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.