When a situation comes up that is dire and critical enough to warrant the need for an air evac service, it can be very troublesome to select a service. There are numerous factors to be considered when making such a critical decision. This report will breeze through those factors and hopefully help in making an informed decision when it comes to choosing an air evac service.
The first thing that must be considered is the aircraft itself. If possible, pick a service with aeroplanes that are supplied with large fuel tanks, so as to minimize fuel stops that might hold up the transfer of the patient. A large aircraft with a big fuel tank usually also comes with a more massive entry doorway, which will make loading and unloading smoother.
One more factor to find out about an air evac service is how many pilots they have per aircraft. Having 2 pilots is surely better than having one pilot, as there will be a guarantee or safety net if ever something happens to one of the pilots. Also, find out how the air evacuation service selects their pilots. Ask how many hours pilots are required to have flown before being allowed to fly their air ambulance aircraft. 2,000 hours of flight experience is generally a prudent number.
Aside from the flight crew, one must also consider the merit of the medical staff on board. The pilots may be flying the plane, but these are the people who will be looking after and handling the safety of the passenger on board. The ability of the medical staff is very important. Not all air evacuation services prepare their medical crew for flight-specific dangers and situations. Be sure to choose a service that has vision to do so.
One more point to ponder is how well decked out an air evac service’s aeroplane is. Medical equipment seems like it should be identical for all air ambulances, but due to the large costs of maintenance, many air evacuation services lease out their planes. As a result, many aeroplanes do not have the entire array of the medical equipment that might possibly be necessary. This is a danger that a person should never be willing to undertake.
There are also air evac services that have open policies about people accompanying the patient. Patients are most likely to deal with the flight better when escorted by family or friends, so this is a significant matter to think about. Some air evac providers will allow family and friends onboard, but for a hefty amount. It would be a good idea to opt for a service that lets at least a couple of people on the plane with the passenger, gratis.
Be sure to select an air evac service that gives bedside to bedside service. This means that the flight and medical crew will accompany with the patient until he or she arrives at the hospital or medical facility. This way, the medical crew can brief the hospital crew on the patient’s status and give them all the facts they will require.
Denise K. Wayne is a long-time expert on air evac services. You can read more regarding how to hire an air ambulance service at her website.
