Choosing an air ambulance is far different from making a reservation for a pleasure flight. People are used to looking for air transportation based on price. But an air ambulance is more than transportation, it is also a healthcare service operating under difficult circumstances. There is little Government oversight of the air ambulance industry so it is very important for consumers to ask questions before making a decision.
Here are questions to ask if you, your patient, or a family member needs an air ambulance:
What are the company's qualifications?
What is the company's safety record?
What type of aircraft will be used?
What are the qualifications of the pilots?
Is the Air Ambulance Company accredited and certified?
What are the qualifications of the transport team?
Is there a medical director?
Will the healthcare team be in contact with a hospital during the transport?
What equipment will the team carry?
How many healthcare team members go on the flight?
What is the cost? When is payment required?
What are the company's qualifications? Is the aircraft owned and managed by the company or is the flight brokered?
Industry standards
There are no industry standards. Many owner-operated services are safe. Brokers are agents who do not own or operate aircraft. They arrange ambulance flights and may add an additional fee. Brokers often select air ambulance companies by the lowest price. It is difficult to tell the brokers from the owner/operators based on their ads. The local office of the Better Business Bureau will check for any reports that have been filed about a specific service/company.
LifeGuard Alaska standards
LifeGuard Alaska contracts with aircraft operators that comply with LifeGuard's / Providence Medical Center's rigorous quality and aviation standards. The aircraft are exclusively DEDICATED to the LifeGuard program, and may not be used for other purposes. For our Helicopter Program, we contract with Evergreen Aviation, the States most respected rotary-wing provider, and several accreditation's. For our Jets and Turbo-prop airplanes, we contract with Northwestern Arctic Air Inc. A National company with several accreditation's to it's name.
What is the company's safety record? Has it had any FAA violations?
Industry standards
Most companies have excellent safety records. The local office of the National Transportation Safety Bureau (NTSB) will check for any reports that have been filed about a specific service/company.
LifeGuard Alaska standards
Patients can be assured of the safety of the LifeGuard transport program because of the annual safety audits and strict internal quality and safety standards. LifeGuard has had no FAA violations or incidents.
What type of aircraft will be used? Is it single or multiengine? Does it have the ability to fly in all weather? Is the cabin pressurized? What guarantee that the plane indicated will actually be the one used?
Industry standards
A variety of aircraft are used throughout the industry. Other air ambulance programs contract with aviation vendors for use of airplanes for use, these aircraft may not be dedicated planes and need to be outfitted for medical use when needed.
LifeGuard standards
LifeGuard uses only pressurized, multiengine, all-weather fixed-wing aircraft, and multi-engine sophisticated rotary-wing aircraft. Pressurized aircraft can fly above cloud level, ensuring a smooth ride in most weather conditions. Interiors are of sufficient size to ensure comfort and quality care.
What are the qualifications of the pilots?
Industry standards
Federal regulations allow some aircraft to be operated by a single pilot with a minimum of 1,200 hours total flying time as pilot-in-command. No requirements exist for high-density traffic areas or Alaska time.
LifeGuard Alaska standards
See "Pilot Safety Standards"
Is the Air Ambulance Company a member of the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS)? Is it Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) certified?
Industry standards
Membership varies throughout the industry. Certification with CAMTS ensures that minimum safety and competency standards are being met.
LifeGuard Alaska standards
LifeGuard Alaska has been a voting member of AAMS since 1995, and is accredited by CAMTS. To receive accreditation, the service is evaluated on safety standards, education, equipment, staffing, communications, maintenance and administration.
What are the qualifications of the transport team? Have they had any special training?
Industry standards
There are no federal requirements regarding the medical qualifications of the flight team. However, Alaska does maintain specific requirements for Air Ambulance Providers............more
LifeGuard Alaska standards
The requirements to become a LifeGuard medical crew member are the highest in the State and among the highest in the Nation. All LifeGuard Alaska flight nurses, and physicians work at Providence Medical Center and are experienced in critical-care medicine. Flight nurses are certified in advanced life support, BLS, ACLS, CEN, CCRN, PALS, NRP, TNCC, ENPC, and ABLS. All team members are trained in flight safety. The physicians are specialists in adult, pediatric, maternal, or neonatal care. Specialized teams are available for both maternal and neonatal care. The flight team is selected based on the patient's needs.
Is there a medical director?
Industry standards
There are no federal laws requiring air ambulance companies to employ a medical director. A physician may or may not be involved in the transport. The State of Alaska requires a Critical Care Medevac service have a medical director.
LifeGuard Alaska standards
The medical director of LifeGuard Alaska is a PAMC physician trained in emergency medicine and aeromedical transport. This physician oversees all clinical training programs and is responsible for the overall medical quality of the service. Either the medical director or a physician in emergency medicine is always available for discussion and consultation when arranging a transport.
Will the healthcare team be in contact with a hospital during the transport?
Industry standards
There are no federal requirements that a transport team remain in contact with a hospital during transport.
LifeGuard Alaska standards
LifeGuard Alaska's medical flight team stays in close contact with physicians and others at PAMC. If there is a medical problem, a PAMC physician can communicate with the medical transport team via two-way radio or air phone during domestic flights. Electronic
communication is used on international flights.
What equipment will the team carry, and will a full complement of drugs, monitors and oxygen be provided?
Industry standards
There are few federal requirements that specify what equipment or drugs must be carried.
LifeGuard Alaska standards
LifeGuard Alaska's flight team carries a full complement of critical care drugs, monitoring equipment and oxygen. Highly specialized supplies and equipment are provided when patients have complex medical needs.
How many healthcare team members go on the flight?
Industry standards
There are no requirements that specify how many team members must accompany a transport. Many companies provide one healthcare specialist.
LifeGuard Alaska standards
LifeGuard Alaska selects a team based on the medical needs of each patient. Generally, if a patient is ill enough to require air ambulance transport, two team members will always be assigned. This ensures that there is adequate personnel on board to treat a medical emergency.
What is the cost? When is payment required?
Industry standards
Costs can vary greatly. Dedicated aircraft and crews are quite expensive to maintain. Many services require full payment in advance.
LifeGuard Alaska standards
If needed we provide cost estimates in advance. We will not ask for payment up front, remember that we are a department of Providence Alaska Medical Center, a Non-Profit Charitable organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of ability to pay. PAMC Patient Financial Services office can assist in filing insurance claims. The communications center can assist in obtaining any needed authorization.
Because of the acuity of the illness or injury, many insurers will cover some costs for emergency medical transport to the most appropriate medical facility.
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