Air ambulances serve as flying intensive care units. The exact equipment on board depends on the patient’s medical condition and its severity. Most individuals on medical air transport are critical and require specialized care. In addition to life support and oxygen, common equipment on board includes cardiac monitors, defibrillators, resuscitation gear and IV infusion pumps.
What Equipment a Standard Air Ambulance Carries
Standard air ambulances carry an array of equipment. It includes ECG, blood pressure and blood oxygen saturation monitors, defibrillators, oxygen supplies, mechanical ventilators, portable suction devices, infusion pumps and portable ultrasound machines.
Essential Medical Equipment Onboard
For their peace of mind, patients should understand what constitutes essential medical equipment onboard an air ambulance. According to Air Ambulance 1, it includes state-of-the-art technology, ICU-level setups, life support and monitoring machinery, ventilators and airway management tools and medication and carry-on IV supplies.
State-of-the-Art Technology
Air ambulances are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure flight safety and life-saving machinery to sustain individuals during transport. This is to treat patients who experience a medical issue or keep them stable.
ICU-Level Setups
To ensure the best care for patients, air ambulances have ICU-level setups. This is to keep critically injured or ill patients as stable as possible on the way to the hospital. Medical flight staff who have access to specialized equipment continuously monitor the person.
Equipment for Life Support and Monitoring
According to NY.gov, air ambulances are equipped with life support and monitoring capabilities. This includes portable oxygen, suction equipment, sterile catheters, automated external defibrillators and ventilators.
Cardiac Monitoring and Defibrillation Equipment
Air ambulances carry lightweight, compact cardiac monitoring and defibrillation equipment. These devices are designed to track the patient’s heart rhythms, blood pressure, blood oxygen and pulse rate. Defibrillators are used to shock the person’s heart in the event of cardiac arrest.
Ventilators and Airway Management Tools
According to FDA.gov, the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the importance of ventilators and airway management tools. This is equally essential on air ambulances in medical emergencies to keep patients oxygenated. If a person suffers respiratory distress, a ventilator can keep them stable during the flight.
Medication and IV Supplies Carried Onboard
Air ambulances must carry medication and IV supplies. This includes sedatives, infusion pumps, antibiotics, epinephrine, fentanyl, atropine, midazolam, amiodarone and blood thinners. Depending on the patient’s condition, blood products may also be on board.
Specialized Equipment for Specific Patient Needs
Specialized equipment is available for specific patient needs. This may include neonatal and pediatric transport incubators, bariatric transport equipment and isolation units for infectious disease patients.
Neonatal and Pediatric Transport Incubators
The youngest air ambulance patients need specialized equipment. This comprises neonatal and pediatric transport incubators. These instruments provide life support and oxygen to critical newborns and premature infants. Such incubators also help to regulate the baby’s body temperature.
Bariatric Transport Equipment
Larger patients who require air ambulance services need bariatric transport equipment. These are wider, heavy-duty devices tailored to accommodate individuals 350 pounds and over. They include special stretchers, lifts and wheelchairs.
Isolation Units for Infectious Disease Patients
Air ambulances stock isolation units for infectious disease patients. According to the National Library of Medicine, this was first devised during the Ebola crisis and used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infectious patients are placed in smaller, portable isolation units while the medical team treats them outside, through portholes.
Medical Crew Qualifications and Staffing
The medical crew on air ambulances have the qualifications needed to ensure their patients remain stable throughout flights. Usually, they consist of a paramedic and nurse, but other medical professionals may be on board depending on the situation. For complex cases, a doctor is on hand.
Selecting the Right Air Ambulance
There are steps to selecting the right air ambulance. They include factors to consider, evaluating providers and looking for accreditation standards.
Factors to Consider
Air ambulance services must be reputable, which means checking what they offer during flights. Exploring ratings from people who have used providers is wise, as it allows you to get an idea of the experience you might expect.
Evaluating Air Ambulance Providers
Compare a few providers to get a better picture of their services. If you research several choices, you can whittle them down and make an educated decision. Call two or three you’re considering and ask for a quote.
Accreditation Standards to Look For (e.g., CAMTS)
According to Air Ambulance 1, CAMTS and AAMS have listings of accredited air ambulance providers. These are the standard to look for in the industry, and you can review the safety protocols of companies you’re considering. This gives you peace of mind that you can find the right air ambulance for your needs.
How Air Ambulance Equipment Compares to Ground Ambulances
Equipment on air ambulances differs from that on ground transport. It’s lighter and smaller, designed to treat patients over long distances during flights. On ground ambulances, the equipment is bulkier and heavier, meant for use during shorter trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Patients Can an Air Ambulance Carry?
An air ambulance can carry one or two patients at a time. However, larger jets can carry up to three at once over longer distances. Smaller air transport like helicopters can only fly one patient at a time.
What Injuries Require an Air Ambulance?
Critical injuries where time is urgent require air ambulance services. This includes severe burns, trauma from falls and car accidents, spinal cord injuries, compound fractures, traumatic brain injuries and amputations. Anything requiring immediate treatment and hospitalization qualifies for air transport.
What Medical Equipment Is in an Air Ambulance?
Portable oxygen, ventilators, cardiac monitors, IV fusion pumps, defibrillators and portable ECG monitors are available on air ambulances.
Is an Air Ambulance the Same as an ICU?
An air ambulance is often considered a flying ICU, but it’s not exactly the same as a standard ICU. It includes equipment to keep a patient stable during the flight to the hospital.
