Hong Kong Tourist Suffers Brain Hemorrhage in Bern: TKP Ensures Safe Medical Repatriation via Commercial Stretcher Flight

While traveling in Switzerland, a Hong Kong tourist suffered a severe brain hemorrhage and was hospitalized in Bern for nearly a month. With the patient's condition stabilized after emergency surgery and ICU treatment, TKP’ s international medical team coordinated a long-haul commercial stretcher transfer from Switzerland back to Hong Kong. The 12-hour journey was completed safely, and the patient was successfully admitted to a local hospital for continued recovery.

Emergency in Bern: Sudden Hemorrhage and Rapid Deterioration

While visiting Bern, Mr. Zhang (pseudonym) suddenly became unconscious and showed signs of right-sided paralysis and projectile vomiting. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered a large intracerebral hemorrhage with brain midline shift. An emergency burr hole and external ventricular drainage (EVD) procedure were performed. Over the next two weeks, he underwent a second decompressive craniectomy and hematoma evacuation due to worsening brain edema. After developing aspiration pneumonia and seizures, he underwent tracheostomy and stabilization in the ICU.

TKP team performs bedside evaluation and prepares patient for medical repatriation in Bern

Mid-flight monitoring: TKP medical team ensures vital signs remain stable throughout the 12-hour journey from Zurich to Hong Kong

Decision to Return Home: Medical Assessment and Planning

After nearly a month in ICU, Mr. Zhang’s condition stabilized. His brain bleeding had reduced significantly, and seizure control was achieved. Although still ventilator-dependent, the risk of rebleeding was low. TKP medical experts reviewed his full medical report and conducted a bedside evaluation in Bern. It was determined that a commercial stretcher transfer (STRC) was the safest and most feasible option for returning to Hong Kong. TKP coordinated with the airline and Swiss hospital staff to prepare all logistics.

Safe arrival in Hong Kong: patient transferred directly to Prince of Wales Hospital under escort supervision

From Bern to Hong Kong: Safe and Seamless Transfer

The TKP escort team brought ventilators, monitors, and oxygen support, flying from Shenzhen to Zurich and onward to Bern. After careful handover, Mr. Zhang was transported by ambulance from Bern to Zurich International Airport. A dedicated stretcher zone had been installed on the commercial aircraft. During the 12-hour flight, his vital signs remained stable. Upon landing at Hong Kong International Airport, he was transferred to Prince of Wales Hospital for continued care.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.