Air Ambulance
Table of Contents
- Dedicated Flight Coordinator Specialists
- Cordination That Enhaces Continuity Of Care
- Experienced Leadership
- Patient Advocacy & Insurance Reimbursement for Air Ambulance Transports
- Need An Evaluation for Fix Wing Air Ambulance, Aeromedical Evacuation, Air Medical Transportation, Or Repatriation?
- Critical Care Air Ambulance (MICU)
- International Air Ambulance
- Types of Fixed Wing Air Ambulance Aircraft
- Frequently Asked Questions about Air Ambulance
Air Medical Transport with its worldwide network alliance offers medically configured fixed wing air ambulance transportation, operated by DOT, EASA and FAA Part 135 licensed air carriers. These Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICU) airplanes and jets are staffed with specialized flight physiology-trained critical care personnel, Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment and medical stretchers. We offer our clients more options for air ambulance and aeromedical transportation based on their requirements and needs when choosing our service.
DEDICATED FLIGHT COORDINATOR SPECIALISTS
Our service begins with our team of Air Ambulance Flight Coordination Specialists. When clients call, they speak directly with an EMS-trained air ambulance flight coordinator specialist dedicated to their specific aeromedical transport who will explain every detail and answer any questions they may have about our Bedside-to-Bedside air ambulance transportation services. Our Flight Coordinator Specialists are available around the clock from the time we receive our client’s first call until the patient has been safely transported to their destination.
CORDINATION THAT ENHACES CONTINUITY OF CARE
Air Medical Transport works with sending and receiving doctors, case managers, and medical personnel to coordinate each air ambulance flight. We synchronize the air with ground transportation while keeping everybody involved well informed for a seamless medical care continuum.
EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP
Air Medical Transport’s leadership has over 20 years of hands-on experience in international fixed-wing air ambulance, MEDEVAC – AIR EVAC, and patient logistics. We have directed, supervised, planned, and coordinated thousands of patient medical transports on six continents. Our air ambulance specialists program arranges and coordinates every step of each trip.
Air Medical Transport can arrange bedside-to-bedside fixed-wing air ambulance transportation virtually anywhere in the world with safe and appropriate access to public airport runways.
Fixed-wing air ambulances handle domestic or international transports over longer travel distances or terrain impractical for ground and helicopter transports. This type of air ambulance transport is widely used for trips longer than 300 miles when other modes of transport are impractical or contraindicated.
PATIENT ADVOCACY & INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT FOR AIR AMBULANCE TRANSPORTS
Our organization recognizes that air ambulance transports can incur significant out-of-pocket patient expenses. To ease this burden, we provide patient advocacy and insurance reimbursement services as long as coverage meets the necessity for air ambulance criteria.
Our experienced team will submit claims to your health insurance provider on your behalf, minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses. Furthermore, we advocate for our patients to ensure their benefits and insurance reimbursement are accurately applied to their air ambulance transport.
Our commitment to transparency and compassionate service is reflected in our patient advocacy and insurance reimbursement services. Our goal is to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care without the added stress of financial burden.
Need an evaluation for fix wing air ambulance, aeromedical evacuation, air medical transportation, or repatriation?
Contact one of our Flight Coordination Specialists by phone, email, live chat, or Request a Quote Now!
CRITICAL CARE AIR AMBULANCE (MICU)
Critical care air ambulance includes specialized and highly trained advanced medical professionals on medically configured jets.
Specialty Care or Critical Care Transports offer specialized care for patients who require additional medical expertise outside the scope of practice of a regular trained paramedic. Specialty teams can transport neonatal patients as well as pediatric intensive care patients. Other specialized medical personnel include respiratory therapists, critical care nurses, critical care flight paramedics, physicians, perfusionists, cardiologists, and more. These specialty care air ambulances are essential to ensure that extremely critical patients receive special care and monitoring from trained medical professionals during their aeromedical jet transport.
