When and Why Do You Need Air Ambulance Services?

An air ambulance is the best option in a medical emergency when the patient needs to be air lifted and transported to a better medical facility.

An air ambulance is an air craft that is especially designed to carry critically ill patients from one medical unit to another. It is fully equipped with an intensive care unit, a stretcher especially designed for the flight and all other medical equipment that might be needed in an emergency. It is fully loaded with drugs, medication and a well trained team of experienced paramedics.

1. Who Needs an Air Ambulance?

An air ambulance is generally called for when a critically ill patient needs to be transported for more than a distance of 250miles. Only a patient, who is not capable of sitting through a long commercial flight, will be transported by an air ambulance.

2. Fully Equipped for All Specialized Procedures

An air ambulance has all the equipments in place for any specialized procedures that might have to be undertaken while in flight. These procedures can range care for a burn victim, treatment for cancer, a patient with an injury to the head or spinal cord, and stoke victims.

3. Convenient for the Elderly

In certain cases it has been seen that the elderly are not fit enough to sit through a commercial flight and get very stressed out. They also tend to get hassled by the security clearances and other formalities at the airport. An air ambulance is a great boon for children who are looking for a safe option to transport their elderly parents form one place to another. Air ambulances are often used by rehabilitation centers and other specialized medical institutions for transfer of patients too.

Read More

Top 10 Medical Escort Companies In USA

Long distance medical transportation companies have seen a boom in their industry over the last one decade.

Today, we take a look at the list of top ten medical escort companies in the USA. These companies have been judged on the basis of their service quality, presence across different US cities and towns, and customer testimonials. Here’s the list of top 10 medical escort companies (in no particular order) in the USA:

1. TheMedEvent911

It based out of Arizona, and is known to provide comfortable and well equipped safe transport to all their clients. They have a strong base with the local medical service providers.

2. Mercy Jets

It is based out of Phoenix and can be called as one of the leaders in medical transportation services worldwide. They have a sound fleet of world class jets, and a state of the art set up with a highly trained team.

3. Sky Nurses

Florida is home to Sky nurses, a well known name in medical escort services. They specialize in non emergency medical transport services. The company has one of the most experienced teams on board.

4. Sentinel Med

It is a well known long distance medical transportation services company. The directors of the company have extensive experience in the aviation industry and stick to a hands on approach to all cases.

5. AirMD

It’s a well known name in air ambulance services.  Patient safety and outstanding medical care is their strongest forte.

6. Global MD

GlobalMD has extensive experience in transporting elderly clients from one place to another. They have been serving families, hospitals and corporate for over two decades.

7. Aero National Inc

Aero National is based out of Washington; it a trusted name in critical care, bariatric care and escort services. They are well versed in providing international and domestic medical services.

8. Flying Nurses International

Based out of Florida, they are one of the most recognized faces in medical escort services and air ambulances in the region. Since, 1993 they have built a sound reputation for themselves.

9. U.S Air Ambulance

Since their onset in 1990, they have completed 97,000 medical transports and claim to have a 100% safety record. They actually transport almost 800 patients on a daily basis.

10. American Air Ambulance

They offer some of the most affordable travel options to patients worldwide.  Their excellent customer services have earned them a solid reputation.

Read More

Choosing a Portable Oxygen Concentrator for Travel

When buying a portable oxygen concentrator, you should consider certain important factors. Find out how you can choose the right product at first go! 

For patients who get oxygen therapy and need to travel frequently, portable oxygen concentrators are a must. These medical devices help them keep up with society and maintain an active lifestyle.

But since there is an array of products to choose from on the market, finding the right device can be a tough job!

Here is what to look for when buying a portable oxygen concentrator for travel:

Your Personal Requirements

It is important that you know your unique oxygen requirements. Do you need a continuous-flow oxygen concentrator or will the one with pulse flow do? If you are a frequent traveler, a compact device will be the best option. You’ll find it easy to carry and use.

Special Portable Concentrator for Airline Travel

If you will be using your concentrator during airline travel, you need an FAA-approved product. And if you often take lengthy flights, consider opting for a device with maximum battery backup. If you have a quality oxygen concentrator, it can help tackle thin oxygen inside the passenger compartment. It is great idea to keep an extra battery with you.

