60 Air Ambulance Facts: Further Advancements In The Medical Sector

Medical transport is often essential and although calling for an air ambulance may be intimidating, it can be necessary.

We are often placed in situations wherein prompt decision-making is required in order to save a life. Calling for an air ambulance can be scary because of the myths surrounding the industry but we are here to help!

Even though air ambulances are expensive and appear to be largely inaccessible to many people, they are in fact the best option sometimes. Your health insurance is sure to help you in times of need, such as when you avail an expensive trip in an air ambulance.

Countries like the USA, the UK, and Australia are some of the few countries that have quality air ambulance services.

For many parts of the world, transportation of patients and organs quickly becomes a challenge. In such situations, since air ambulances can reach the most remote of areas and can land in small strips of land, transportation by air becomes the most viable option.

Air ambulances provide patients with quality care and tend to their specific needs. They also cut down the time that it would take to travel by ground or sea, which is one of the most important factors to consider in air ambulances when it comes to medical emergencies. Keep reading to learn more about air ambulances.

If you enjoyed reading this article, why not also check out ambulance facts and ancient Chinese medicine facts here on Kidadl!

The History Of Air Ambulance

The concept of an air ambulance started way before the Wright brothers had even invented the first airplane. When a serious medical emergency arrives wherein the use of a ground ambulance is out of the question, calling for an air ambulance is often the most viable option.

The first 'air ambulance' was used in 1870, during the Siege of Paris. During this historic event, the people of the military were forced to use air travel in order to be able to transport the military and staff to other locations.

Since the patients were often in a very critical state and ground travels would not have been safe, hot air balloons were used in order to make sure that the French military would be able to avail medical treatment.

Although the world no longer needs to use hot air balloons, the use of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft has become largely common. The first air ambulance service was used during the First World War.

Again, the need of the hour was to safely and quickly transfer the injured military personnel to better grounds so as to give them medical attention.

Over the years, medical transport through the air has become increasingly popular since there are many rural parts of the world where ground ambulances are not available. In such areas, air medical services can easily reach and help people in need.

Not only would an air ambulance company provide an easier and faster way of transportation for the ill or injured, but the fixed-wing aircraft will also be able to provide you or your loved ones with pre-hospital care.

Services Offered By Air Ambulance

Medical air transportation is especially useful in the case of emergencies since the helicopters and aircraft can reach the remotest of areas and can provide a fast transfer of the needy. Air ambulances are equipped with all the emergency measures.

Depending on the need of the patient, there are several doctors, nurses, and paramedics on the ambulance, who help in tackling any situation that may arise during the transfer of the patient.

The medical personnel working in air ambulances are highly trained for handling such situations and have the correct emergency medicine collection in order to tend to the patients.

Air medical transport can also be helpful for cardiac arrest patients or in the case of an organ transfer. Be assured that the medical equipment on-board is almost always of the best quality, although it can sometimes be specific to the particular company that you are opting for.

The air ambulance services also include CPR and any other procedures that may be needed during the transportation of the patient. They also have intensive care units and natal care sections in case the services are availed by critical patients or pregnant women.

The air ambulance industry is often thought to be overly expensive for the masses.

Although it may be true for some cases, the fact remains that the cost of medical air transport is largely dependent on the condition of the patient, the medical equipment, the personnel that would need to be on-board in order to tackle the situation and the distance that needs to be covered.

Considering all factors, air ambulance services are often costly due to the time effectiveness and quality of care that they offer.

The First Air Ambulance

The first air ambulance was used to transfer and transport the French military during the Siege of Paris in 1870. Since then, air ambulances have risen to fame and have become synonymous with the quick transportation of organs and patients. There are typically two types of aircraft that are used by the air ambulance industry, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

Helicopters are used in situations wherein there is a serious time constraint, such as in the case of the transportation of organs for transplantation. In such cases the air ambulance services are of great help since the time that would be required in order to transport the organs by ground would be cut down by a great degree.

Air ambulance services were also used during the First World War when there was a pressing need to make sure that the four-day travels by ground were cut short. The air ambulance made sure that the injured military personnel could be transported in a matter of just 45 minutes.

Evidently, the air ambulance cost may be high but it does come with prompt and high-quality services.

The efficacy noted for the air ambulance used in war times propelled the use of air ambulances for civilians. It is believed that due to swift transportation of military personnel in air ambulances, the risk of losing life was affected positively. The first ambulance for regular people was established in Germany in 1970. The helicopter was named Christoph I.

Air Ambulance Facts

People often assume that air ambulance services are reserved only for natural disasters. Although it is true that we have often witnessed people being pulled into a helicopter or aircraft during natural calamities wherein ground transportation is not available, the air ambulance industry is not limited to such events.

The services can be availed from anywhere, whether it be in urban or rural areas. Since the aircrafts used by the companies do not require elaborate runways for landing, they can reach any location.

The jets used as air ambulances are equipped with many emergency medicines and equipment that could be of use for the patient. Such ambulances also have intensive care units, mother and fetal care units, in order to cater to any and all emergencies.

It is often believed that an air ambulance would not allow family members or blood relatives to be on-board. However, this is not true. Just like in the case of traditional ambulances, air ambulances also have space for one family member or relative.

This helps the person in understanding the family history as well as the patient's own medical history. Knowledge of the medical history of the patient is essential before the medics can opt for any mode of interim treatment.

In case of a medical emergency, the doctors and paramedics on-board can also perform minor surgeries and help in stabilizing the patient.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for air ambulance facts, then why not take a look at ancient Greek medicine facts or WWI medicine facts.