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Air Medical Services: Tips for Becoming a Flight Paramedic

If you are looking to get into the medical field, but would prefer to be out and about where the action happens, then you might want to consider becoming a commercial medical escort. Also known as flight paramedics, these men and women have very exciting and rewarding careers in the medical field. As of 2011, there were only a little over 2000 certified flight paramedics employed.

You need to know that becoming part of air medical services is not going to be easy. It is almost as much of a challenge as the career you will find yourself in, after you graduate. Read on below for some tips on how to get your career started as a flight paramedic today.

The Steps to Becoming a Certified Flight Paramedic

Becoming part of air medical services takes a lot more than just sitting in a classroom. The journey starts long before you take your first class. While taking the exam does not require you to have a minimum education requirement, it is best to be an experienced EMT, before you decide to try for your license.

You will want to sign up for an EMT course and have your CPR certification before you make plans to become a certified flight paramedic in long distance medical transport.

What is Required to Become a Certified Flight Paramedic?

In order to be able to sit for the exam, you will need to first demonstrate proficiency as an EMT in other areas. You have to establish competency in the field as an EMT. The certifications that you will need to have are listed below.

  • NREMT Certification is a mandatory requirement
  • Most centers also require that you have a TNACT, ATLS-Audit, and a CCEMTP.
  • BLS, also known as Basic Life Support
  • ACLS, also known as Advanced Cardiac Life Support
  • PALS/PEPP, also known as Pediatric Advance Life Support
  • PHTLS/ITLS, also known as Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support

According to what state you live in, there may be other certifications required. Make sure that you check with the testing center, so that you know for sure what the requirements are.

You also need to make sure that all of your certifications are active, before you make any move to take the exam.

There are a few areas that you will need to very knowledgeable in to pass the exam to work as a medevac in an air ambulance; these are listed below for your perusal.

  • CAMTS
  • Acid balance
  • Airway
  • Cardiac
  • Neurological
  • Flight Physiology
  • OB/GYN
  • Neonatal and Pediatric
  • Field stress
  • Trauma
  • Respiratory
  • Thoracic

If you study each of these 12 categories, you should be able to get the information you need to pass the exam and move into the exciting career of being a flight paramedic.

These are just a few tips for becoming a successful flight paramedic that you will want to follow to become successful in your chosen career. From the 12 categories to study to the certifications required, you can be sure that you will enjoy this job above all others.

The Many Benefits of an Air Ambulance

When there is a medical emergency, most people call medical first responders. In many cases, this comes in the form of a medical emergency motor vehicle like an ambulance. However, there are instances where this sort of medical first responder isn’t going to be sufficient. The reasons might be because the location of the medical emergency is remote or the nature of the medical emergency means that immediate care is needed and time is of the essence. In these cases, air medical transport like an air ambulance may be the only thing that will work.

It is well known that, with serious medical conditions, treatment administered in the first hour is vital to a person’s survival and recovery. To this end, a medical helicopter is often used. There are many reasons this may be the case. For one, when quick transportation is needed to get the sick or injured person to a medical facility, a medical helicopter is the best and quickest way to transport the person. These helicopters are outfitted like a ground-based ambulance, but unlike a motor vehicle, helicopters won’t have to deal with snarled traffic or indirect road routes in order to reach the location of the emergency or the medical facility.

These helicopters can also be used to transport patients to other medical facilities. Should a person’s condition be beyond the current medical facility’s ability to treat, and immediate specialized care is needed, a long distance ambulance such as a medical helicopter can be very helpful. These helicopters have all the medical equipment needed to keep virtually any person, in any medical condition, stable during the trip.

However, long distance medical transport isn’t just relegated to helicopters. For medical transport that can span a longer distance, medical airplanes can also be used. These transport options allow people to be transported from one side of the country to another. In some instances, if a person were to become injured or sick on vacation, for example, medical air services can even transport a person from one country to another in order for that person to receive better quality medical care.

In addition to long distance travels and superior medical services on board the aircraft, these services operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This means that regardless of when or where the injury or sickness has occurred, medical transports can be available. However, it’s important to note that, in most cases, a doctor will determine the need for this type of transportation. You can pay for this service out of pocket if you have the means, but for your insurance to pay, you’ll want to ensure that a doctor recommends this mode of transportation.

