If you are picking a medevac for somebody in your family, it often one of the most difficult choices you will have to make.
A medevac refers to just about any flight bound vehicle which is also furnished with hospital amenities.
For that reason, you will also see it referred to as an "air ambulance" or, "air evac".
This particular class of patient transport will likely be employed in medical scenarios of urgent need.
Identifying the "right" service is hard mainly because the average person does not have anything to compare it to.
Infrastructure When you are selecting an air evac company, the first thing you want to look into is what kind of plane will be involved.
You'll want to look for an aircraft that has a large exterior door to minimize any difficulty loading and unloading the passenger.
Additionally, you will want to select an aircraft with substantial fuel capacity so they will not need to make multiple stops in order to refuel.
One would think that having the proper gear on site is SOP, but you may be alarmed by exactly how many medevac providers do not.
For this reason, you'll want to ensure the aircraft is used strictly for medevac applications.
This is critical to ensure the medical infrastructure is not leased out and used for other purposes.
These kind of aircraft are probably best avoided, considering you want to guarantee the medical equipment is available aboard when you need it.
Personnel Next, you will want to pick an air ambulance service that uses at least two pilots at a time.
Just think about what would happen if anything happened to one pilot and there was no backup! Also, make certain that there are qualified medical employees on the plane and that they're properly trained for in-flight treatments.
Ensure that the staff are well versed for air travel medicine and know exactly how to handle urgent situations that may arise.
PoliciesSeek out medevac agents that allow a travel companion on board.
Any time there is a situation that calls for someone to be airlifted, it will be less stressful for both the passenger and immediate loved ones if someone can travel with them.
Determine in advance the amount it will cost to have additional passengers ride.
Many air ambulances tend not to charge.
Believe it or not, some providers even allow small caged dogs and cats.
Make sure that you look at company policies concerning pets in addition to flight partners if you think maybe that it can help to lessen the strain of the affected individual.
Practices The best supplier of medevac or air ambulances are able to offer you what is known as "bed to bed" service.
Meaning that they land their patient as close as possible, and the medical employee travels with them to the hospital to provide a report to the receiving facility.
In this manner the affected person is assured a smooth transition to the new facility and continuity of care is preserved.
Every medevac company is different and each features a variety of services.
It is highly recommended that the individual is at ease with the team members as well as the services they will be receiving.
Take a look at the reputation and services of each medevac company prior to settling on one to carry you or your family.