Useful Tips for Air Ambulance Medical Travelers

Opting for an air ambulance medical transportation is indeed a great medical assistance transportation choice especially when a patient has to travel long distances with all sorts medical facilities pre-arranged. However, there are certain vital things every air ambulance medical traveler should consider, these are as given below.

Deliberately designed to maximize the comforts of a patient and a proper check over his medical condition while transpiration, there are certain tips that a patient or members accompanying should keep in mind to make the air traveling more comforting.              

Preparations to Be Made Before the Flight

A patient can face troubles like altitude sickness or can even get inflections from microorganisms in an unclean aircraft. Therefore, it is suggested that you boost the immunity level of a patient with the help of advised supplements.

Arrange for Proper Sitting Setup

When travelling for longer hours in a flight make sure that you keep a proper check on sitting positions of a patient. Don’t allow a patient to keep the legs in a crossed manner for too long as it can stop proper blood flow in that specified section of the body. Moreover, because the temperature in an aircraft can change enormously, it is better to layer up the body with multiple clothing.    

A Check on Eating Habits

Some air ambulance transporters don’t have the facility of offering food and beverages. If this be the case make sure you carry all the required food supply with you, especially fruits and juices, mostly prescribed to patients. They’re essential for maintaining the sugar level and in balancing blood pressure.

Things to Avoid During Travel

Constantly sitting in one position should be avoided on flights. The position should be altered every hour or once in every two hours. Before boarding the flight, avoid intake of products with caffeine or alcohol as they can cause dehydration while traveling.    

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Benefits of Air Ambulance Services

Benefits of air ambulance services are numerous, especially in emergency situations. Read on to know more…

Air ambulances have always proved their usefulness even since their initiation. Today, they are no longer limited to military use and have successfully made it into civil life.

Here is what makes air ambulance services highly useful:

Quickness

Air ambulances take negligible time to reach places where ground ambulances take too much time to get to. In emergency situations, an air ambulance is the best way to save lives!

Better Hospitality

Air ambulances have expert health professionals and all modern health equipments on board. In most cases, patients don’t require much care in hospitals after getting fine treatment on the aircraft.

Versatility

Air ambulance services cover all critical cases such as accidents, burn incidents and trauma patients. Also, most air ambulance providers operate in between nations too, making it possible to reach foreign embassies in emergency situations. 

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Air Ambulance Transport: A Brief History

While air ambulances have evolved to their best today, most of us may be unfamiliar with their history. For a brief account to air ambulance history, keep on reading!

Today, air ambulances are the best means of medical assistance, especially in emergency situations in places where traditional healthcare facilities can’t reach timely.

Today when air ambulances are fully advanced, it can be highly interesting to know how they developed over time.

The concept of Air Ambulance and Evolution

The idea originated after the first successful demonstration of a powered flight by Wright brothers. Military organizations were the first to adopt healthcare air crafts.

It was in the first decade of the twentieth century that air ambulances were tested for military purposes. Eventually, Royal Flying Doctor Services began later in the year 1928.

Use in War

Air ambulances were used in Spanish Civil War to send injured people to Nazi Germany in 1936. During Korean War from 1950 to 1953, US air force uses air crafts to airlift their soldiers.

Modern Air Ambulance

Flight for Life, the first air ambulance in the US, was started in Colorado in 1977 that operated using a single helicopter. In the 90's, air ambulance services saw remarkable growth and advancement.

And while there have been several cases of air ambulance crashes till 2005, air ambulance services are now completely safe and trusted worldwide! 

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Choosing the Right Air Ambulance Service

Though most people are familiar with air ambulances, choosing the right one during emergencies can be highly confusing. Read on to know what you should look at in a provider!

When a medical emergency occurs, especially when traveling, air ambulance is always the first preference. But in the hurry of reaching the hospital, we may not know how to choose the right ambulance services

So, when in such a situation and in need for air transportation, keep the following in mind:

Updated Service License

A good air ambulance service provider will always have a license issued by the federal aviation administration. You should also check for advanced life support and other essential certifications.

On-Board Medical Consultants

Check if the provider has trained medical experts with each flight. Since these consultants are always in contact with the patient’s physician, they are of great help.

A Team of Medical Professionals

It is highly important to have a team of expert health professionals including doctors, nurses and technicians. This ascertains that the patient will get quality healthcare services.

