Arranging An Air Ambulance: A Quick Guide For Medical Emergencies

Planes and other types of aircraft have become more useful now than ever. Commercial flights and scenic tours aside, they have also aided in countless humanitarian and life-saving situations.

Many jets are designed to be used in fire brigades, while some planes and helicopters are designed for air and relief cargo charter. Others are equipped for critical medical transport.

Emergencies can happen anytime, so you need to be ready. After reading this article, you will have a good idea when to call an air ambulance and how you can arrange for aerial transport in case of an emergency.

When should you call an air ambulance?

When making a decision to request an aircraft for medical emergencies, it is important to remember that it shouldn’t be done on a whim. These aerial emergency medical services (EMS) are facilitated through unique and complex processes. Some inherent benefits and risks also need to be considered.

In other words, the medical decision has to be made not just to save time or for some people’s convenience but to try to save lives.

Calling an air ambulance is much like performing first possible challenges you might encounter along the way.

The key is to determine whether the patient will benefit from aerial transport.

According to the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all trauma patients must be transported by ground EMS unless road conditions and other system variables make safe and timely patient transport impossible.

Repatriation air ambulance flights can be used when someone falls seriously ill when visiting another country. Besides getting medical experts to sign off the departure, the decision can be made by the patient’s insurer based on the medical coverage in place.

How do you arrange for an air ambulance?

The details on how to arrange for an air ambulance service can vary from region to region. However, there is a common process implemented across most air ambulance providers, as listed below:

Step #1: Make contact.

Often, all it takes is a simple call or email to an air ambulance provider to start the process. In some cases, you’ll be given an online form where you can input all necessary details of the flight, including a brief description of the emergency situation and patient condition.

From there, a medical case manager or staff will take the case. They will help book you a flight as soon as possible and ensure trained and experienced emergency medical experts are onboard to assist with the emergency transport.

Step #2: Get a quote and confirm.

After all details of the flight plan are completed, you will get a written quotation specifying the following flight information and more:

• Departure time
• Meeting point
• Pickup time

Once you confirm that all the details are correct, the flight planning will immediately commence. This entails acquiring the necessary permits and documentation.

Step #3: Prepare documentation.

Transfer orders, acceptance papers, and all other necessary documents must be prepared before the patient boards the emergency aircraft. These should also include the patient’s medical records, especially the following:

• Medical chart
• Discharge summary
• Laboratory test results

The patient’s photo ID card should also be kept handy just in case. Do not forget to send an accomplished consent for medical flight transport to the air ambulance operator prior to liftoff.

Step #4: Book the flight.

Unless the air ambulance is booked and covered by a medical insurer, you’ll have to pay for the flight costs. While this may be a bit higher than ground emergency medical services because of the vehicle used, the advantages are worth every amount spent.

Get Immediate Medical Help

Time is of the essence when it comes to certain medical emergencies. Make sure you know when and how to book an air ambulance in case the need arises.