Critical Care Air Ambulance transportation (SCT/CCT) for patients, including neonate, pediatric, geriatric, bariatric, and highly critical cases, requires specialized air medical teams and equipment. Using highly trained Mobile Intensive Care Units, medical teams specialized in EMS and additionally trained in flight physiology with the following equipment, to name a few:
- Cardiac monitor/pacer/defibrillator
- Transport ventilator with multiple ventilation modes
- Infusion pumps
- Pulse Oximetry & end-tidal CO2
- Aircraft medical stretcher with oxygen & suctioning
Highly specialized equipment available for selected transports, such as:
- ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation)
- Intra-aortic balloon pump
- Fetal heart monitor
- Transport isolette
For ECMO and balloon pump, transports specialized teams as physicians, cardiologists, or cardiovascular perfusionists will be handling the specialized equipment. Our air ambulance flight coordinator specialists guide our clients through our services framework to find the best transportation solutions options for them based on the patient’s condition and needs.
INTERNATIONAL AIR AMBULANCE
As the world population has become more mobile, aeromedical evacuations (MEDEVAC – AIR EVAC), repatriations, and international medical tourism are used more than ever. The need for quality air ambulance transportation services has also increased. Increased aeromedical jet transportation access to medical services and specialists improves the quality of life with significant time and cost-saving.
With its Worldwide Network Alliance of contracted F.A.A. Part 135 operators and quality providers, Air Medical Transport offers scheduled fixed-wing air ambulance transportation to any domestic and international location with safe access to an appropriate public airport.
For international transport, the last airport of exit at the origin country and the first airport on entry at the destination country will need to be international airports with access for customs to meet the civil aviation, immigration, and customs guidelines. For international transport, federal regulations require the positive identification of each passenger and a security check with the Transportation Security Agency (T.S.A.) or customs. We request that each passenger’s name, weight, current travel passport, and visa (visa only for non-citizens) be provided at least 24 hours before departure.
Air Medical Transport can arrange international air ambulance transportation to six continents, including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa. Each transport is subject to aircraft availability, flight team, international overflight clearances, confirmation that the patient is fit to fly, and weather safety clearances. Each transportation is booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, having enough anticipation is very important to program each mission appropriately.
Given the complexity of air ambulance transportation, there is a need to maintain high service standards and observe precision and efficiency in communications to ensure details are not overlooked. We measure the performance based on service precision, customer satisfaction, response times, and economic efficiency.
Our E.M.S. experience and practical and in-depth knowledge of the fixed-wing air ambulance transportation industry allow us to arrange and program quality and efficient air ambulance transportation services worldwide, including bedside-to-bedside service. Our management of air ambulance flight coordinators provides efficient coordination to and from virtually anywhere based on the patient’s medical condition and transport requirements.
TYPES OF FIXED WING AIR AMBULANCE AIRCRAFT
MEDICALLY CONFIGURED JET AIR AMBULANCE
As its name calls, it is the type of aircraft that generates forward thrust powered by jet engines. Aeromedical Jets are used for their most extended distances and flight altitude capabilities.
For air ambulance transportation on aeromedical jets, the average minimum runway length requirement at sea level with clear conditions is 5,000 to 6,000 ft (1,524 to 1,828m). Longer runway lengths will be required depending on the terrain’s altitude, weight, and weather conditions.
The following reference lists the most used air ambulance jets; The following are average reference specifications at sea level altitudes within normal weather-clear conditions. Each aircraft may have slight variations based on its specific upgrades and air medical configuration for each mission.
