When a situation comes up that is dire and urgent enough to call for the need for an air evac service, it can be very difficult to select a service. There are a number of factors to be contemplated when making such a critical decision. This article will go through those factors and hopefully help in making an informed selection when it comes to selecting an air evac service.
The first thing that must be taken into consideration is the aeroplane itself. If possible, select a service with planes that are equipped with big fuel tanks, so as to minimize fuel stops that might detain the delivery of the patient. A large aircraft with a big fuel tank typically also is equipped with a larger entry doorway, which will make loading and unloading less difficult.
An additional thing to find out about an air ambulance service is how many pilots they have per aeroplane. Having two pilots is definitely better than having one pilot, as there will be an assurance or safety net if ever something happens to one of the pilots. Also, learn about how the air evacuation service chooses their pilots. Ask how many hours pilots are required to have flown before being permitted to fly their air ambulance aircraft. 2,000 hours of flying experience is generally a safe number.
Besides the flight crew, one must also think about the quality of the medical team 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 caliber of the medical staff is paramount. Not all air evacuation services ready their medical crew for flight-specific emergencies and situations. Be sure to choose a service that has taken the initiative to do so.
One more point to ponder is how well equipped an air evac services plane is. Medical equipment seems like it should be the same for all air ambulances, but due to the high costs of business, many air evacuation services lease out their planes. Because of this, 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 take.
There are also air evac providers that have lax policies about people traveling with the patient. Patients are far more likely to take the flight better when accompanied by family or friends, so this is a significant matter to ponder. Some air evac services will let family and friends on board, but for a hefty fee. It would be a good idea to opt for a service that allows at least a couple of people on the plane with the passenger, at no charge.
Be sure to choose an air evac service that offers bedside to bedside service. This means that the flight and medical crew will stay with the patient until he or she arrives at the hospital or medical facility. This way, the medical crew can inform the hospital crew on the patient's status and give them all the facts they will need.
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Article Added on Friday, March 12, 2010
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