If you haven’t been living under a rock or in a cave, you may be aware of the incredible technological breakthroughs in the healthcare industry. These inventions are critical in today’s world. That’s because data shows that the aging population will reach 1.5 billion by 2050. Hence, chronic diseases will become more widespread. Furthermore, sedentary lifestyles and a variety of illnesses also necessitate innovative healthcare.
A variety of healthcare solutions are now available to meet a wide range of patient needs. However, one particular life-saving approach is growing in popularity. It assists in the transportation of patients via airways and provides medical escort services and worldwide commercial stretcher services. The facility is known as air medical services, and it gives continual care with everything a patient need, such as oxygen tanks and CPR equipment.
Air medical services are effective and safe for medevac and repatriation. However, with so many providers professing to provide the most outstanding services, it can be challenging to make an informed decision. Don’t worry; this guide will assist you. Here are some essential factors to consider before selecting an air ambulance service.
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Considerations When Booking an Air Ambulance
Air ambulances are a lifeline for people who require immediate critical care. They are outfitted with cutting-edge tools, equipment, and devices such as ECGs, stretchers, medications, CPR supplies, and other monitoring units, as well as oxygen, blood, plasma, IV fluids, and other similar items.
Patients who do not want to deal with the difficulties of ground transportation can use air medical services. That’s because air ambulances are the quickest and most capable of providing quality services on an emergency basis. Patients who do not require emergency care can also use air ambulance services.
Here are the crucial aspects of selecting an air ambulance service to reap the abovementioned privileges.
Check the Air Ambulance Facilities
The facilities and equipment listed in the introduction must be available on the air medical service you book, such as medication, oxygen tanks, etc.
Offers Emergency and Non-emergency Services
Air ambulance caters to both medical emergencies as well as non-emergency medical needs. Some examples include the following:
- Organ transplants
- Hypoxemia
- Hemorrhage
- Burn Injuries
- Heart attacks
- Deadly injuries and accidents
- High blood pressure
- Risks of preterm labor
- Signs of miscarriage in a pregnant woman
- Gestational diabetes
Follows Strict Safety Standards
The air service provider must comply with globally recognized organizations’ safety standards, norms, and laws, such as TUV SUD, Bureau Veritas, Flight Safety Foundation, Federal Aviation Administration, or the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems.
Confirm the Qualification of Pilot Flying the Plane
According to federal govt requirements, a pilot must have a minimum of 1500 hours of flying experience. However, your air medical service provider’s pilot should have years of expertise for increased certainty and trust. In addition, for better flying safety, ensure that a co-pilot accompanies the primary pilot. A co-pilot may be required to take control during an emergency.
Examine the Aircraft Condition
In the airline sector, there is an extensive aircraft range available from small to large, pressurized to non-pressurized. As a result, you must check which aircraft is employed and its most remarkable qualities.
You should book with a company that only utilizes pressurized and weather-friendly aircraft. The medical ambulance must fly over clouds and sustain in marine conditions. The cabin should be spacious enough to ensure the patient’s comfort.
To guarantee safety, inquire with the provider if a trained specialist examines the medical supplies and devices before deployment.
Assure the Crew Communicate Properly
The air ambulance crew must maintain constant communication with the physicians. A patient’s condition may aggravate in a medical emergency. Hence, good communication between doctors and aircrew are required during the transport. Additionally, there must be a coordinator since direct interaction with your coordinator will keep you and other concerned members up to date at any point in time.
Ensure the Team Competence
Everyone involved in delivering air medical services must be highly qualified. They must provide outstanding quality services to any patient, whether an emergency, pediatric, intensive care, or neonatal. Ensure training them in advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation, safety measures, flying physiology, and critical care. However, the human resources and equipment would be tailored to your exact requirements, so better confirm accordingly.
Final Take
That is how an ideal air ambulance service should be. In addition, the service provider must assist with things like booking airplane tickets, getting medical clearance, arranging ground transportation for the present location and destination, filing necessary insurance claims, and more. Do extensive research, and choose the top air medical services for a stress-free journey.