*Note: The number of patient(s) (Pt.) and companion passenger(s) (PAX) allowed on each air ambulance can vary depending on the available aircraft configuration, the patient’s condition, the mission requirements for the medical team, flight crew, and equipment on board. The Captain has the responsibility and final authority on all matters related to the aircraft, crew, passengers, cargo, & safety.
| Category | Jet Aircraft Model | Cruise Range | Cruise Speed | Pt. + PAX | Cruise Altitude | Area of Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Cessna Citation I | 1,300 mi | 410 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 | 41,000 ft | Domestic |
| Small | Cessna Citation II | 1,300 mi | 410 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 3* | 43,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Small | Bechjet 400 | 1,500 mi | 480 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 45,000 ft | Domestic |
| Small | Bombardier Learjet 35A | 1,800 mi | 490 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | Cessna Citation V | 2,000 mi | 450 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 3* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | Bombardier Learjet 55 | 2,100 mi | 500 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Small | Bombardier Learjet 45 | 2,265 mi | 535 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | Cessna Citation III | 2,300 mi | 535 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 3* | 43,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | Bombardier Learjet 60/XR | 2,700 mi | 520 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Small | Bombardier Learjet 36A/XR | 2,800 mi | 540 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | Hawker 800A | 3,000 mi | 480 mph | Up to 2 Pt. + 1 to 3* | 41,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | Gulfstream G-100 | 3,200 mi | 540 mph | 1 Pt. + 1 to 3* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | IAI Astra 1125 | 3,500 mi | 515 mph | 1 Pt. + 1 to 3* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Large | Gulfstream G-200 | 3,800 mi | 550 mph | 1 Pt.+ up to 6* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | Gulfstream G-III | 4,000 mi | 550 mph | 1 Pt. + up to 6* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | Dassault Falcon 50 | 4,000 mi | 550 mph | Up to 2 Pt. + 1 to 3* | 49,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Large | Bombardier Challenger 601 | 4,000 mi | 506 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 3* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Large | Bombardier Challenger 650 | 4,038 mi | 528 mph | Up to 2 Pt.+ 1 to 3* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Large | Bombardier Challenger 604 | 4,250 mi | 540 mph | Up to 1 to 4 Pt. + 1 to 2* | 41,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Large | Bombardier Challenger 605 | 4,600 mi | 528 mph | Up to 3 Pt. + up to 4* | 41,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Large | Dassault Falcon 900 | 4,980 mi | 590 mph | Up to 2 Pt. + 1 to 3* | 51,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Large | Bombardier Global | 7,111 mi | 560 mph | Up to 2 Pt. + up to 8* | 51,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Large | Gulfstream G-650ER | 8,160 mi | 595 mph | Up to 2 Pt. + up to 10* | 51,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Category | Jet Aircraft Model | Cruise Range | Cruise Speed | Pt. + PAX | Cruise Altitude | Area of Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Cessna Citation I | 1,300 mi | 410 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 | 41,000 ft | Domestic |
| Small | Cessna Citation II | 1,300 mi | 410 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 3* | 43,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Small | Bechjet 400 | 1,500 mi | 480 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 45,000 ft | Domestic |
| Small | Bombardier Learjet 35A | 1,800 mi | 490 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | Cessna Citation V | 2,000 mi | 450 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 3* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | Bombardier Learjet 55 | 2,100 mi | 500 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Small | Bombardier Learjet 45 | 2,265 mi | 535 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | Cessna Citation III | 2,300 mi | 535 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 3* | 43,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | Bombardier Learjet 60/XR | 2,700 mi | 520 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Small | Bombardier Learjet 36A/XR | 2,800 mi | 540 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | Hawker 800A | 3,000 mi | 480 mph | Up to 2 Pt. + 1 to 3* | 41,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | Gulfstream G-100 | 3,200 mi | 540 mph | 1 Pt. + 1 to 3* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | IAI Astra 1125 | 3,500 mi | 515 mph | 1 Pt. + 1 to 3* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Large | Gulfstream G-200 | 3,800 mi | 550 mph | 1 Pt.+ up to 6* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | Gulfstream G-III | 4,000 mi | 550 mph | 1 Pt. + up to 6* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Midsize | Dassault Falcon 50 | 4,000 mi | 550 mph | Up to 2 Pt. + 1 to 3* | 49,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Large | Bombardier Challenger 601 | 4,000 mi | 506 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 3* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Large | Bombardier Challenger 650 | 4,038 mi | 528 mph | Up to 2 Pt.+ 1 to 3* | 45,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Large | Bombardier Challenger 604 | 4,250 mi | 540 mph | Up to 1 to 4 Pt. + 1 to 2* | 41,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Large | Bombardier Challenger 605 | 4,600 mi | 528 mph | Up to 3 Pt. + up to 4* | 41,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Large | Dassault Falcon 900 | 4,980 mi | 590 mph | Up to 2 Pt. + 1 to 3* | 51,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Large | Bombardier Global | 7,111 mi | 560 mph | Up to 2 Pt. + up to 8* | 51,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Large | Gulfstream G-650ER | 8,160 mi | 595 mph | Up to 2 Pt. + up to 10* | 51,000 ft | Domestic & International |
MEDICALLY CONFIGURED PROPELLER, TWIN PROP & TURBOPROP AIR AMBULANCE
A Propeller is an aircraft that generates forward thrust powered by a single propeller engine and a reciprocating (piston) engine.