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Non Emergency Medical Transportation: What you Should Know

Non Emergency medical transportation is a kind of medical transportation which is carried out when the patient needs some extra medical care, but is not under any form of emergency. Here are the things you should know about it.

For patients with diverse travelling needs, opting for non-emergency medical transportation services can prove to be very convenient for you’ll travel is specially designed vehicles that offer great comfort, you’ll remain under the supervision of commercial medical attendants and enjoy different range of facilities that won’t let travel deteriorate your health.

Here’s a list of things a medical transportation company is most likely to offer to you: 

Ambulances, Helicopters and Other Medical Transportation Vehicles

These are used to transfer patients from one hospital or nursing home to another. There is no field treatment involved here – it is done to enhance the quality or requirement of the patient.

Special Non emergency Service Companies

Non Emergency services are sometimes made mandatory by hospitals as a part of their special services. In case you do not find such hospitals there are special private medical transportation services. They are easily available and cost effective. These services happen at normal working hours unlike the odd hours in emergency cases which reduces the cost.

Only A Medically Stable Patient Is Capable Of Getting Such Services

For instance a person had been shifted to a hospital from a nursing home where he/she was initially admitted – the hospital arranges this service so that the patient can be taken back and looked after for special medical care by the doctors and nurses.

Transportation from one hospital to another

Some hospitals make use of non emergency transport services to transfer surgical patients to the surgeon of their choice. Some patients make use of these special services which are easily available to them. Hospitals might also transfer patients from emergency facilities to general medical facilities to make room for patients who need emergency beds.

Provision for Wheelchairs

The special features that will be provided by this facility are – the patient will be transported in a gurney or a wheelchair and is accompanied by a nurse or a paramedic. All medical equipments are present in the vehicle to monitor the patient and make sure that he is under utmost care during the journey. Other accommodations include bags, intravenous fluids and colostomy bags.

Less Costlier Than Emergency Transportation

The biggest advantage is down there in the pocket – it is much less costlier than emergency transportation. Emergency transport requires the driver to hurry and have adequate medical equipment to keep the patient alive, but this is a much safer trip.

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Private Medical Transportation Industry: Some Key Points

The private medical transportation industry is a for-profit service which does not operate under the municipality or government organizations. Sometimes these industries work for certain hospitals that need to shift patients under non emergency services. In this post, we discuss some important pointers.

The market for private medical transport service is pretty big with around 7,000 players worldwide. Emergency and non-emergency private medical transportation services usually involve provision of extra care as well as availability of life support systems, paramedics and nurses. Such companies offer a basic medical care during the time of transport.

Para-transit services are a kind of private medical transport services offered in many countries that cater to non-emergency cases – usually for people with disability. They have the required equipment such as wheelchairs and on-ground transport equipment needed to comfortably transport a patient from one location to the other.

The private medical transport companies usually have specialized agents since the space provided for by the very few municipality ambulances make them grow. They have the idea of having to travel quite a bit to attain that level of confidence among users.

Used ambulances are not preferred because most people expect the best services; they want the value for money.

Drivers and paramedics are given special training since driving an ambulance is not like driving any other car. It needs special ability to understand the preferred speed, traffic signals and the siren. Paramedics too have to be well versed with the medical support system.

The medical equipment is insured on a blanket basis. These services usually provide insurance coverage for physical damage and inland marine. You have to take note of these before signing the insurance papers, if there’re any!

The risk management programs associated with these services take special care of the ambulance and their drivers. 

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Choosing a Private Medical Transportation Service

Choosing a non-emergency medical transportation service depends much on the cost as it depends on the quality of service offered. In cases of emergency, we generally end to paying those extra bucks. Some key points should be kept in mind while choosing a service of your choice.

It is unlikely that everyone chooses their emergency or non-emergency private medical transport service as per their wishes. It almost always happens in a hurry when a medical crisis arises and the ambulances or air ambulances charge you way more than they ideally should. Prior information on the subject can help you make an informed decision when selecting a credible medical transportation company.

Most medical insurance companies do not cover the costs of the medical transport services and especially the non-medical ones. These companies allow for insurance only in the event of an emergency that needs to be immediately looked after.

Private medical transportation services might end up getting a bit expensive but you must get that noted down with your medical insurance company. Before signing, confirm which services are really covered.

