FAQ

One phone call to the Air EMS™ Communications Center at 844-5AIREMS (844-524-7367) or email (info@airems.us) is all that is required to initiate the air medical transport process.  The Communication Center is staffed 24/7 by emergency medical technicians or IAMTCS Certified Flight Coordinators educated on customer service, aircraft operations and emergency procedures. When you call or email us to request a transport, the Communication Specialist will request the following information:

• Patient’s Name
• Date of Birth
• Current Medical Condition / Diagnosis
• Sending and receiving facility information
• Preferred date and time for travel
• Insurance information or other method of payment
• If applicable, passport information for patient and passenger

The process only takes a few minutes.  From here, Air EMS will manage communications between facilities, physicians, case managers, admission personnel, airports and ground ambulances.  For emergent cases (as deemed by the sending physician), air ambulance arrangements can be made within 2 to 4 hours.

For non-emergent and international transports, Air EMS requests a minimum of 24 hours notice to allow time to obtain all necessary documents and insurance approval (if applicable).  For international travel, additional factors may regulate the amount of time necessary to prepare for transport such as passport/visa requirements, international permits and landing arrangements, etc.

Yes, Air EMS is fully licensed and insured.

Yes, customized transfers can be arranged.  Although most air ambulance transfers are arranged to go directly to the patient, if patient condition allows, alternate plans can be arranged.

Yes, Air EMS will transport transplant organs, patients and/or the procurement teams.  When the call comes for a transplant, there is no time for delay.  The Air EMS Communication Center provides an immediate response to ensure the patient, organ or transplant team is expedited to their destination within the allotted time.

The standard flight team consists of one (1) Flight Nurse, one (1) Flight Paramedic and pilot(s); however, this team can be augmented based on the needs of the patient.  The medical crew member is responsible for providing high-quality patient care under varied conditions with minimal supervision in collaboration with their partner(s) and other healthcare professionals.  Regardless of the service (commercial medical escort, commercial stretcher or air ambulance), medical crew members meet the highest standards in patient care, experience and education.

All medical crew members have a minimum of 4 years Critical Care experience in addition to training/certification in:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Trauma – Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) audit, TNCC/TNATC or equivalent

Additional training is provided in areas such as advanced ventilator support, infection control, stress recognition/management, hazardous materials, flight physiology as well as EMS rules and regulations to ensure all medical personnel are well educated with the necessary skills.

Standard medical equipment includes, but is not limited to:

• FAA approved stretcher system
• Oxygen
• Cardiac monitor/defibrillator
• Advanced airway management equipment including intubation equipment, ventilator, bi-pap, airway equipment, portable suction and bag-valve mask resuscitators
• Full ACLS drug complement and IV solutions
• Specialty equipment necessary to meet the patient need

Air EMS is unable to provide care for the following patient types and/or conditions.  Specialty team members may be added to the standard team, on a case-by-case basis, to meet the needs of patients.

• High-Risk Obstetrical: High risk obstetrical (HROB) is defined as: active labor with imminent delivery possible during flight, dilation > 4 cm, unstable trauma with pregnancy, active vaginal bleeding, active preterm labor, or any condition defined by the sending or receiving physician as high risk.
• Neonatal: Neonatal patients are those less than 28 days old or less than 37 weeks’ gestational age and requiring an isolette and/or warmer.
• Pediatric less than 5 kgs which requires (or is anticipated to require) ventilatory support during transport.

The following patient types and/or conditions require special consideration prior to acceptance.

• Equipment: Orthopedic patients with special equipment needs must be evaluated prior to flight acceptance to ensure the patient can be safely loaded, secured and transported. Patient size (length, width and height) and weight must be measured. Any devices such as traction, splints or other orthopedic devices will be evaluated for proper use and securing prior to flight.
• Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT): Generally, patients exposed to hazardous materials cannot be transported due to lack of decontamination resources for the aircraft. Only decontaminated patients may be transported. A decontaminated patient is defined as one who has undergone the standard decontamination procedures as outlined for a specific contaminant. All contaminated clothing and belongings will remain at the scene.
• Ebola virus disease (EVD), Active Tuberculosis: To ensure the safety of the patient, crew and general public, these patient transports will be completed utilizing the Iso Ark, a specialized containment unit, and protective gear. Personnel conducting these transports must have completed the training on this device prior to transport and methods to disinfect the aircraft post-flight.
• Non-ambulatory patient weight exceeding 350 pounds or height exceeding 78 inches: Based on manufacturer recommendations and loading restrictions of the aircraft, any non-ambulatory patient exceeding 350 pounds or 78 inches in height will be evaluated prior to acceptance to ensure the patient can be safely loaded and secured inside the aircraft.

Yes. Air EMS can transport patients with infectious disease such as active tuberculosis and Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) utilizing the Iso Ark, a specialized containment unit, and protective gear. Personnel conducting these transports have training on the containment unit, patient care while it is being utilized and infection control procedures.

Not every patient requires a dedicated air ambulance or medical team.  For patients requiring minimal medical intervention that are able to sit in an upright position, a Commercial Medical Escort is a great alternative which can save thousands of dollars over the cost of a private air ambulance. On these flights, the patient is transported via a commercial airline and will be accompanied during all phases of the transport by a Flight Nurse and/or Flight Paramedic. Air EMS provides a comprehensive bed-to-bed service. To ensure this mode of transportation is safe and appropriate for the patient, a detailed medical assessment is completed prior to scheduling the trip. Restrictions do apply. Air EMS will:

• Provide the necessary medical equipment and ensure medication for comfortable transport.
• Obtain required medical clearances from the airline prior to departure.
• Coordinate and assist the patient with airport security processes, aircraft boarding, flight connections and deplaning.
• Coordinate with sending and receiving facilities medical staff.
• Schedule ground transportation to/from the airport.
• Coordinate with designated family members during the transport.

Not every patient requires a dedicated Air Ambulance but does need a Medical Team.  For international patients requiring medical interventions that are unable to sit in an upright position, a Commercial Stretcher Service is a great alternative which can also save thousands of dollars over the cost of a private air ambulance. On these flights, the patient is transported via a commercial airline equipped with a medical stretcher.  The patient will be accompanied during all phases of the transport by a Flight Nurse and/or Flight Paramedic.

Restrictions do apply.  To ensure this mode of transportation is safe and appropriate for the patient, a detailed medical assessment is completed prior to scheduling the trip. Currently, no US-based carriers (American, Delta, US Airways, United, etc.) offer this service.  Due to space restrictions, privacy may be of concern for many travelers.

Commercial stretcher service requires detailed coordination to ensure all clearances are obtained.  Approximately 5 – 7 days will be required to ensure all arrangements are made prior to transport.