Twin Prop is an aircraft that generates forward thrust powered by two propeller engines.
Turboprop is an aircraft that generates forward thrust powered by a single turbine propeller engine.
Twin Turboprop is an aircraft that generates forward thrust powered by two turbine propeller engines.
*Slide form to the left to see more
| Small Prop Category | Prop Aircraft Model | Cruise Range | Cruise Speed | Pt. + PAX | Cruise Altitude | Area of Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin Turbo Prop | King Air B-200C | 1,000 mi | 280 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 | 27,000 ft | Domestic |
| Twin Prop | Cessna 414 | 1,200 mi | 230 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 | 25,000 ft | Domestic |
| Twin Prop | Quest Kodiak 100 | 1,200 mi | 200 mph | 1 Pt + 1 to 2* | 25,000 ft | Domestic |
| Twin Prop | Cessna 421 | 1,400 mi | 295 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 25,000 ft | Domestic |
| Twin Turbo Prop | Piper PA Cheyenne I | 1,100 mi | 280 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 25,000 ft | Domestic |
| Twin Turbo Prop | Piper PA Cheyenne II | 1,335 mi | 320 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 31,000 ft | Domestic |
| Twin Turbo Prop | Piper PA Cheyenne III | 1,500 mi | 320 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 33,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Twin Turbo Prop | Piaggio P180 Avanti II | 1,600 mi | 320 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 | 41,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Single Turbo Prop | Pilatus PC-12 | 1700 mi | 313 mph | 1 Pt. + 1 to 2* | 30,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Small Prop Category | Prop Aircraft Model | Cruise Range | Cruise Speed | Pt. + PAX | Cruise Altitude | Area of Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin Turbo Prop | King Air B-200C | 1,000 mi | 280 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 | 27,000 ft | Domestic |
| Twin Prop | Cessna 414 | 1,200 mi | 230 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 | 25,000 ft | Domestic |
| Twin Prop | Quest Kodiak 100 | 1,200 mi | 200 mph | 1 Pt + 1 to 2* | 25,000 ft | Domestic |
| Twin Prop | Cessna 421 | 1,400 mi | 295 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 25,000 ft | Domestic |
| Twin Turbo Prop | Piper PA Cheyenne I | 1,100 mi | 280 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 25,000 ft | Domestic |
| Twin Turbo Prop | Piper PA Cheyenne II | 1,335 mi | 320 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 31,000 ft | Domestic |
| Twin Turbo Prop | Piper PA Cheyenne III | 1,500 mi | 320 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 to 2* | 33,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Twin Turbo Prop | Piaggio P180 Avanti II | 1,600 mi | 320 mph | 1 Pt.+ 1 | 41,000 ft | Domestic & International |
| Single Turbo Prop | Pilatus PC-12 | 1700 mi | 313 mph | 1 Pt. + 1 to 2* | 30,000 ft | Domestic & International |
For short distances and transports on smaller aircraft such as turbo props or twin props air ambulances, the minimum runway requirement for sea level altitude under normal conditions is at least 4,000ft (1,220m). Much longer runway lengths will be required depending on the terrain’s altitude, weight and the weather conditions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AIR AMBULANCE
What is an air ambulance, and when is it used?
