Frequently Asked Questions:
1)
When should someone consider an air ambulance over other ways of transporting a patient?
Medical air transport is recommended for patients who need to be moved quickly because of a serious illness or injury. This could include transplant patients, cardiac patients, neonatal conditions, evacuations or bringing a loved one home from a distant location.
2) What types of transport are available through Global Air Response?
We use fixed wing aircraft and ground ambulance, and provide medical escorts on commercial airlines and Amtrak trains. Our Trip Coordinators will discuss all the options with you when you call, to help determine the most appropriate transfer in terms of the patient's condition and your family's budget.
3) Will the family need to schedule a ground ambulance to get the patient to the airport?
No. The Customer Care Team at Global Air Response will handle all of the logistics necessary to get the patient to the air ambulance, including bedside-to-bedside service if necessary
4) How expensive is an air ambulance service?
The cost depends on the type of transport, the medical staff and equipment needed, the distance to be traveled, the timing of the trip, and if international service is required. Our Trip Coordinators will give you a quote over the phone, and can provide a written quote upon request.
5) Is your stretcher approved by the FAA?
Our team manages the entire process for you. Our Flight Coordinators schedule ground Yes, as is all equipment used on air ambulances contracted by Global Air Response.
6)
Can someone fly with the patient in an air ambulance?
Yes, in most aircraft there is room for at least one additional passenger. Global Air Response does not charge any additional fees for one or two extra people. Pets are also allowed on the planes we use, although they are not allowed in the ground ambulance.
7) Will your air ambulance fly someone internationally?
Yes. For flights out of the U.S. the patient and passengers will need current passports or visas, but all other international arrangements will be taken care of by Global Air Response. We will be happy to provide a copy of our FAA Operations Manual that shows where we can fly internationally. Many other air ambulance companies cannot provide this service.
Please check your insurance policy for specifics. In most cases, if the flight is recommended by a doctor because it is a medical emergency to move a patient to a facility that can provide essential medical service that is not available where the patient is presently located, it is likely that a portion or all of the cost will be covered by insurance. Emergency flights due to injury and illness are also usually covered. In almost all cases, elective flights for able patients are not covered. For Example, getting a recovered patient back home is usually not covered. Medicare and Medicare Gap will generally not cover air ambulance services, but Medicaid, in some instances of medical necessity, will cover part or all of the cost. For more information on Medicare policies, please visit www.medicare.gov and search publication 11037.
9) How do I pay for this service?
Global Air Response accepts all major credit cards, bank wire transfers and personal checks that are guaranteed, as well as pre-approved insurance claims, Payment is required prior to finalizing the trip schedule
10) What types of medical personnel accompany my patient on the flight?
Depending on the medical condition of the patient, the flight crew will include a Registered Nurse with air ambulance experience, a Respiratory Therapist, a Paramedic or an MD. Global Air Response's medical staff works directly under the supervision of our Medical Director
11) What medical equipment is on board?
At Global, the stretcher is key to the patient's comfort and safety. Our stretchers are FAA approved and the patient can either lie prone or on an incline. A full complement of drugs, oxygen and comprehensive monitoring equipment is also stocked for every Global flight, as well as any additional support recommended or prescribed by the patient's doctor. Of course, if the patient is able to sit in a First Class seat on a commercial airline, the supplies would be limited to reflect his or her needs. If you'd like a comprehensive list, please let us know and we will fax or e-mail it to you.
12) What types of emergency drugs and prescriptions do you carry?
We carry a full complement of commonly needed medications. If the patient needs additional prescriptions, we will include them as well. On international flights it's important to note that we will not allow any medications that are barred in the U.S. If you'd like a comprehensive list, please let us know and we will fax or e-mail it to you.
13) Do you supply medical oxygen?
Yes. We supply ample oxygen to cover the duration of the flight plus one hour, and an additional supply to support the patient during transport from the plane to the final destination. We also have a back-up supply in case of a power failure.
14) Can you accomodate a patient with an IV?
Yes. We hang IV fluid bags and monitor regularly throughout the flight.
15) Is suction available if necessary to keep the patient's airways clear?
Yes. The air ambulances used by Global Air Response are fully equipped and staffed to monitor all medical conditions and emergencies.
16) Do you supply extra blankets and towels?
Yes. The safety and comfort of our patients and their families is a primary concern. When you talk to our Trip Coordinators or Customer Care Representatives, please let them know of any additional personal care items you may require.
17) Do you keep medical records?
Medical records are reviewed by our Medical Director and the medical team who flies with the patient, as well as between the sending and receiving facilities. Additionally, a complete report is filed on the completion of the flight, alerting the family as well as the receiving facility to any unforeseen events that may have occurred during the flight, as well as the current medical condition of the patient.
18) What happens when a flight is delayed or diverted because of weather or other problems?
We will do whatever possible to get a patient to his or her destination, but sometimes circumstances are out of our control. In every case, we will keep the patient’s well-being at the forefront and expedite the transfer as best we can..
19) I have seen acronyms for different levels of care, but I do not understand what they mean. Please explain the differences between BLS, ALS and CC?
BLS means basic life support. This is the type of care for patients who need minimal external life support, but still need monitoring and care. Some of the equipment required might include an FFA approved stretcher, oxygen, blood pressure monitoring, IVs and certified emergency medical personnel.