The decision to transfer a patient by long distance travel is a critical one. Long distance medical transport services providers need to keep some basic factors in mind.
Medical emergencies can occur anywhere and at any time. There are situations when the patent might be travelling abroad and needs to be shifted to a better care facility. The decision on whether a patient is in a condition to be moved or not is an important one. His family must consult a doctor or a well reputed travel medical assistance company in order to get the best suited advice. Have a look at five critical points that need to be considered –
1. The Condition of The Patient
The actual ground reality is the most important factor in determining the mode of transportation. Some medical conditions make travel by air impossible as the cabin pressure aggravates the condition of the patient. Others might need to be transferred in a jiffy, due to a deteriorating health condition.
2. Hiring an Air Ambulance
After careful evaluation it should be determined if time is the most critical factor that will determine the health of the patient. Then without any further delay an air ambulance should be hired. If time is not the primary factor, other options in medical transport by land or with a medical escort in a commercial plane should be considered.
3. Distance of Travel
For distances over 1500 miles, the mental and physical strength of the patient is the primary deciding factor for travel. As to travel such a distance implies at least a day of travel.
4. Will The Family Be Accompanying?
Additional passengers, obviously implies additional prices. In ground transport most companies allow a family member or two. But in an air ambulance it varies from company to company.
5. The Team on Board
Most reputed companies will have ad designated team assigned to the patient. On an air ambulance a patient is accompanied by a nurse and two pilots. This ratio varies from company to company.
