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FAQs
1. What is an air ambulance?
Critical care aircraft are specially equipped as flying
intensive care units. They will provide a FAA approved
flight stretcher specialized medical equipment, a full
assortment of patient specific drugs and medications.
The aircraft is provided with a medical team to meet the
specific needs of the patient.
2. Who needs an air ambulance?
Air ambulances are effective when the patient needs to
travel more than 250 miles and they need specialized medical
care or procedures. Specialized procedures range from
cancer treatment, burn care, head and spinal cord injury,
strokes and rehabilitation at hospitals recognized as
centers of excellence. In addition, the elderly that can
not travel commercially due to the stress and security
issues associated with commercial airports. Air ambulance
transfers bring people home to be near their families,
to medical facilities for specialized treatment and rehabilitation
centers for specific care.
3.
Can you provide International air ambulance evacuations?
TOPS AIR RESCUE provides air ambulance transfers Domestically
and Internationally to all continents
of the world. We have an in-depth partner qualification
process that allows us to provide strategically located
aircraft and medical teams to control cost and provide
professional service for your patient, while maintaining
the highest level of medical care. We are professionals
and know how to find the proper aircraft and medical team
nearest to your patient or loved one.
4.
How much notice do you need to arrange an air ambulance
transfer?
This is an important question. Most transfers are arranged
and scheduled a few days in advance. When we do have a
few days notice, we can many times identify a connecting
flight and save you money. But then there is always the
emergency transfer that needs to go quickly. Typically,
the air ambulance arrangements can be made and begin within
2 to 4 hours. If the transfer is an international air
ambulance, then there are many controlling factors that
determine how quickly the aircraft can be dispatched.
Some of these pacing items are: passports and visa’s
for the patient and all passengers must be available,
is there a need to advance flight crews ahead of the aircraft
on long haul flights, what international permits and landing
arrangements need to be made and there are other factors
not mentioned. If at all possible, you should try to allow
for a few days to save money by utilizing a connecting
flight, but if the case is that you need to go immediately,
we can be ready in 2 to 4 hours .
5.
What is “Bedside to Bedside” service?
Bed to Bed service is when the medical team from the air
ambulance will go to the discharging hospital to meet
the patient in their room, do an assessment of the patient
and comfort them about the transfer. They then travel
with the patient in the ground ambulance to the aircraft.
The same process takes place at the arrival city where
the medical team travels with the patient to the receiving
facility. They will provide a briefing for the receiving
hospital nurse. This provides continuity of care for the
entire transfer.
6. Can a loved
one or companion accompany the patient on the air ambulance?
Yes, in most cases this is available, at no additional
charge. The number of passengers is controlled by the
medical condition and needs of the patient, the number
of medical personnel onboard and the type of aircraft
we use. In most cases 1 to 2 passengers are able to travel
with the patient.
7. How much
luggage can we bring on the aircraft?
Luggage is limited to 2 medium sized bags, typically no
larger than a carry on bag for a commercial airline. The
aircraft is outfitted with a significant amount of medical
equipment and space is limited. The patients care always
takes priority. Our customers usually forward non-essential
items before the transfer.
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