subject: A Guide to Choosing Air Ambulance Services [print this page] A Guide to Choosing Air Ambulance Services
Everyday, the emergency medical services field develops new methods for quick delivery of medical care. While responding to emergency medical situations, proper timing is of the utmost importance. In the past, ambulances were used to transport patients to hospitals in a quick and efficient manner. Now, people can receive initial treatment in the ambulance while being transported. Ambulances carry enough medical equipment to perform minor procedures that can bring initial relief to the patients. In remote areas that are inaccessible by road, air ambulances provide emergency medical services.
Air ambulances are aircraft, which are specially designed for providing medical assistance in critical medical situations. Like traditional ambulances, they carry a small crew of medical personnel and basic equipment like ECG and monitors, ventilators, medication and stretchers. These ambulances provide the safest and fastest way of transporting patients to medical facilities for treatment. Pilots flying these ambulances have much higher credentials than the ones flying non-emergency flights. The American government and the Commission on Air Medical Transportation Systems (CAMTS) have set various standards for air ambulance service firms. The rules and regulations made by CAMTS ensure that pilots, crew and aircraft can deliver the proper medical care when required.
Specialized training is required for the on board medical crew for many reasons. Sometimes there is very limited space on board the air ambulance and the crew must perform emergency medical procedures within the limited space available. Air ambulances do not have pressurized cabins and the medical crew must have the skills to adjust the medication and check for the changes in physiology and behavior of gases against pressure.
People who are looking for medical flight services should know that there are many variables, which affect the cost of an air ambulance transport. Initially, you should create a short list of firms that can provide you with the required services. Do a bit of research and compare the cost and quality of the services offered. It's always best to approach a firm directly instead of making contact through a broker. Brokers always find the lowest cost possible and then add a fee for their services to the cost. The type of aircraft being used as an ambulance will greatly affect the cost. Before settling on the type of aircraft you want, you should carefully consider the distance of the flight. The number of medical personnel required aboard will also influence the cost. If the patient requires just a couple of medical technicians on board then the cost will be much less. On the other hand if the patient requires an entire specialized medical team to be on board then the cost will rise drastically. If a friend or relative of the patient travels with the patient, the air ambulance service may charge additional fees. In case the patient has medical insurance coverage, its best to find out what costs of transportation by air ambulance is covered by the policy.
