Different Services That Air Ambulances Offer

Air ambulances are aircrafts provided by long distance medical transport services companies to patients who do not have easy access to good medical facilities.

Air ambulances are life savers for patients who are critically ill and need to be shifted to larger medical institution. An air ambulance needs to be equipped with a ventilator, ECG Unit, stretchers, all life saving drugs and an experienced team.

Air ambulance have been in the army for long, but it was only in the 1920’s that the concept was also utilized for civilians.

Let’s have a look at the services Air Ambulances offer –

1. Fully Equipped For Critically Ill Patients

An air ambulance is fully equipped to handle all kinds of medical emergencies. It is fully capable of handling any patient surgery, or any other life saving treatment. The aircraft can handle it all.

2. Trained Paramedics, Medical Escorts and Flight Nurses

The team on board an air ambulance is experienced, trained and ready to handle any crisis. Certain long distance medical transport services companies even send a doctor to assist the paramedic team. They are also fully briefed to undertake an evacuation if the need arises.

3. Travel medical assistance company

It is always advisable to hire a well reputed long distance medical transport service provider. 

Check the review and speak to your friends and family about their services. Most insurance companies offer cover for airlifting patients. Travelers must ensure they enroll for it, before embarking on nay travel. Air ambulances all over the globe have been saving the, lives of in-numerous patients and by relocating them to better medical facilities.

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What Do Flight Nurses Do?

A flight nurse is a licensed and registered nurse, who is present on an air ambulance to handle the patients in a trauma situation or in need of specialized care.

Medical escorts and flight nurses are primarily responsible for providing immediate medical assistance to patients.

Their duty starts right from the crisis scene till the time a patient is safely transported to the hospital. Their services are often offered by long distance medical transport services companies, offering air ambulance services for patients.

They are mostly supported by a paramedic team, which might include a flight physician or a respiratory specialist if required.

Let’s have a look at the duties of a medical escort and flight nurses –

1. Provide Relief From Stress

A flight nurse is responsible for rescuing patients from intense stress situations that might include mental, physical and psychological factors. It is their duty to ensure that every patient on board the air ambulance gets the right medical care at the right time, while in flight.

2. Right Assessment of The Situation

The flight nurse is required to make a precise assessment of the situation in order to devise the most suited plan of action for the patient. She or he needs to assess his medical condition with regards to his ailments, administer any medicines, monitor vital functions and ensure that there are enough supplies and equipment on board.

3. Liaison Factor

Flight nurses and medical escorts need to create the perfect liaison between the team at the medical facility and the team on board the air ambulance. He or she should be able to communicate effectively about the patient’s condition and any preparations that the receiving unit needs to undertake.

4. Handle Any Surgical Emergencies

The flight nurse should be trained to undertake a surgery in the absence of a flight physician in order to save the life of the patient.

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Air Ambulance Services – The Operating Model

Air ambulances are civilian aircrafts that are pressed into service during a medical emergency.

Air ambulances can be categorized on the basis of their operating models of the EMS. The emergency medicine system has classified air ambulances into two base models –

• The Anglo American Model
• The Franco German Model

Both these models vary in their approach to a situation. While in one the doctor is in charge, in the other the paramedic calls the shots.

Lets read about these two models in detail –

1.Franco German Model –

• In the air ambulance based on this model, the physician travels with the patient in the air craft. The doctor monitors the patient constantly and takes all the decisions regarding him.  
• In this model the support staff like nurses, paramedic staff and the doctors arrive at the site or accident location with the help of an air ambulance.
• The paramedics take care of the first aid and hand over the case to  the doctor.
• The doctor arrives at the crisis site with all the equipment he might need.
• The patient is transported only deemed stable and fit to travel.

2.  The Anglo American Model –

• The patient is straightaway transferred to a hospital with the help of long distance medical transport services.
• The doctors and nurses take over the moment the patient reaches the medical facility.
• The paramedics handle the case at the location and ensure that a patient is transported safely to the hospital.
• The first line of treatment is handled by the paramedics and no doctor is involved at that stage.
• The team stays in touch with a doctor in case any special on the spot procedures need to be carried out.

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Is Travel Insurance Really That Essential?

Travelers who empower themselves with a good travel insurance, tend to minimize the risk that appear due to illnesses, accidents, cancellations and other unforeseen circumstances.

The amount of loss that a traveler bears in the absence of a travel insurance depends on the amount he has already paid, the status of the ticket he is holding, the actual value of the luggage he is carrying and his general state of health. The terms of the airline and the medical insurance that the traveler is already holding will also determine his loss figure in case of a medical emergency while travelling. Whether travel insurance is a good thing or not, needs to be decided by the traveler himself.

Let’s read about travel insurance in a little detail –

1.    The Basics of Insurance

The travel insurance can be divided into five main categories –

• Interruption and cancellations
• Medical emergencies
• Evacuation request
• Insurance on flight and of baggage
• Flight insurance

Additionally, a client can choose to add riders like protection against theft and evacuation in the case of a political crisis too. A comprehensive cover will cover most of these factors and will take care of everything.