If a patient has a fear of flying, and the distance isn’t astronomical, a long distance ambulance transport is an option to consider as well. This means of transport is generally used for more stable patients and offers a bit more comfort than a standard ambulance.

As you can see, there are many applications for long distance medical transportation services. Whether a person needs quick medical transport to a local medical facility or needs to be transported from a remote location to another country for medical care, these services offer everything a person could need and more. In situations where you or a loved one might need immediate care or need a long distance medical transport, you will be happy to have these ground and air medical services at your disposal.

How to Overcome Your Fear of Flying during Air Medical Transport

A fear of flying, commonly known as aviatophobia, is a common ailment, even among those who enjoy traveling. While many individuals find ways to overcome those fears, sometimes the solution isn’t a viable option for those who are suffering from a medical condition. When these patients need medical flight transportation, their fear of flying can overtake their emotions and make the experience more stressful. This increase in stress can exacerbate many medical conditions, making it essential to learn how to overcome this fear when riding in an air ambulance.

The Cause

The first step in overcoming a fear of flying, regardless of its severity, is to discover what triggers those feelings. While some individuals may experience general anxiety and fear, many others can pinpoint the exact component that causes the fear. For many individuals, aviatophobia is caused by:

  • A fear of small spaces (claustrophobia)
  • Turbulence
  • A fear of heights (acrophobia)
  • Fear of death
  • Loss of control
  • Fear of terrorism
  • A bad experience

Once you pinpoint the cause of your fear, it is easier to address. In some situations, learning more about the flying process can provide the comfort these individuals need. For others, deep breathing or focusing techniques may help distract them so they can relax.

The Symptoms

In addition to understanding the cause of the fear, it can be beneficial to determine the symptoms to help find relief. Many of the symptoms of aviatophobia are similar to other phobias and anxiety, which can make the condition difficult to diagnose. Some of the common signs of this condition include:

  • Excessive sweating
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Heart palpitations
  • Shaking

If you commonly experience these issues when you think about flying or board a plane, you likely suffer from this condition. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to alleviate your fears.

The Solution

Whether you must use medical flight transportation or you simply travel by air, overcoming this fear could make your journey more comfortable. If you are being transported in an air ambulance, some of the medical solutions may not be advised due to your condition. Instead, take deep breaths and focus on something else, such as a family member or even a picture. Herbal remedies may also provide relief, though it is important to inquire on their safety in terms of your condition. For those who fear the actual act of flying or think about what could go wrong, education on the mechanics of airplanes and flight could be an appropriate solution.

Aviatophobia is a real condition that affects a significant number of individuals. While many people avoid flying, if medical flight transportation becomes necessary for their health and wellbeing, overcoming this fear is recommended. Understanding the symptoms and the causes of your fear can help you determine the best solution so you can board an air ambulance with confidence.

Are you looking for a reliable medical flight transportation company? Call 800-550-0674 or request a quote online now. We have a reputation for keeping our patients safe, comfortable and relaxed throughout their flight.

Medical Escorts on Commercial Flights

Some conditions are serious enough to require a private air ambulance to avoid exposure to the general public and to provide fast access to appropriate medical care. However, other patients may be able to save money by hiring a medical escort on a commercial flight. These air medical services can provide the level of care a patient needs, while keeping costs low.

Qualifications

Not all patients will qualify for these air medical services. Those who are suffering from more serious conditions or do not meet specific qualifiers will need to charter a private air ambulance instead. To use a medical escort, patients must be stable and able to sit up unassisted for extended periods of time. In most cases, patients cannot be reliant on certain medical machines. Patients must also receive clearance from their doctor or other medical professional. When contacting a company for these services, ask about their specific qualifications for an escort over hiring a private medical flight.

Domestic and International Services

Many air medical services are primarily used in international situations because individuals are injured or become ill while away on vacation or a business trip. However, hiring a medical escort is often more flexible, allowing you to use the service on either a domestic or international flight. This is a great option for transporting an elderly relative to a location closer to his or her children or to experience the benefit of being close to family while receiving treatment.