Reliability

Before you purchase a new portable oxygen concentrator, make sure you have thoroughly checked all its features and benefits. Ask how to use it according to your oxygen requirements during travel. Today, many companies are designing their products keeping different customer requirements in mind.

Warranty Coverage

Every portable oxygen concentrator is covered by a warranty depending upon the manufacturing brand. It is important to not only get a warranty, but also to carefully check the warranty duration at the time of purchase. Prefer a product that is coming with a warranty of 3 years at least.

Read More

Having Contact Number of a Private Ambulance Service is a Good Idea

A medical emergency can show up at any time, leaving the victim utterly perplexed. But if you have a reliable provider of private ambulance services on call all the time, you can save lives!

With the global population increasing every day, the events of medical emergency are occurring more frequently too.

Having contact details of a private ambulance company always with you has certain advantages. Should an emergency arise, you can get quick help for yourself or people around you!

Why Have a Private Ambulance Provider Always in Contact?

If you have a reputed private ambulance company in contact at all times, you can always expect to get:

1. A Quick Response: During a medical crisis, the time taken to access medical care is often the difference between an unfortunate event and a successful recovery. When you need immediate medical attention, you can call upon the ambulance provider for emergency services.

2. Suitable Transportation: In certain situations, particularly the late night hours, it can be extremely difficult to find transportation to reach a hospital. A private ambulance can get you to a health center in no time. Also, if you live in a traffic-prone area and need help during rush hours, an ambulance can be used to cut through the crowd.

3. Appropriate Care: Private ambulances are fully-equipped with practiced physicians, paramedics, and emergency response teams. They always have alternative medication, wheelchairs, and portable oxygen concentrator for travel during medical emergencies. Experts can monitor and stabilize a patient’s health condition using latest medical equipment.

4. 24-Hour Service: Most private ambulance providers offer 24-hour services. Having such a company in contact all the time ensures that you’ll get a quick response in a medical emergency situation. These professionals can ride you to a hospital 24X7, regardless of what time it is!

Read More

Flying After a Recent Illness

A patient needs to be 200% sure of his medical condition before he decides to travel after a surgery or illness.

Consulting a doctor and taking his approval is very essential for a patient, before planning any travel. He or she needs to instruct you on any precautions that you need to take and the essential medication that you need to carry with you. A long distance medical transportation services company will be able to guide you on the minimum time gap that a patient must keep between a medical condition and his next travel.

Let’s read more about these essential time gaps –

1. In a major chest and middle ear surgery, a patient can only travel after ten days.

2. For all cataract surgeries or corneal lasers he can travel only after a day’s rest.

3. In a surgery for removal of tonsils, the patient can only travel after six days.

4. For an appendectomy or a key hole surgery, a patient can travel after four days only.

5. A patient who has undergone an angioplasty can travel only after three to five days.

6. All patients recovering from a heart surgery are advised to travel only after months rest.

7. Patients who are recovering from a heart attack should travel only after seven days, if necessarily required.

8. People suffering from angina attacks can fly anytime, but need to keep their medication handy.

9. Asthma patients can travel at will, but need to carry their inhalers with them.

10. People who are recovering from a stroke need to rest for three days at least.

11. Patients suffering from epilepsy should not travel within 24 hours of a fit.

12. People suffering from any kind of sinus or ear infections should avoid travelling till the time the infection is thoroughly healed.

Read More

Travelling With Food Allergies

Most of us have allergies to certain foods. When travelling by air, please be careful and take extra precaution.

The common allergies found in humans are to tree nuts, peanuts, gluten, dairy, strawberries and shell fish. People who suffer from any kind of allergy should inform the airline beforehand and request for a special or medical meal. Patients can choose from dairy free or gluten and sea food free meals.

Let’s read more about precautions to take, in case travelling with allergies –

1. Allergic Reaction

In these harsh economic times, not all airlines are empathetic towards a sick traveler. Allergic reactions can become severe in matter of few seconds. It is strongly advised to keep the details of a reputed travel medical assistance company, with you before embarking on a journey.

