| Vibha Lifesavers - Hi flying aviation provides a | | | | It is important that the aviation medical team |
| general guideline for patients to choose the right | | | | takes patient responsibility at the discharging |
| air ambulance services for domestic and | | | | facility and relinquish this responsibility only at the |
| international patient transfers. | | | | patient’s final destination. Continuity of medical |
| Questions you should ask - Answers you should | | | | and nursing care is extremely important to the |
| get - | | | | outcome of all patient conditions. The aviation |
| DOES THE AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE HAVE A | | | | medical team is the important “link” |
| MEDICAL DIRECTOR AVAILABLE FOR MEDICAL | | | | between the discharging and receiving patient care |
| CONSULTATIONS? | | | | facility. The receiving facility should expect to |
| Each patient should be evaluated by the medical | | | | receive all pre-flight medical records as well as |
| director of the air ambulance service prior to | | | | verbal and written documentation of in-flight |
| transport. Because many medical conditions are | | | | events. |
| affected by air travel, the Aviation Medical | | | | WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF AN AIR |
| Specialist is trained to determine the proper | | | | AMBULANCE? |
| equipment, personnel and aircraft required for | | | | The cost of an air ambulance transport varies |
| each transport. Aviation physiology may affect | | | | depending on type of aircraft used, length of |
| the patient, so particular attention must be given | | | | flight, and medical personnel. Quotation for flight |
| to his/her condition and previous medical history. | | | | costs should include - |
| WHAT ARE THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR | | | | Aircraft Mileage – Flight Crew – Medical |
| THE AIR MEDICAL TRANSPORT TEAM? | | | | Personnel – Aviation Medical Consultations |
| All physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists | | | | – Medical Equipment – Landing Fees – |
| should have extensive experience in critical care | | | | Ground Ambulance Transportation and should be |
| medicine. The doctors and nurses should be | | | | all inclusive. |
| certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and be | | | | WILL THE PROPER AIRCRAFT BE UTILIZED? |
| further trained in aviation physiology. | | | | WILL IT COMFORTABLY ACCOMMODATE THE |
| WILL THE AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE PROVIDE | | | | PATIENT? |
| BEDSIDE TO BEDSIDE CARE? | | | | |