When a dedicated aircraft is usually the right option
A dedicated air ambulance is generally considered when a patient is unstable or at risk of deteriorating in flight, requires ventilation, infusions or continuous monitoring, cannot sit upright for the duration of a commercial flight, needs to travel at short notice, or is being moved from a location with limited scheduled services. Every case is different. Suitability is confirmed after a review of the medical information and the operating environment.
What is on board
Aircraft used for aeromedical missions are configured with a stretcher and the monitoring, oxygen and equipment appropriate to the patient's condition, with a medical team matched to the case, commonly a doctor and flight nurse, or a nurse and paramedic. The exact configuration and crew are set case by case following clinical assessment.
Ground coordination at both ends
Most of the work in an air ambulance mission happens outside the aircraft: obtaining medical reports from the treating facility, confirming a receiving hospital and bed, arranging ground ambulances at each end, and handling permits, slots and customs where the flight crosses borders. We coordinate that end to end so families and case managers are dealing with one team.
How quickly a mission can move
Timing depends on the patient's stability, the availability of medical records, receiving-hospital acceptance, aircraft and crew availability, airport hours, and any permits required. We give you a realistic timeline as soon as we have the details rather than a number that cannot be held to.
Who we work with
We coordinate transports for families, travel insurers and assistance companies, hospitals and case managers, government and diplomatic organisations, and resources and corporate clients. Billing, reporting and communication are set up to suit whoever is managing the case.