Also, make sure to avoid the ones that appear to be offering private medical transportation services at throwaway prices. You have to look into the services provided by them during the journey to the hospital or nursing home.

Before choosing a medical transportation service, see to it that the vehicle is equipped with at least two professionals – a paramedic and a nurse. The vehicle must have the necessary equipment (dialysis and respiratory equipment, for example) for a patient in need of immediate services during the journey.

Do not hesitate to ask some tough questions about the quality of service, insurance cover and other such parameters. 

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Choosing the Right Air Ambulance Services

What can you do when your loved one faces medical emergency in a far away land? The best option is to avail services of air medical transport. But how should you choose the right air ambulance services? Let’s find out!

The air ambulance service is designed to successfully and safely bring patients to secure medical care conditions from remote locations. But before you hire any random air ambulance service provider, you need to ensure that your loved ones get the best care they need.

Read along to know what the best medical air ambulance services will have in common

1.    Updated Air Ambulance Service License

All air ambulance transport providers are required to have a license from the federal aviation administration along with advanced life support and other related certifications. This is one way to authenticate the services they offer.

2.    On-Sight Medical Consultant Availability

It is very important that medical assistance transportation deputes a specialized medical consultant on every flight. The medical consultants are required to constantly remain in contact with the patient’s doctor for properly monitoring his/her health.

3.    Availability Of Air Medical Transportation Team

A quality air ambulance transport should be well equipped with highly qualified and professional team of paramedics, doctors, nurses and technicians for any emergency requirement. This ensures good care of patients while traveling. The medical personals are required to be well certified professionals to effectively handle even the most critical situations.

4.    Price Charged By The Air Medical Transport

The possible costs charged by the medical air ambulance will be determined by a variety of factors. So make sure when you request a quote from your service provider you cross check the price quoted for individual service.

5.    Ask for Therapeutic Medical Oxygen

Availability of therapeutic medical Oxygen is very essential on a flight and must always be available. Air travel at high altitudes generally results in reduction of oxygen which could deteriorate a patient’s condition and so he might require oxygen.  

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Things You Should Know About Air Medical Transport

Booking a medical air ambulance is a big responsibility and can be quite challenging. But there is no reason things can’t be stress-free. Read along to find out how! 

While selecting ideal emergency travel assistance always consider the patient’s requirements first. You need to act like a picky customer. For that you need to make sure you are well acquainted with the all the services provided by a good air ambulance transport.
  
Mentioned below are the things you should know about air medical transport before you hire their services:
  1.    You Can Accompany The Patient 
Generally air ambulances are big enough to accommodate one or two companions along with the patient. However, the number might vary depending upon the medical requirements and condition of the patient. 

2.    Carry Limited Luggage 
The capacity of luggage is only limited to one or two medium sized bags – typically not larger than a carry bag when travelling in commercial airline. As the air ambulance is already outfitted with medical equipment there is little or no space left for extra luggage. 

3.    International Air Ambulance Evacuation Services 
Majority of the air ambulance services offer domestic and international air ambulanceevacuations.

 4.    Carefully select your aircraft 
Your service provider might provide options for the kind of air ambulance transport you require. In such situations consider the distance of transport and then decide upon the aircraft. Generally small sized aircraft's  are not recommended for long distance travel, while they constitute the right choice for short distance travel. 

5.    Check out the credentials 
Never assume that all medical assistance transportation has the right credentials. So make sure you check that the emergency travel assistance company has the appropriate licenses and is credited by federal aviation administration. 

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How to Select the Best Travel Medical Assistance Company

There are many travel medical assistance companies today that offer emergency services. But how do you select the one that best meets your need? Let’s find out!

Professional care and reliable transportation are very important in times of medical emergencies.

Seasoned medical assistance transportation will provide you the following facilities:

Monitoring Treatment

A well qualified team should be always be present to continuously monitor the patients conditions, while transferring the patient from one location to another.

Transfer of Insurance Information to Medical Providers

Reliable medical assistance transportation companies assist their patients with hospital admissions such as passing on insurance benefit information, to help prevent denials and delays of medical care.

Replacement of Corrective Lenses and Medical Devices

International medical assistance companies should act responsibly and coordinate the replacement of medical devices in case they are lost or tempered while transferring the patient from one location to another. 

