In 2022, the United States achieved the inspiring milestone of 1 million transplants since the lifesaving procedure started in 1954. The demand for organ transplants is now higher than ever, increasing the need for organ transplant coordination services. However, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing, the country is experiencing a nationwide shortage of charter aircraft for organ procurement.
The nation’s organ procurement organizations are under significant pressure to swiftly source and select the best couriers for these precious organs and their accompanying transplant teams. Read on to learn the essential criteria for choosing an air transplant transportation operator and how to transport the gift of life from the donor hospital to the recipient safely and quickly.
How to Select Rapid Response Transplantation Services
In addition to values like transparency, accountability and dedication, couriers must uphold exceptional transplantation safety standards, demonstrate expertise and experience and comply with the necessary regulations. Every OPO and transplant center should take these five crucial steps before partnering with a transplant transportation operator.
1. Look for Proper Accreditation and Licensing
The American Society of Transplant Surgeons, the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations and the United Network for Organ Sharing board recently held a summit to review and update recommendations for transplant transportation standards in the U.S. These three leading organizations recommend service providers have the following certifications for safe and effective air transport operations.
- Federal Aviation Administration: Aircraft must comply with FAA Part 135 regulations and industry standards for inspection and maintenance.
- Safety Management System: Operators have an SMS that surpasses industry standards to best identify and mitigate risks.
- International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations: Operators achieve at least Level II, which involves inspections and thorough process reviews at least twice yearly.
- Aviation Research Group United States: Operators have earned ARGUS Gold or Platinum certifications, demonstrating regular on-site evaluations and SMS adherence.
- WYVERN: Operators have the WYVERN Wingman certification, which includes thorough safety evaluations, quarterly audits and on-site reviews every two years.
2. Consider Aviation Experience for Organ Transplant Coordination
Experience and expertise are invaluable skills to look for, specifically in aviation. Teams with a track record of at least 15 years of accident-free work in the industry will be more reliable and efficient, giving OPOs and transplant teams peace of mind and providing optimal patient results.
3. Ensure the Company Complies With Transplantation Safety Standards
Safety standards are paramount to protecting the precious cargo and specialized crew aboard the aircraft. Organ and tissue transplants are urgent, but that does not mean people should cut corners to save time. Each flight should have consistent care and precautions, regardless of priority and who’s aboard.
4. Pilot Hiring and Training
Your organ and tissue recovery team should implement stringent pilot hiring standards, including at least 3,500 total flight hours and 2,000 hours as Pilot in Command for captains. First officers should have at least 1,250 in-flight hours and 500 hours of PIC experience. The operation should also implement continuous pilot training programs that exceed FAA requirements, including several weeks of the following.
- Crew resource management: Boosting teamwork and communication skills among flight crew.
- Aeronautical decision-making: Developing critical thinking skills for effective decision-making during transportation.
- Weather training: Understanding weather patterns and how they affect flight safety and best practices.
- Navigation: Mastering navigation techniques and aircraft technologies for the most accurate route planning.
- CPR and emergency training: Acquiring lifesaving skills to safely and effectively handle in-flight emergencies.
- Simulator training: Practicing aviation procedures virtually with a recognized aviation training specialist.
- Specific aircraft operation: Becoming familiar with specific aircraft models under the supervision of a standards captain.
5. Aircraft and Operator Safety
An elite fleet of aircraft must support the pilots and couriers in doing their jobs properly. To ensure safe transportation from the donor hospital to the organ transplant recipient, donated tissues should fly on aircraft that meet the following safety criteria.
- The provider owns several propelled, light, modern and well-maintained aircraft.
- The aircraft have best-in-class cabin size, comfort, baggage capacity and performance.
- The cabin has air conditioning and power outlets for optimal organ preservation.
- Internet connectivity is available aboard for constant communication with organ procurement coordination.
- The operator is preferably one of the 16 designated WYVERN Wingman PRO-rated operators worldwide.
6. Pick an Operator With Excellent Communication Facilities
Organ transplant coordination requires quick thinking and pivoting, so precise, consistent and reliable communication channels are critical. OPOs should select rapid response transplantation services with an on-site operational control center available 24/7/365. That way, they’re always ready to manage the unique challenges of organ transport, including last-minute schedule and destination changes.
OPOs should pick a direct-access air carrier that owns a fleet of aircraft so they can work with aviation experts from the moment they contact the transport team. Bypassing call centers or brokers cuts out the middleman, giving you immediate, up-to-date intel on delivery time, organ status and other relevant information.
Organ procurement organizations should also partner with transportation services that offer in-flight Wi-Fi, enabling the flight crew, operational staff and ground personnel to contact each other immediately if unexpected situations arise. The crew should also have established adaptive emergency response plans that include clear communication protocols for managing unforeseen circumstances during flights.
7. Prioritize Patient Outcomes in Organ Transportation
Above all, organ transplant coordination should be patient-centric, as transport services help OPOs save lives and honor generous organ donors’ final wishes. Transplant transportation services must handle tissues and organs with the utmost care, keep them in temperature-controlled environments, quickly, safely and efficiently transport them and employ highly trained, specialized staff. These protocols give the recipient the best chance at life.
Rely on GrandView Transplant for Rapid Response Transplantation Services
If your organ procurement organization or transplant provider is looking for an exceptional transportation service that meets all the above criteria, you’ve found one in GrandView Transplant. With over 17 years of experience in organ transport and aviation, our elite team of 170 employees, including 85 rigorously trained pilots, flying from 8 strategically-located bases across the U.S. is ready to move donated organs and transplant teams from donor hospital to recipient efficiently and reliably.
GrandView Transplant is a highly responsive one-call solution with a 24/7 on-site operational control center and a modern fleet of premium jet and turboprop aircraft piloted under stringent safety management systems. We’re FAA Part 135-compliant, exceeding their safety standards in most areas, hold an ARGUS Gold rating and are IS-BAO Level II and WYVERN Wingman PRO certified. We also offer expert ground transportation for organs and transplant teams between medical facilities and airports.
For more information on how we can streamline your organ procurement operations with our rapid response transplantation services, contact us online today or call us at 800-915-7190 to request an immediate flight from our dispatch center.
