subject: How To Decide on an Air Ambulance Service [print this page] How To Decide on an Air Ambulance Service
Highly trained medical staff, state-of-art-equipment and an air ambulance that meets or exceeds FAA standards should be the minimum criteria when looking for air ambulance transport. When you're in a foreign country you need to know that your loved one will be cared for until you reach American soil.
If the time comes that you need an air ambulance, you should look for a service that provides specialized information on caring for a patient in-flight. When researching the training of medical staff aboard an air ambulance, look for medical personnel that are trained in caring for patients while aboard an aircraft. In-flight medical needs are different from those in a hospital, therefore the medical staff should have specialized training.
At a minimum the air ambulance medical staff should have:
General patient care while in-flight
The ability to take care of barometric pressure and other pressure-related maladies
Knowledge of aircraft emergencies, safety and aircraft operational systems
Intimate knowledge of the use of onboard medical equipment
Not all air ambulances are created equally and you might be amazed to know the scope of equipment that an air ambulance is equipped with. When you consider that an air ambulance is a flying intensive care unit, you should look for a service that at a minimum is equipped with:
ECG Monitors
Patient monitoring equipment
Fetal heart monitors
Advanced airways management systems
Transport ventilators
Custom stretchers
Specialized neonatal equipment
Medical staff with advanced medical certifications
Triage meters
CCT units
Blood gas analyzers
Defibrillators and more
Before you arrive at the airport, the medical team at the air ambulance service you have chosen will ask for a detailed medical history and information on what prompted this medical emergency. This allows them to be prepared to treat the patient the moment he or she arrives at the airport. Also, when calling air ambulance services, look for one who can respond immediately. Remember, a medical evacuation is only completed in the event of an emergency and because of this time is of the essence. You need medical attention urgently and as such try to find an air ambulance service that can deploy within two hours of your call.
While "money may be no object" in the face of a life threatening emergency, it will be a consideration when the bill comes. Put effort into finding an air ambulance service that gives you all the value for your money. It's better to be prepared in the event of an emergency: research air ambulance services before you need one. Call them for quotes, advice and pricing. Keep the contact information with you when you leave the country.
Chances are when you are in need of an air ambulance it is for a potentially life threatening injury or illness; because of that the air ambulance you choose should be outfitted in the same manner as you'd find in a hospital Intensive Care Unit. Just as you could not have anticipated the medical emergency that prompted the need for a medical evacuation, you can't predict a medical emergency in the air so it's best to do your homework before choosing an air ambulance service.
