In urgent situation, time is of essence, and ability to expeditiously move a patient to a specialist clinic is often a matter of life and death. That is why air ambulance worldwide aren’t just a convenience, but a vital necessity. However, there are many firms offering aeromedical transport on market, and it can be challenging to choose a truly reliable operator.
To make the right choice and be confident in the safety and quality of assistance provided, it’s important to know what criteria to pay attention to when evaluating air ambulance companies from technical condition of airplane to proficiencies of healthcare professionals and response speed.
What questions should you ask medical flight companies?
The first thing you should ask is: what security guarantees does the company offer?
There are no basic standards in this area. As a rule, most medical flight companies have high safety ratings.
The next equally important question is what type of airplane will be used. You should clarify all details concerning type and condition of airlift companies: is airship vulnerable to weather conditions, is cabin pressurized, and will they definitely use the aircraft you agreed upon? As a rule, companies use different airplanes depending on the situation; it can be a small aircraft or, conversely, a large one. You should choose an all-weather pressurized airship that is furnished with everything favorable for medical transport. This airship mustn`t be used for intention other than those for which it is intended (for freight transport or charter flights). The size of aircraft must be sufficient to guarantee customer convenience, and medical apparatus must be properly checked.
Why is it worth checking airtightness of aircraft cabin? Such aircraft can fly higher and more smoothly in all weather conditions. If necessary, check whether there will be an extra seat on the plane for a family member.
Next, find out what qualifications the pilot has.
According to minimum federal regulations, some aircraft can be flown by a single pilot, provided that he or she has at least 1,500 hours of flight time. You may request two pilots for your flight. Ask if they have an air transport pilot licence and what level it`s.
It`s also worth finding out what qualifications the team involved in transporting the patient has. What professional schooling have team members undergone?
There are no standard conditions regarding medical professionalism in such organization. However, you can ask about the team members’ proficiency in intensive care. Proficiency in intensive care is a meaningful advantage for medical personnel, as it enables them to act rapidly and confidently in contingency. The flight crew must be selected individually for the potential requirements of the client, as they may be a child, an infant or a person with individual complications.
Is there a medical director among the crew members? You ask this question if it`s indispensable.
The law does not require air medical organizations to hire a medical director. However, if they offer the services of a doctor, this will be another plus for you. Such a person monitors quality of air medical organizations, and you may consult with them about the details of conveyance.
There is a separate essential question: does the healthcare provider liaison hospital in course of transport or not?
This is not required by law, but in the event of unexpected complications or deterioration of the client’s condition in the course of flight, it may simplify the situation.
The next key question to ask is whether air medical organizations guarantee that it has a basic range of medicines on board. Also, check what medical devices are available on board.
It`s important that aeroplanes are accoutred with monitoring and oxygen apparatus, as well as necessary medicines for intensive care.
You must be provided with professional modern materials and apparatus for specific clients needs. Healthcare professionals must have all significant devices available for rapid diagnosis of a client’s condition during the flight.
What will be the composition and number of team members? This is the next necessary question.
Since there aren`t standards for airlines, and some companies provide only one specialist, clarify this point in detail. At least two medical professionals must be present on board. They must be selected in accordance with therapeutic indications for each patient. This guarantees emergency treatment care in event of a deterioration in clients condition.
Finally, find out the cost of the service and when payment is due.
Due to the fact that the cost of air transport varies greatly, cost itself is not an indicator of flight quality. Some companies require full prepayment, and expenses are not always covered by insurance. Request a quote in advance, during your first communication with the organization. Clarify any issues regarding insurance coverage for air ambulance; if organization provides these services, it will be a big plus for you.
FAQ
Which air ambulance service has the best reviews?
According to industry awards, LifeFlight Australia has been recognized as one of the best, receiving the title of “Air Ambulance Company of the Year”.
Which company is the largest provider of ambulance services?
The largest in terms of number of bases is Air Eject Lifeteam (USA): more than 140 bases, more than 150 helicopters and two aeroplanes.
Which aircraft is best suited for air ambulance services?
One of the most recognized aircraft is the Pilatus PC-12: spacious pressurized cabin, large door for loading patients, convenient for air medical transport.
How many air ambulances are there?
It`s difficult to give an exact number of all air ambulance aircraft in the world, but, for example, in the first half of 2025, approximately 100,000 air medical missions were recorded; in the United States, there are nearly 900 helicopters and about 300 medical evacuation aircraft in operation.
