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First-Time Patients
A medical air transport can cause anxiety and fear of the unknown in both the patient and his or her family – understandable responses to a situation that is frequently underscored by trauma or other emergency conditions.
We do everything possible to make this experience comfortable, safe and medically sound for each patient we transport, every time. Our goal is to explain our service simply and clearly, to help alleviate your stress and give you all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
Here’s what you can typically expect when contacting us.
- Your call to U.S. Air Ambulance is answered by a professional, experienced Flight Coordinator. Our phones are answered personally 24 hours a day, 52 weeks a year.
- The caller is asked several questions in order to identify the most appropriate method of transport at the most reasonable price.
- Medical information will be requested to provide a benchmark for determining the type of aircraft to be used, the composition of the medical team and the type of ground transportation required.
- Cost is determined by several factors, including the distance to be traveled, the selected mode of transportation and the medical condition of the patient.
- Once the costs and itinerary are agreed upon, the caller will be asked to provide a credit card to guarantee payment. The card will not be charged until after the trip is completed, although the funds on the card will be earmarked for the trip. You have the option to wire funds in lieu of the credit card payment within 48 hours of the completion of the trip..
- The patient and any additional passengers will be required to provide a photo ID before boarding the aircraft. If traveling into or out of the country, passports and any applicable visas are also required for all on board the plane.
- The patient may be accompanied bedside-to-bedside depending upon his or her condition, with all ground transportation and transfers included.
- Once U.S. Air Ambulance begins the transport process, the patient and family usually have no logistical responsibilities. One exception would be in the case of a pet traveling with the patient or patient’s family member. In that case, transportation for the pet to the airport would need to be arranged; pets are not allowed in the ground ambulance. Another would be if a second passenger is traveling in the aircraft. Only one passenger can be accommodated in the ground ambulance, so the other would need to meet us at the airport via cab or private vehicle.
After boarding the air ambulance, the patient will be attended to by a certified and highly trained medical team selected based upon the patient’s unique needs. Planes are fully equipped with advanced life support equipment and supplies, as well as a full complement of general medications.
Since almost all of our calls relate to transporting first-time patients, we invite you to visually experience a recent trip. You can see for yourself the care, compassion and professionalism exhibited by our medical personnel.
Feel free, as well, to browse through the personal stories from professionals and families who have appreciated our exemplary service.
