Hong Kong Tourist Suffers Traumatic Brain Injury While Skiing in Japan — TKP Coordinates Air Stretcher Repatriation

A young Hong Kong traveler sustained a life-threatening head injury during a ski accident in Nagano, Japan. Following emergency neurosurgery and intensive care, TKP Medical Assistance arranged her safe repatriation to Hong Kong via commercial air stretcher for continued treatment.

TKP’s medical escort team coordinates closely with local clinicians during handover to ensure uninterrupted treatment and precise clinical communication.

A Vacation Turns Critical: Ski Fall Leads to Coma

While snowboarding in Nagano, Japan, Ms. Zhang from Hong Kong suffered a severe fall and lost consciousness on site. Emergency responders performed intubation and transported her to a nearby facility, then transferred her to the Nagano Red Cross Hospital. Imaging revealed a right-sided acute subdural hematoma. She underwent an emergency burr hole drainage followed by a craniotomy and decompressive craniectomy. Despite stabilization, she remained semi-comatose with dilated pupils and limited responsiveness.

KP medical team ensures patient stability during cabin-to-cabin air transfer.”

Family Seeks Medical Repatriation—TKP Steps In

After nearly two weeks in the neurosurgical ICU, Ms. Zhang began breathing spontaneously but showed minimal neurological improvement. Her family contacted TKP Medical Assistance for possible return to Hong Kong. Upon reviewing her full clinical records and neurological status, TKP determined that she was medically fit for long-distance travel under monitored conditions. A commercial air stretcher—a medically-equipped reclining bed aboard a scheduled flight—was selected as the optimal solution, offering safe and cost-effective repatriation.

Escorts patient to Prince of Wales Hospital for further treatment

Safe Return to Hong Kong for Further Care

The TKP team coordinated all medical and logistical aspects of the journey. After a five-hour flight, the aircraft landed safely at Hong Kong International Airport, where an ambulance transferred Ms. Zhang directly to Prince of Wales Hospital for continued neurocritical care. Her case highlights the importance of seamless cross-border medical evacuation for patients requiring sustained monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions – Cross-Border Medical Rescue

Need help understanding how international medical rescue works? Browse our most common questions to learn about service coverage, response times, documentation requirements, and more. We’re here to support you every step of the way.