2.    Travel Insurance

In the past decade it has been seen that companies offering long distance medical transport services, are encouraging patients to opt for a cover specifically for travel, besides their regular insurance. Most of these insurances cover cost between 12 to 5 percent of the total cost of the trip. Age is the foremost factor when deicing the cover price. Coverage for children who are seventeen or under is usually free, but most expensive for the elderly.

3.    Cancellation Or Interruption Insurance

It is strongly advised by all travel medical assistance companies to read the offer document word by word before signing on the dotted line. This is the most bought insurance as it protects the money paid for the trip, in case of any cancellation. It is a good idea to take this cover in case your loved ones are not in the best of health and might not be able to travel at the last minute.

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What Are The Different Kinds Of Air Ambulances Available?

Air ambulances can be broadly classified into two basic categories- the ones with a rotary wing and the others with a fixed wing.

The rotary wing ambulance is commonly called a helicopter. They are often used to transfer patients from one medical facility to another. They are also deployed to dispatch medical teams to crisis situations. The fixed wing ambulances can commonly be called small jets. They are mostly used for long distances of travel.

Let’s look at both these ambulances in detail –

1. The Rotary Wing Ambulances

The helicopter can be used in many situations that require immediate attention and action. They are usually used for transporting patients over short distances. They can also be used to transport a patient from a crisis situation to a hospital.

1. Their main advantage over the fixed wing ambulances is the fact that they can be landed practically anywhere. The spectrum of places of where they can be sent to pick up patients is very wide. They can be made to land over pavements, roads, in fields and even in parks. Hence, they allow the medical teams to have the closest access to the patient in trouble.
2.  However, travel medical assistance company’s only use them for local distances, as they are perfect for emergency situations.

2. The Fixed Wing Ambulances

The fixed wing air ambulance works on the theory of powered by a jet engine or driven by a propeller. In terms of mechanic they are business jets or lear jets that have been converted into air ambulances. They are equipped with all latest medical equipment and can accommodate the patient and the medical crew.

1. They can be used to transfer patients for long distances and even overseas. A propeller driven turboprops may also be deployed for exceptionally long distances.
2. They are often used in the rural districts of United States and Australia, where people have limited access to medical facilities.
3. Their interiors are spacious and can carry medical escorts and flight nurses
4. They do not need to stop often for refueling.
5. They can also be flown in bad weather where a helicopter would be unable to take off.

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Points to Consider When Transferring A Patient Long Distance

The decision to transfer a patient by long distance travel is a critical one. Long distance medical transport services providers need to keep some basic factors in mind.

Medical emergencies can occur anywhere and at any time. There are situations when the patent might be travelling abroad and needs to be shifted to a better care facility. The decision on whether a patient is in a condition to be moved or not is an important one. His family must consult a doctor or a well reputed travel medical assistance company in order to get the best suited advice. Have a look at five critical points that need to be considered –

1. The Condition of The Patient

The actual ground reality is the most important factor in determining the mode of transportation. Some medical conditions make travel by air impossible as the cabin pressure aggravates the condition of the patient. Others might need to be transferred in a jiffy, due to a deteriorating health condition.

2. Hiring an Air Ambulance

After careful evaluation it should be determined if time is the most critical factor that will determine the health of the patient. Then without any further delay an air ambulance should be hired. If time is not the primary factor, other options in medical transport by land or with a medical escort in a commercial plane should be considered.

3. Distance of Travel

For distances over 1500 miles, the mental and physical strength of the patient is the primary deciding factor for travel. As to travel such a distance implies at least a day of travel.

4. Will The Family Be Accompanying?

Additional passengers, obviously implies additional prices. In ground transport most companies allow a family member or two. But in an air ambulance it varies from company to company.

5. The Team on Board

Most reputed companies will have ad designated team assigned to the patient. On an air ambulance a patient is accompanied by a nurse and two pilots. This ratio varies from company to company.

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Steps on Searching For the Right Air Ambulance Provider

Long distance ambulance services do not come cheap, but are essential in a medical situation.

When stuck in a medical condition, it is natural to panic and feel distressed. Families need to get in control of the situation by calming themselves down and doing some research before hiring a company for non-emergency medical transportation services. One essential step that all families need to take is to go for a medical cover that takes care of the cost of non-emergency medical transportation services.

Follow the steps written below and take a sound decision, when hiring a Air Ambulance Provider –

1. Do Your Research – do your homework by searching on the internet for an air ambulance provider that has a good reputation and sound reviews. Check with your friends and relatives about the long distance ambulance, that they might have used in the past.
2. Check the services offered – do a close scrutiny of the services being offered by the air ambulance company. Check the medical centers they offer transportation to. Make a note of whether they provide repatriation services or not.
3. Ask As Many Questions – make a list of your entire queries and ensure you get answers for each one of them. Details about ages of the patients accommodated, credentials of the support staff, all should be looked into.
4. Be Wary Of Hidden Costs – make sure you read the quote thoroughly and check twice for any hidden costs that might crop up later.
5.  Don’t Be In A Hurry – when selecting an air ambulance do not jump at the lowest offer you get, as that might be the one with the most dicey services too. Always try to take a sound decision based on services, reputation, and cost offered.