2. The Environment Inside The Cabin

Most airlines cannot guarantee a cabin that is nut free. Neither can they prevent or force other passengers to bring nut free food on the aircraft. It is advised to consult a doctor about the risks that the patient might be exposing himself to and the medications to be kept handy. Patients, who have been prescribed an auto injector, must ensure that they keep it handy in the cabin baggage.

3. Travel Fully Prepared

After consulting the doctor ensure you have all the essentials in place, before you board the flight.

• Patients should wear their bracelet for medical alerts
• Keep the cabin crew informed of your allergies
• Keep the medication at easy access
• Most cabin crews are trained to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction and give you instant first aid.
• The medication should be clearly labeled.
• Some airlines will allow the passenger to carry his own food, but will not gurantee any heating or cooking facilities.

Read More

Travelling With Medicines and Other Medical Equipments

Travelling in a medical condition can be very stressful. Patients should take care and go well prepared.

Elderly and those with a chronic illness need to prepare themselves physically and mentally before going on an aircraft. The medication should be packed for a day or two extra in case of an emergency. If possible, it should be packed in the original packing.

Most airlines cannot provide a location to keep the medicine cool so it is necessary to check with the pharmacist about an ice pack that can be used in travelling. If you need to carry equipment with you, please ensure that it is battery operated. A power supply might or might not be available on flight.

Let’s read more about travelling in a medical condition –

1. Use of Nebulisers

Patients are only allowed to use a battery operated nebulizer while on the air craft. And it has to be switched off at landing, take off and during taxi. Most airlines will not be able to supply power for it.

2. Carrying a CPAP Machine

No medical clearance is required to travel with a CPAP machine, which is used for sleep. In cases where the traveler is not confident, he should hire a medical escort or a flight nurse. Although a dry cell battery is highly recommended, patients can plug it into a laptop point. Please keep in mind that the maximum power available for a laptop is 75 watts, so plan accordingly.

3. A Dialysis Machine

A dialysis machine is allowed by most airlines and it can be checked in along with the rest of the cabin baggage. The baggage allowance might exceed due to it, so keep that in mind.

Read More

What Do Air Ambulance And Medical Escort Services Do?

An efficient Air Ambulance and Medical Escort Services coordinate the medical services around the clock. This coordination happens within the domestic country and globally too.

Medical escort services are available around the clock and they offer bed to bed services to the patients. They are responsible for organizing the pick-up, drop and all other coordination with the ground staff and the air ambulance Once they take over, the family of the patient and the individual who are ill can stop worrying about small complications and concentrate on getting well.

Let’s read a little more about Air ambulances and medical escorts in detail –

1. Air Ambulance Services

An air ambulance is fully equipped to take care of all kinds of medical emergencies. Most reputed medical transportation management companies, offer their customers a choice between private jets and airplanes with twin propellers.

• They have inbuilt ICU units.
• They also have life support equipment like cardiac monitors, defibrillators, medication and ventilators on board.
• They have a paramedic team on board that is trained to handle all situations.

2. Medical Escort Services

Medical escorts are perfect for patients who cannot hire an air ambulance and are fit enough to sit through a commercial flight. Medical escorts are full trained to handle any crisis situation. They offer the following services –

• Complete coordination between the medical facility and the insurance company in order to prepare the paper work.
• Take complete handover from the accepting and the handing out facility.
• Arrange logistics support between the ground arrangements, airline and the patient.
• Offer translation services in any language.
• Keep the family updated by effective communication.

Read More

Medical Transport: 4 Tips For Air Ambulance Passengers

Family members who decide to accompany their loved one on an air ambulance need to be fully fit and prepared for the ride.

Air ambulance passengers, who accompany a patient, need to take care of themselves too in order to execute their duty properly. They should be ready to sit upright and walk with the patient.  He or she should avoid falling ill or putting himself in state of discomfort. As it will only add stress to an already stressful situation.

Keep the following tips in mind in order to boost to your immunity and be ready for the journey –

1. Boost Up the Immunity

A week before the journey, the accompanying family member should start taking supplements for Vitamin C and other Echinacea tabs. They will build the body’s defenses and give it immunity to fight off any infection.

