As the need for emergency and non-medical transportation continues to rise, fixed-wing air ambulance services have become an increasingly popular choice for patients who require critical care during transportation. The ability to transport patients to long-distance medical facilities allowed air ambulance services to revolutionize how medical trips are handled. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about fixed-wing air ambulance services, including how they work, their benefits, and what to look for when choosing an air ambulance provider.

What are Air Ambulance Services?

These specialized medical EMS airplanes handle domestic or international transports over longer travel distances or terrain impractical for ground and helicopter transports. The word fixed-wing stands for wings that do not move and the type of aircraft that generates forward thrust powered by propeller-driven or jet engines.

Patient transportation in Fixed-wing Air Ambulances is widely used for trips longer than 300 miles or 500 kilometers away when there is safe access to airport runways. Fixed-wing air ambulance transports are essential for their increased range for carrying patients between states and countries compared with other medical transport modes.

How do Air Ambulance Services Work?

When a patient requires fixed-wing air ambulance services, the process usually begins with contact with the air ambulance service provider to obtain quote options and availability. The provider will gather basic information about the patient’s medical condition, including any special equipment or needs.

Once a plan has been made for the patient’s discharge and acceptance at the destination, the client will request a booking based on the service provider’s availability to reserve the aircraft and team for transport and provides the booking information, medical details of the patient, and travel documentation.

Before the air ambulance is dispatched, the medical team will assess the patient’s condition for a ‘fit to fly’ based on the current medical report, medical briefing, and the latest results received. Then a flight plan is presented, and overflight permits are requested.

The flight itinerary is based on the flight plan, weather conditions along the pathway, and permit approval. Then an itinerary is executed for the aircraft to be dispatched with the right medical team to transport the patient to the accepting facility, where they will receive further medical treatment. Throughout the transportation process, the flight coordinator will closely keep all parties involved adequately informed of the patient’s transport status.

4 Benefits of Air Ambulance Services

Air ambulance services offer a range of benefits, including:

1. Long-distance transportation to medical facilities: Air ambulance services can transport critical and non-critical patients over long distances ranging from domestic to intercontinental transportation.
2. Specialized medical care: Air ambulance providers are staffed with highly trained flight physiology medical professionals equipped to handle critical medical emergencies.
3. Accessibility: As long as there is an appropriate public airport, air ambulance services can reach remote or hard-to-reach areas, making it possible to transport patients who could not receive medical care otherwise.
4. Comfort: Air ambulance services provide a more comfortable and stable transportation experience than other ambulance transport modes.

Choosing an Air Ambulance Provider

When choosing an air ambulance provider, it’s essential to consider the following factors:

• Licensing and accreditation: Ensure the air ambulance provider is appropriately licensed and accredited by relevant authorities.
• Experience: Look for an air ambulance provider with a proven track record of providing high-quality medical care during transportation.
• Availability: Choose an air ambulance provider with 24/7 service that provides options to ensure you can receive medical transportation when needed.
• Cost: Air ambulance services can be expensive, so it’s essential to understand the costs involved and their terms when using one.

Conclusion

Air ambulance services have revolutionized handling medical emergencies, providing critical care to patients requiring rapid transportation to medical facilities. When choosing an air ambulance service, it’s crucial to consider licensing, experience, availability, and cost. With this guide, we hope you better understand air ambulance services and what to look for when choosing one.

To learn more, please visit our service page here to learn more about how we can assist you or your team: Our Process.

At Air Medical Transport, our flight coordinator specialists are standing by to assist you 24 /7 with any air ambulance Request a Quote or Booking Request.