One of the most vital things, time is very important at times of an emergency, one has to be at the hospital on time. That is where air ambulance comes in. The Importance of Air Ambulances is a very crucial role in the evacuation and transportation of patients, and most of the time the road networks in the rural areas are mostly inaccessible. These are aircraft that are used in airlifting patients who require attention from a doctor. Whether this involves transferring one from the scene of the accident to the nearest hospital or transferring a patient from one hospital to another, air ambulances are undeniably one of the important modalities in critical care provision.
What does Air Ambulance mean?
Air ambulances are a certain category of aviation, in other words, helicopters or small aircraft for the transport of sick and injured people quickly between hospitals. In the same manner as the ambulance, we see it on the road, but it flies in the sky, answering the purpose of time. It also has medical equipment and professional doctors and nurses who can attend to the patients and even prolong the lives of those in critical conditions even during the flight. Mostly applied in emergencies where one can’t wait for a single minute or the patient is in an area that cannot be accessed by roads. Finally, these services play the role of assisting in the saving of lives because the patients are to be taken to the hospital on time.
When to Use an Air Ambulance?
The air ambulance should be used when the patient requires medical attention and requires to be transported to a hospital which cannot be accessed by road. This is perfect for cases which require quick intervention, and these include major traumas, myocardial infarction, or cerebrovascular accidents. Air ambulances also contain medical staff and equipment that may be needed during transportation. They are also useful when the patient is located in a distant facility or when he/she has to be transferred from one hospital to another for further management. When ground transportation is either too slow or too risky, an air ambulance just makes it possible to save time and possibly save lives.
Key Services Provided by Air Ambulances
Air ambulances provide so much in terms of services that ensure safety and comfort for the patient:
1. Bed-to-Bed Service
This is a service where the patient is taken from the bed of one hospital to the bed of another hospital. It includes:
- Ground Transport: The air ambulance service will make arrangements for the patient’s journey by ambulance or any other suitable vehicle to the aircraft and then to the hospital after the flight.
- Smooth Transfer: It also seeks to make the journey as smooth as possible with reduced stress and waiting time.
2. Advanced Life Support
Air ambulances are designed to handle advanced life support systems, which are crucial in offering relevant care during flight. In addition to this are the following:
- Oxygen Supply: In air ambulances, in case of any need for breathing support for a patient, the relevant equipment is installed to regulate oxygen accordingly.
- Heart Monitoring: The heart and other very vital signs can be monitored during the flight.
- Emergency Medications: The aircraft is equipped with vital medications that may be required by any patient onboard.
3. Emergency Care of the Patient with a Spinal Injury
Travelling is not a happy experience for patients who have any kind of spinal disorder or injury or any other back problem such as scoliosis or slipped disk. As for air ambulances, this is the constant effort to ensure that such patients’ transportation is done with proper care of the pain and the patient feels comfortable during the journey. This includes:
- Special Equipment: Some of the accessories that could provide spinal support for the patient during the transport may extend or other equipment may be fitted out into the aircraft.
- Expert Care: Some are medical people on board and are charged with the responsibility of attending to spinal injuries and hence due care while on route.
Why an Air Ambulance?
In critical medical situations, the timing of treatment often decides the line between life and death. Numerous benefits come along with the advantages of air ambulances, including:
- Speed: Air ambulances can cover long distances in much less time, which becomes essential for emergencies.
- Special Care: The medical crew members in the aircraft are well-experienced and specially trained to accord emergency care.
- Comfort: Air ambulances provide comfort and an environment in which medical personnel can attend to the patient’s needs during flight and provide the required comfort.
- Safety: Air ambulance providers ensure that safety is guaranteed. The aircraft are well taken care of and the medical teams are trained to act in case of any emergencies.
Choosing the Right Air Ambulance
In case you or your loved one needs an air ambulance, it is essential to research a service that will suit their needs. The following are some of the issues you may want to check:
- Reliability: Ensure the provider is operational most of the time and has a good track record.
- Experience: Determine whether the service has medical personnel and pilots with ample experience.
- Fleet: Ask what kind of aircraft they fly, and whether the aircraft is suitable for your needs.
- Cost: The cost of air ambulance services can be very costly; therefore, get a clear quotation upfront.
Conclusion
They assist in saving lives by quickly and efficiently transporting critical patients. Whether it is a small flight to the nearest available hospital in a helicopter or long-distance travel in a specially equipped aeroplane, air ambulances are fitted to deal with a range of medical conditions.