2. Sit in The Right Position

A family member, who accompanies a patient, needs to be on his toes all the time. But if he sits in the right position, he will tire less and will be able to handle the job for long hours. He or she should avoid sitting with their legs crossed. The circulation in the legs might get affected by sitting in one position for long hours.

3. Check about Snacking and Water

Before hiring an air ambulance from a medical transportation management company, be sure to check all the basic details. The fellow passenger needs to check if they provide snacks and drinks when on board. The accompanying family member needs to ensure that at all times he is well hydrated and has a normal blood sugar level.

4. Avoid Drinking and Coffee

A few hours before the flight, the accompanying air ambulance passenger should stop all intakes of caffeine and alcohol. They only dehydrate the body and cause dryness inside the body. More than anything they should follow the instructions of the paramedics strictly.

Read More

Does Travel Insurance Cover Pregnant Women?

Planning to travel in pregnancy? Do check with your insurance company if they have you covered or not.

Different travel insurance companies have different rules when it comes to providing cover to pregnant women. Always look out for the ‘present medical condition’ clause before you sign on any papers and have complete clarity on it.

A medical transport company will always suggest women in their third trimester of pregnancy to check before making any travel plans. Read on more to know about insurance covers if you are pregnant.

1. Present Medical Condition Clause

Most women get worried about this clause when planning a trip while pregnant. But let us inform you that beside 1% exceptional cases all would be moms can opt for a standard insurance plan for travel. In other words expecting mothers’ world over can now relax, and look forward to a break without worrying.

2. Pregnancy Is Not a Medical Condition

Pregnancy is not a medical condition, unless there is a history of any complications in an earlier pregnancy. Most travel insurances will cover a would-be-mother up to thirty two weeks of pregnancy. Travelling mothers should keep the details of a travel medical assistance handy in case they need any help.

3. Time Period of Cover

Medical expenses of the emergency kind are available up to 8 weeks before the due date. If a lady is expected to give birth within 8 weeks of starting a trip, then conditions need to be re-checked with the insurance company. Ladies travelling between 32 to 36 weeks need written permission from their doctor stating that they are fully fit to travel. Again, different airlines have different rules and it is best advised to check beforehand.

4. Exceptions

If a pregnant lady goes into labor prematurely, the cover will be off automatically. It is best to call a travel medical assistance company at that time in order to shift her to the closest medical facility.

Read More

Disease Outbreaks in 2014, All Travelers Need To Know

2014 has seen the outbreak of old diseases that have been believed to be extinct. WHO is advising travelers worldwide to know about them in order to protect themselves.

Measles and Polio have seen a comeback in 2014. Travel medical assistance companies are advising travelers to avoid travel to infected nations, or go well prepared. The new threat is from MERS, and sadly the awareness of the disease is still very low.

It is strongly advised by medical transport companies to check if any CDC has been issued for the destination the traveler is planning to go to.  It is also advised to always travel with an extensive medical cover to tackle any unforeseen circumstances.

Let’s read a little more about the three diseases –

1. MERS- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

MERS is a very serious disease that affects the respiratory system of the body. The first case was reported in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. The reason that it has become a threat is because of its high mortality rate.

Most people mistake the symptoms of cough, fever and breathlessness to be a bout of flu. But in reality the fatality rate is almost 30 percent. The only good news attached to this disease is that no uncontrollable outbreaks have been reported so far. People travelling to Middle East should wash their hands often and keep a close watch on any symptoms.

2. Measles

Measles is a highly contagious and deadly infection, often seen in children. The first symptoms are a mild a skin rash, followed by a runny nose, cough and high fever. Although most children are vaccinated for it, new cases were reported in the US IN 2013. All children and adult should ensure that they are vaccinated for it.

3. Polio

Polio is a dreaded disease that leaves children crippled for life. The WHO supports nations worldwide with all kinds of means in order to eradicate the disease completely. However, in 2014 an International emergency was declared and all nations were asked to take serious steps for eradication.

Read More