Experienced Staff

Flying with a medical condition or while ill can create additional stress for the patient, as well as the family. Flying with a medical escort on a commercial flight can ease some of that stress and provide peace of mind that the patient is safe. The staff at air medical services is medically trained and can give patients the medical care they require during the flight, including monitoring and medication administration. This allows the family to rest easy during the trip, knowing their loved one is in good hands and any medical emergency will be handled appropriately.

The Coordination

Flying a patient on a commercial flight can be a difficult process for families. When you work with air medical services, they will help you coordinate every leg of the journey. Many services also pick up your loved one from the original medical facility and provide transportation to a new hospital or medical center. The patient will be accompanied by the same staff member throughout the journey.

Sometimes a medical escort on a commercial flight is all a patient needs to travel from one place to another safely. Flying in this manner can provide families with peace of mind, while keeping their overall costs lower. Whether a loved one becomes sick or injured while away on a trip or he or she lives far from family, these air medical services can bring them closer to receive the treatment they need close to the people they love.

If you are looking for a medical escort to accompany a loved one on a commercial flight, call 800-550-0674 or request a quote online now. We can help you coordinate all the details for a successful flight.

Taking Time to Honor Our Mothers

Mother's Day

Mothers are an important part of our lives, whether we are young children or we are fully grown. At Air Critical Care, our air ambulance company wants to take the time to honor our mothers, not only on Mother’s Day, but throughout the month of May.

Tips for Celebrating with Your Mother

Regardless of your age or that of your mother, spending time together can be a real treat. If you are trying to find something new and interesting to do this year, these options can be a good start.

  • Take Her Out – Many moms don’t get treated to a meal away from home often. If you are planning to take your mother out for dinner, choose a place that is special to the two of you or her favorite restaurant for a special treat.
  • Capture It on Film – Whether your mother is suffering from a chronic illness or she is perfectly healthy, it is important to remember the time you spend together. Consider creating videos together so you can look back after she is gone and remember her for who she was. You can even record her life story for future generations.
  • Share a Special Event – Find something you can enjoy doing together, such as cooking a meal, taking a walk, shopping or completing a favorite craft. Any time spent together is time you can treasure on Mother’s Day and beyond.

What If Your Mom Is No Longer with You?

Unfortunately, moms don’t live forever. As much as we love and need them, there comes a time when they pass away. However, this doesn’t mean you have to stop honoring your mother or celebrating Mother’s Day. If your mother is no longer around, consider the following options:

  • Remember the Past – Take some time to remember the great times you’ve had with your mom. Pull out the family photo album and reminisce over old pictures.
  • Write Her a Letter – She won’t be able to read it, but it can be therapeutic to write down your thoughts. Tell her how much you miss her and what you have been doing in your life.
  • Create a Memorial – Tap into your creativity and create a memorial for your mom. Use your words to write a poem or song. If you are artistic, make a sculpture or a photo collage.
  • Visit Her at the Cemetery – You can still spend some time feeling close to your mother on Mother’s Day. Visit the cemetery and bring a special flower arrangement just for her. Talk to her and remind her how much you love her.

Mother’s Day is a day set aside to honor our mothers and everything they do for us. Whether you can visit your mom or she is no longer with you, there are numerous things you can do to make the day special and show your love and respect for the woman who raised you.

If your mother or another loved one requires air medical services, call 800-550-0674 or request a quote online now. We are a reliable air ambulance company that can provide the quality of care they deserve.

Medical Escorts on Commercial Flights

Escorts

Some conditions are serious enough to require a private air ambulance to avoid exposure to the general public and to provide fast access to appropriate medical care. However, other patients may be able to save money by hiring a medical escort on a commercial flight. These air medical services can provide the level of care a patient needs, while keeping costs low.

Qualifications

Not all patients will qualify for these air medical services. Those who are suffering from more serious conditions or do not meet specific qualifiers will need to charter a private air ambulance instead. To use a medical escort, patients must be stable and able to sit up unassisted for extended periods of time. In most cases, patients cannot be reliant on certain medical machines. Patients must also receive clearance from their doctor or other medical professional. When contacting a company for these services, ask about their specific qualifications for an escort over hiring a private medical flight.

Domestic and International Services

Many air medical services are primarily used in international situations because individuals are injured or become ill while away on vacation or a business trip. However, hiring a medical escort is often more flexible, allowing you to use the service on either a domestic or international flight. This is a great option for transporting an elderly relative to a location closer to his or her children or to experience the benefit of being close to family while receiving treatment.

