Top 7 Questions to Ask

1. Will I have to contact the hospital, the Ambulance Company or doctors?
Depends on what the company you choose include in their services. A lot of companies choose to make plans with the hospital/ ambulance company as a part of their bedside to bedside service. They can arrange the ambulance service to get them from the hospital to the airport. The highly trained medical crew will accompany him/her throughout the flight, monitoring all vital signs and being prepared to provide any medical assistance necessary. Most companies allow a family member can accompany the loved one on the flight. When the flight arrives, a ground ambulance can be waiting to transport the patient to the receiving hospital.

2. How do I know I'm getting the best price?
With many companies to compare, you are sure to find the lowest cost. Fuel is the most important factor influencing price and unfortunately, and no medical flight service can control that, but there are other ways price is affected that we can control. The smaller plane will use less fuel and consequently not cost as much per flight. Some companies will work with you on payment. Sometimes families wish to split payment up between several family members.

3. What type of medical staff will be on board the aircraft?
At the very least, an air ambulance transport flight should have Critical Care Nurse and a Respiratory Therapist or Paramedic on board. Medical flights typically are staffed by a registered nurse, respiratory therapist, licensed paramedic and/or other medical professionals, depending on the specific needs of the patient.

4. What kind of training should medical flight staff have?
In addition to ER and ICU experience, your flight nurses and paramedics should be trained in Flight Physiology and Air Transport medicine. Along with the appropriate state licenses, staff should attend annual training as well as continuing education programs. Each member should be current ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certification and extensive trauma experience.

5. Does the air ambulance service carry liability and medical malpractice insurance?
Make sure the air ambulance company you hire carries liability and medical malpractice insurance. Also, ask for a copy of the air ambulance company's certificate of insurance (COI).

6. Are ground ambulance arrangements and payments included in the quote?
While some organizations make the ground ambulance arrangements and ambulance arrangements both, the quote they provide only includes the air ambulance transport. Then, after you've made your decision based on price, you find out that there are extra charges. Make certain that you understand what is included in your quote.

7. What documents are required to travel on an international flight to Canada, or Mexico?
Everyone traveling on international flights should provide the following information prior to departure:

• Name
• Relationship to patient
• Passport number and expiration date
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Visa information, if required