An air ambulance provides transportation over long distances for various medical purposes. These may include time when a person becomes sick while traveling for work or pleasure or when someone is having a medical procedure performed in a distant location.

Identification

An air ambulance is a small aircraft flown by a licensed pilot and staffed by medical professionals, such as registered nurses, respiratory therapists, flight paramedics and emergency medical technicians.

Types

Air ambulances provide transportation for transplant patients or people who are suffering from or who have suffered heart attacks, strokes or cancer and require care or treatment in another area. Air ambulances also operate during disasters, removing patients from affected areas to remote locations for treatment.

Features

Air ambulances are typically equipped with machines like advanced life support systems, defibrillators, ventilators and incubators for premature infants. This highly specialized equipment allows treatment to continue while en route to a different location, enabling travel for patients who otherwise would not have the ability to make the trip.

Variations

In some cases, air ambulance services are prearranged and may secure a doctor to joint the flight team to help care for patients who are at a high risk for developing complications while in the air. Other times, the transportation occurs in an emergency situation and cannot provide physicians.

Geography

Air ambulance services are available for both domestic and international medical travel.

Cost

Depending on the reason for the transport, health insurance will not always cover the costs of an air ambulance; however, in times of a grave emergency that requires transportation, patients or their families may not be able to consider cost of the services. Costs vary based upon the level of care needed and the distance traveled.

Source:

Air Ambulance Network: Air Ambulance

Air Ambulance America: Fly Your Loved Ones Home