Emergency Travel Arrangements

The travel medical assistance company should be well prepared with reservations for airlines and other travel services in to meet emergency requirements in case of injury or illness. 

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Air Ambulance Medical Dispatch Guidelines

Medical dispatch is one of the biggest responsibilities while efforts are on for saving a life during an emergency situation.

There are always certain protocols and communication rules, commonly referred to as ‘Medical Dispatch,’ that are used while saving a patient and providing care. These medical efforts need to be carried out flawlessly before, during and after a patient’s arrival at the hospital.  Since you should be aware of all this, here is an account to guidelines to be followed during private air ambulance medical dispatch:

Pre-flight Phase

The dispatcher must start planning before the air ambulance reaches the site. In addition to ensuring that the patient is out of danger, the dispatcher needs to give over-the-phone instructions to control the situation.

The task includes:

• Evacuation plans
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Common safety precautions

In-flight Phase

The dispatcher is responsible for planning what will happen during the transport. It involves:

• Requesting asking air traffic control to provide flight services
• Communicating with the receiving health center
• Tell medical support staff about patient’s condition

Post-flight Phase

The last thing the dispatcher plans is what must happen after the patient reaches the hospital, including:

• Asking permission for using sirens and emergency lights
• Briefing doctors, nurses and paramedics about the patient’s status

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Important Tips for Air Ambulance Travelers

Air ambulance travelers accompanying patients often have a difficult time during the transport. Read on to learn about some important tips that will come handy when it’s your turn!

When you get to accompany a patient in an air ambulance, you may need to take care of your health as the environment inside can be highly stressful; you can care for your patient only when you are feeling fine yourself!

Here are some important tips and steps that will be helpful during the transport:

Step 1: Support your immune system by taking vitamin C supplements. If you are not habitual to these tablets, try using them a couple of days before the flight. Once your body is familiar with supplements, it will be able to resist any germs in there.

Step 2: Don’t sit with your legs crossed, for it may slow down blood circulation on a lengthy flight.

Step 3: Make sure your air ambulance provider keeps drinks and snacks on board. If not, carry  your own stock and keep your body fully hydrated.

Step 4: Consider keeping a decongestant with you in order to prevent sinus problems.

Step 5: Take some chewing gums for the flight to prevent pressure-related problems, especially  during landing and taking off. 

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Things Patients Should Know About Medical Clearances

Suffering from a medical condition? Hiring services of a travel medical Assistance Company is a great idea, but there are things you need to know before you avail these services.

Travelling when suffering from a medical ailment can be a daunting task. You can hire the services of a travel medical assistance company to ensure a safe journey, but there are things you should know before hiring.  These are:

Medical Clearances – Fitness to Fly

If you are suffering from a medial ailment and need to travel to your home either for rehabilitation or treatment you will require a medical clearance.

A medical clearance will help the international medical assistance transportation companies to ensure your comfort, safety and health while travelling. It helps them to facilitate special equipment or services for your convenience as may be necessary.

Conditions that require medical clearance include:

1. When you are suffering from medical condition
2. In case you doctor is not sure regarding your fitness condition to travel
3.  If you have undergone surgery or hospitalization
4. If you need additional therapeutic oxygen
5. If you require other essential on-board medical equipments 

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Medical Services Offered By Travel Medical Assistance Companies

Feeling vulnerable due to prolonged health ailments? Hire exclusive services of medical assistance transportation companies to get the best treatment possible.

International transportation services offered by the many travel medical assistance companies has made it possible to get back home safely when suffering from a medial ailment or to avail the best treatment from any part of the world – all at your convenience!

Services Offered

·     Medical Staffing: Providing qualified medical staff on-board, including – physicians, nurses, health experts, etc.

·       Medical Supply Chain: Providing medical equipments, consumables, therapeutic oxygen and pharmaceuticals as required by the patients.

·        Pre-Travel Advice: Providing valuable information to all patients to prepare them for a safe trip.

·    Aboard Assistance: Be it a general requirement or an emergency, international medical assistance companies provide on-board and on-ground assistance to all patients.

·    Emergency Help: Even in case of emergencies, the travel medical assistance company’s provide medical evacuation and care, including bed-to-bed transport.

·  Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services: Medical assistance transportation companies also assist patients suffering from cognitive, physical and medical disabilities with all their travelling needs.

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