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What You Need To Know About Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

Most of us wake up to a zillion questions regarding travel medical assistance, when a loved one falls ill or needs medical care.

There are some basic questions that need to be answered, before a long distance ambulance is hired. Only when one is satisfied with the answers, one should hire the services of a non-emergency medical transportation company for long distances.

Have a look at some questions that you need to essentially ask –

1. Does Your Insurance Cover You For Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services?

There is no definite answer for this. Most medical covers will take care of all non emergency medical transportation services needs. Most Medicare policies will cover the outpatient procedures, checkups that are post operative and any assistance that is required in transportation. The important step that the patient needs to take on his part is to procure proper documentation from the doctor, regarding the services of an air ambulance.

2. Which Type Of Service Should I Select?

A patient might need non-emergency medical transportation services or an air ambulance due to various medical reasons. The patient might have a wheel chair that does not fit in his normal car or there might be a patient who needs to travel with IV drips attached to his body. The patient and his family can choose from –

• Wheelchair van service – are ideal for patients who need a little help in going from one place to another. It is ideal for people whose wheel chair does not fit in a normal car.
• Ambulance with basic life support – is best suited for patients who need a little more care than normal patients. These vehicles are loaded with oxygen support, and also an AED on board.
• An Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance – is hired for patients who have intensive needs such as airway management, KEG monitoring and medical support around the clock.
•  An ambulance with critical care services – is designed for patients needing travel medical assistance with the help of a pump or a ventilator. The ambulance has onboard a team of paramedics.
• A bariatric ambulance – is specially designed for patients who weigh more than 300 pounds. 

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What Is Non-Emergency Medical Transportation?

Non emergency medical transportation services are those that are hired for patients in need of specific medical care.

Common modes of transport that are used for these kinds of services are helicopters, air and land ambulances. The main goal of these services is to transport the patient to the best location in terms of medical facilities. There are some hospitals that have an attached wing that takes care of all non-emergency medical transportation services. There are others that hire the services of specialist companies for these services.

Let’s read on a little more about non-emergency medical transportation services –

1. Condition of The Patient

A condition of the patient, who can qualify for non-emergency medical transportation services needs to be stable and in need of medical care to some extent. An ideal example of the candidate, who qualifies for these services, might be a chronically ill patient who needs to go for a regular doctor’s appointment, or a patient who has come out of critical care and needs to be transferred to a facility for recovery under supervision.

2. Available For Hospitals

Non-emergency medical transportation services are also available for hospitals to hire for their patients. Hospitals sometimes hire these services for surgeons who need to be transported between two facilities. Hospitals also hire these services for patients who are not in urgent need of medical condition. Some patients may also be moved from a critical care facility to a general facility using non-emergency medical transportation services, in order to make way for emergency cases.

3. Transfer of the Patient

In this mode, a patient is transported in a stretcher or a wheel chair accompanied by a nurse. The vehicle for transportation is fully equipped with all modern gadgets in order to monitor the patient at all times.

4. Cost of Transportation

The cost of non-emergency medical transportation services is always lower than that for emergency transportation. This is because the crew is not in a life saving mission during the trip. The travel time need not be speeded and travel is much safer.

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A Detailed Review of a Long Distance Ambulance

When it comes to the health and safety of your loved one, take your decisions wisely.

When selecting a long distance medical transport services provider for your loved one, the choice can be baffling. The three common modes of transport available in a medical situation are -

• A medical escort in a commercial airliner
• An air ambulance with a medical team on board
•  A long distance ambulance

The purpose of all the three is to ensure the safety and comfort of a patient, but they deliver their services differently. Let’s review them in detail –

1. Services of A Medical Escort

The services of a medical escort can be hired for an individual who will be able to sit through a long commercial flight. A trained and qualified escort is required to assist him on the flight and take care of all his needs. A medical escort is capable of taking snap decisions in the absence of a doctor, in case the need arises. A medical escort is the most cost efficient method to take care of a medically unfit traveler.

2. An Air Ambulance

When the need for shifting a patient from one facility to another arises, an air ambulance is the quickest method. The patient can be transported over a stretcher. The team on board an air ambulance is fully trained to deal with any medical situation. When compared to other options, an air ambulance is the most expensive option for a patient.

3. When Air Travel Is Not an Option

A long distance ambulance is specially designed keeping in mind the needs of a patient who needs to travel thousands of kilometers. It is an ideal option for patients who are unable to take a long commercial flight with an escort or have the means to hire an air ambulance. Their cost is half of what a patient may pay for an air ambulance. There are medical teams on board the ambulance who monitor the patient around the clock. A three member team is known to be more effective as they can take care of the patient in shifts. The vehicles are roomy and specially designed to cater to an unfit person. 

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