When it comes to air versus ground medical transport, the advantages and disadvantages may surprise you. Ground medical transport can be less expensive, but not always. Air ambulances can be a quicker way to transport a patient, but commercial airlines are often faster and more cost-effective.
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the most common methods of transporting patients over long distances.
Ground medical transport by van. Some medical transport services use vans equipped with stretchers and medical equipment to transport patients. Depending on the company, these vans may have seats that fold into beds for family members, as well as small refrigerators and toilets.
Van transport advantages: This option is often suggested for older people, those with dementia, or patients who need to travel long distances while lying down. It can also be a good choice for people who have a fear of flying.
Van transport disadvantages: Van transport can require several days on the road. It may not be the best choice for a patient who needs to be transported quickly to receive needed care. Also, the cost of a medical van transport will depend on the distance traveled, so it can be costly for long-distance travel. In addition, van transport can be cramped if a patient needs emergency care during travel.
Air transport by air ambulance. “Air ambulance” is a broad term that describes different ways to transport patients by small airplanes or helicopters. Some air ambulance companies offer emergency transport only, while others provide both emergency and non-emergency services.
Air ambulance advantages: Air ambulances are a well-known and growing mode of long-distance medical transport. With the global air ambulance market valued at $6.5 billion in 2023, these services are widely available in countries throughout the globe. The size of these aircraft means they can operate out of airports in rural areas. Most are staffed by trained emergency medical providers and equipped for emergency or critical-care patient transport.
Air ambulance disadvantages: The cost of international air ambulance transport to the United States can easily top $100,000. That doesn't include ground ambulances and other forms of transport that might be required to get the patient if they are located in remote locations. Transport by air ambulance can also be surprisingly slow because these smaller aircraft need to stop often to refuel.
Commercial airline transport. Many U.S. airlines allow patients to be transported on their flights, usually sitting up. International airlines can be even more accommodating for long-distance transport.
Commercial airline transport advantages. You might think that transport by a commercial airplane would be crowded or cramped, but it can be the safest and most comfortable option for patients. Medical transport by a commercial airline has three big advantages for patients – speed, cost, and comfort. With flights scheduled daily out of regional and international airports, commercial airlines can be the fastest way to get a patient home or to a medical center for care. This transport option can also be less expensive, even flying on short notice in first or business class and accompanied by a medical escort. Lastly, first-class or business seating can be more comfortable than the cramped cabins of air ambulances or medical vans. Some international airlines will even remove a row of seats to allow for “stretcher transport” and install temporary screens around the patient for privacy.
Commercial airline transport disadvantages. U.S. airlines may limit the medical equipment that medical escorts can use to treat patients during transport. However, a medical transport service such as SentinelMED can work with airlines to make arrangements in advance. The SentinelMED team routinely coordinates patient transports with U.S. airlines and with its medical escorts to ensure patients get the medical care needed during transport. Unlike some medical transport services, SentinelMED provides medical escorts who are physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses trained or experienced in emergency and travel medicine.
When you or a loved one requires medical transport
SentinelMED provides domestic and international medical escort, transport, evacuation, and repatriation services for travelers who need assistance to travel long distances in comfort and safety.
SentinelMED understands the complexity of delivering exceptional care to patients who need assistance during travel. Please contact us to learn more about the services that SentinelMED offers or its staff.
