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Air Ambulances

 

Air ambulances are specialized aircraft that are used to transport sick or injured patients efficiently, comfortably and quickly over long distances or out of remote areas. They are stocked with lifesaving materials/tools and highly trained medical personnel to sustain patients until they arrive at the hospital, where they receive treatment. Read more great facts on cost of air ambulance, click here. 

 

They are often the fastest and most cost-effective method of emergency medical transportation available to a patient who is severely ill or in need of immediate care. They are especially useful when ground ambulances may not be available or in rural areas where an appropriate medical provider is a significant distance away. For more useful reference regarding medical air transport, have a peek here. 

 

There are two main types of air ambulances: helicopters and fixed-wing airplanes. Helicopters are generally operated by hospitals or city, county and state Emergency Management Systems; fixed-wing airplanes are mainly managed by public safety agencies.

 

Medications, oxygen and other equipment are carried by a flight team of health care professionals who have extensive critical care medicine experience. This team consists of one or more nurses, paramedics, respiratory therapists and other specialists, each of whom is experienced in their respective field.

 

The medical flight team is selected according to the current and potential needs of each individual patient. This ensures that each flight carries a full complement of medications and other supplies, from basic supplemental oxygen to advanced medical equipment for complex conditions.

 

Packed red blood cells (RBC), thawed plasma, whole blood and platelets are carried by most air ambulances. Portable lab analyzers measure arterial and venous blood gases, electrolytes, hemoglobin and lactate levels.

 

Each air ambulance crew is certified by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and staffed by specially trained medical professionals who are experienced in critical care medicine. These medical professionals are specially chosen by each air ambulance service based on the specific medical needs of the patients being transported, as well as by their own professional background. Please view this site https://www.wikihow.com/Call-an-Ambulance for further details. 

 

They are equipped with all the basic lifesaving medical equipment, including ventilators and ECG monitors as well as CPR and stretchers. The aircraft also carries an air-tank for storing the patient's medications, and an oxygen concentrator.

 

Many air ambulances are staffed by doctors and nurses who work for a specific health care institution. These professionals are trained in critical care medicine and can assess a patient's condition to determine the best way to proceed with their treatment.

 

Their experience can range from basic care to ECMO and ICU-level care for severe medical conditions. These physicians and nurses are highly experienced in their fields, and are dedicated to their medical flight teams.

 

Accreditation is becoming more important in the medical aviation industry. More and more states are requiring CAMTS accreditation from medical transportation services, providing assurance that these companies meet national public safety standards.

 

Most states require that these air ambulance services have a licensed doctor or nurse on board to monitor and treat patients during the flight. This requirement helps to reduce the risk of medical error during air transportation and is a common indicator of quality service.