Air Ambulance FAQs

Q.	What questions should I ask when inquiring about air ambulance services?
Q.	Where does Air Ambulance Specialists (AASI) fly?
Q.	What types of payment does AASI accept?
Q.	Can I accompany the patient?
Q.	How much luggage can a patient take?
Q.	What documents are required to travel on an air ambulance flight?
Q.	What is a medical charter?

Q.	What questions should I ask when inquiring about air ambulance services?
A.	Before contracting with an air ambulance service provider, it’s important to know the answers to some important questions: • Is the air ambulance company accredited? You want to make sure the air ambulance company is accredited. The only accreditation for the fixed-wing air ambulance industry is with CAMTS (The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Services). Air Ambulance Specialists Inc. is CAMTS Accredited. • What types of aircraft are offered by the company? There is a huge difference between a Lear Jet, Turbo Prop, and a piston twin aircraft. Find out what type of aircraft the company is offering you to transport the patient. • What type of staff will be on board the aircraft? A Critical Care Nurse and a Respiratory Therapist or Paramedic should be a minimum on an air ambulance transport flight. Also, ask if the medical staff works for the company full-time or if they are per-diem or part-time. You want to find a company that has medical crew who work on the aircraft on a regular basis. AASI flights typically are staffed by a registered nurse, respiratory therapist, licensed paramedic and/or other medical professionals, depending on the specific needs of the patient. • Does the air ambulance service carry liability and medical malpractice insurance? You want to be sure the air ambulance company you hire carries liability and medical malpractice insurance, and you also want to know about their coverage amounts. You should ensure the company carries adequate medical liability and aircraft insurance. Also, ask for a copy of the air ambulance company’s certificate of insurance (COI). • Are ground ambulance arrangements and payments included in the quote? Some organizations will make the ground ambulance arrangements but provide a quote for the air ambulance transport only. Make certain that you understand what is included in your quote. A quote from AASI includes both ground transportation and air ambulance transportation. • What is the price of the air ambulance transport? When comparing quotes from different air ambulance companies, make sure you are comparing the type of aircraft that will be used, and the type of medical staff and ground ambulances that are included in the quote to determine the best option to meet your needs.
Q.	Where does Air Ambulance Specialists (AASI) fly?
A.	AASI offers domestic and international service. AASI flies throughout the continental United States. Other common destinations include Canada, the Caribbean, Hawaii and Europe. We also provide services to other international destinations as well. For international flights, our dispatch department arranges all customs, immigration and international handling documentation to meet Federal Aviation Administration and other regulations.
Q.	What types of payment does AASI accept?
A.	AASI accepts payment by certified check, credit card, bank wire transfer, cash and pre-approved insurance. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Diners Club. We can bill an insurance company directly if written authorization is obtained from the insurance company. If not, payment, including co-pays and deductibles, is due prior to the transport.
Q.	Can I accompany the patient?
A.	In some cases, one or two family members or companions may accompany the patient at no additional cost on private air ambulance trips, unless the patient’s condition requires additional medical staff or equipment for the transport. All air medical services and medical flights are customized for each patient transport.
Q.	How much luggage can a patient take?
A.	Space on air ambulance aircraft is very limited because of the large amount of medical equipment carried on board. Luggage is limited to two carry-on sized bags. All other luggage must be shipped prior to transport. AASI can help passengers arrange the shipment of excess baggage. All costs associated with excess baggage shipment are the responsibility of the patient or client.
Q.	What documents are required to travel on an air ambulance flight?
A:	Everyone traveling on international flights must provide the AASI Dispatch Department with the following information prior to departure: • Full name • Relationship to patient • Passport number and expiration date • Date of birth • Nationality • Visa information, if required
Q.	What is a medical charter?
A:	A medical charter is a private aircraft that is sometimes used for patient transportation. Unlike an air ambulance, a medical charter aircraft may not have a stretcher and all necessary medical equipment on board in the event of an emergency.