First, there are two kinds of air ambulances; Rotor-wing ambulances are helicopters generally used for emergency trauma life-treating transports for short trips of under 200 to 400 miles. Then, Fixed-wing ambulances, airplanes, and jets are used for much longer critical care transports for patients on distances ranging from over 300 miles to intercontinental transports worldwide.
An air ambulance is a specially configured and equipped medical aircraft that transports patients who require medical care. It is typically used when ground transportation is not feasible or when the patient needs to be transported longer distances that will not be practical by other means.
For more details, please see TYPES OF FIXED WING AIR AMBULANCE AIRCRAFT here: AIR AMBULANCE – Air Medical Transport
How does an air ambulance operate, and what equipment is on board?
An air ambulance typically has advanced medical equipment, including a medical stretcher with oxygen, suctioning and power connections, a defibrillator, a cardiac monitor, a ventilator, and an intravenous infusion pump and medication. It may also have a patient lift or slide system and other medical supplies specific to the type of patient. Depending on the patient’s medical condition, the flight team will be composed of a flight physician, nurse, critical care paramedic, neonatologist, perfusionist, or respiratory therapist, to name a few.
For more details, please see: CRITICAL CARE AIR AMBULANCE (MICU)
What qualifications do air ambulance medical staff hold?
Air ambulance medical staff typically have advanced flight physiology training and certifications, such as Registered Nurse (RN), Certified Flight Nurse (CFRN), or Critical Care Paramedic (CCP). They may also have additional certifications, such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
How much does an air ambulance cost, and who pays for it?
The cost of fixed-wing air ambulance transport is determined by several logistical factors, such as the distance to be covered, fuel costs, the number of pilots and medical personnel required, landing fees, ground transportation, medical supplies, and other relevant factors.
When a patient meets the insurance medical necessity criteria and coverage, the insurance companies will typically approve a claim to the closest available facility or closest specialist using the most appropriate and least expensive mode of transport.
For more details, please see AIR AMBULANCE INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM here: Benefits – Air Medical Transport
How do you arrange an air ambulance transport, and what information is needed?
Air Medical Transport makes it practical to request a quote, pay, and schedule your domestic or international air ambulance transport. We offer secure communications and convenience options via phone, text, WhatsApp, email, and online. See our request for a quote here. We need to know the type of patient (pediatric, adult, bariatric), the patient’s condition, their medical needs, pick up and drop off address(es), and the estimated date for transport.
For more details, please see Our Resources page here: RESOURCES – Air Medical Transport
What are the benefits of using an air ambulance over ground transportation?
Air ambulance transport can offer faster travel times, especially over long distances or in areas with access to public airports. It can also provide advanced medical care during transport and be safer and more comfortable for intensive care patients over long distances.
For more details, please see the Benefits of using Air Medical Transport here: Benefits – Air Medical Transport
What are the risks associated with air ambulance transport, and how are they minimized?
Risks associated with air ambulance transport may include turbulence, altitude sickness, and other medical complications. Providers work to minimize risks by planning, using experienced pilots, advanced medical equipment, and careful patient assessment before each mission.
What should I expect during an air ambulance transport, and how can I prepare for it?
During an air ambulance transport, you can expect to receive advanced medical care and to be monitored closely throughout the journey. To prepare, you should gather with as much anticipation as possible the necessary medical records, travel documentation, and medications and communicate any special needs or concerns to Air Medical Transport.
Click here to Request a Quote or Request a Booking
Can I travel with my loved one on an air ambulance, and what are the limitations?
Depending on the aircraft and the patient’s condition, traveling with your loved one or companion in an air ambulance may be possible. However, depending on the patient’s condition, type of aircraft, and crew required on board, there may be limitations on the number of passengers and the amount of small carry-on size luggage that can be brought on board.