the men who runs Jet911, Eli Rowe, is a pilot and a philanthropist. He owns the all of the aircraft for Jet911 and Dr. Merlin says Eli’s goal is to have a big impact to give people the best care in the industry.

It’s all about finding a way to get the most critical patients to where they need to go – on a wing and a prayer.

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

Mark Brodinsky, Author, Blogger, Podcaster, Speaker, SpeechWriter, Emmy Winner, USHEALTH Advisors
(http://www.prweb.com/releases/markbrodinsky/072015/prweb12862708.htm)

Author: The #1 Amazon Best Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
(http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Brodinsky/e/B00FI6R3U6)

The Podcast: (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sunday-series-courage-inspiration/id1028611459)

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Mark Brodinsky
Emmy Award Winner, 1996

Ever thought about writing a book? check this out!

Blog Reviews

Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

 Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

Aileen Braverman

I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

Beverlee Rendelman

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné Pallace
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. Riecks
November 4, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. Bogash
Seven Valleys, PA

ittakes2_reviews_2

There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

 PattiM
September 25, 2013

 

ittakes2_reviews_2

From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

 Jenny Schloss 

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