Experienced Staff

Flying with a medical condition or while ill can create additional stress for the patient, as well as the family. Flying with a medical escort on a commercial flight can ease some of that stress and provide peace of mind that the patient is safe. The staff at air medical services is medically trained and can give patients the medical care they require during the flight, including monitoring and medication administration. This allows the family to rest easy during the trip, knowing their loved one is in good hands and any medical emergency will be handled appropriately.

The Coordination

Flying a patient on a commercial flight can be a difficult process for families. When you work with air medical services, they will help you coordinate every leg of the journey. Many services also pick up your loved one from the original medical facility and provide transportation to a new hospital or medical center. The patient will be accompanied by the same staff member throughout the journey.

Sometimes a medical escort on a commercial flight is all a patient needs to travel from one place to another safely. Flying in this manner can provide families with peace of mind, while keeping their overall costs lower. Whether a loved one becomes sick or injured while away on a trip or he or she lives far from family, these air medical services can bring them closer to receive the treatment they need close to the people they love.

If you are looking for a medical escort to accompany a loved one on a commercial flight, call 800-550-0674 or request a quote online now. We can help you coordinate all the details for a successful flight.

Announcing Our New eBooK: The What, When and How of Air Medical Transportation

Air Critical Care is pleased to announce the launch of our new eBook, The What, When and How of Air Medical Transportation. When individuals become ill or are injured on a trip, they often want to receive medical care closer to home where they can be near family and friends to recover. In these situations, transportation via an air ambulance service becomes necessary. Understanding the basics of using an air ambulance can help you make the right choice when faced with this type of situation.

What Is an Air Ambulance Service?

The eBook begins by explaining what benefits an air ambulance company can provide for patients. This includes describing the patients who are likely to need the service, as well as what the company can provide by offering them the highest level of patient care as they move from one medical facility to another. The primary focus of these companies is to give patients a better way to get closer to home to receive the medical care they need due to an injury or illness suffered while out of the country or away from home.

The Type of Medical Care

An air ambulance won’t have the same equipment as a hospital or large medical facility. However, each plane is equipped with the appropriate equipment and treatment options that will give patients the quality medical care they may require, even if an emergency occurs in the air. This new eBook will discuss the types of equipment that are available on these flights, providing patients with the staff and equipment they need to stay safe during their transport.

How This Service Works

The eBook continues providing information to readers about how an air ambulance service works and what they can do for their patients. For instance, even though they are an air medical transportation company, they also offer ground services between the medical facilities and the airport. There’s no need for families to struggle through the intricacies of planning interim transportation. The air ambulance company handles it all, from picking up at one medical facility to dropping off at another.

The Specifics

Many individuals are left with questions about using an air ambulance service to provide quality medical transportation for themselves or a loved one. This eBook answers many of these questions, giving individuals the tools they need to make the right decision. Some of the questions this book encourages you to ask your air ambulance service include who can travel with the patient whether pets are allowed and how much this type of transportation costs. Using an air ambulance service can be the ideal option for those who are injured or become ill when they are away from home. These individuals often want to return to their own doctors and support system, making air medical transportation essential. Researching this method of transportation allows individuals to make the right choice when they are faced with this type of situation. If you are interested in finding out more information about an air medical transportation company, click here to download our new eBook. This eBook will help you understand more about the process so you can make an informed decision.

Emergency Air Transport Demands Quality Care

A medical situation can occur at any time, even when you are away from home. This means you could suffer from an injury or a sudden illness in an unfamiliar place where you don’t know how to locate good doctors, medical staff or find out the reputation of the local medical facility. When this happens, you generally have two choices: you can stay where you are until you are healed or you can use an air ambulance company to safely transport you to a medical facility closer to home. Finding the right air medical transport will ensure you get the highest level of care, while you are en route to an airport or you are in the air.

A Fully Trained Staff

The most important aspect of air medical transport is the quality of the staff that accompanies the patient. It is important to find a company that features a specially trained staff that can handle any emergency that may occur while in the air. In addition to their medical training, these individuals should have experience caring for patients at these elevations and be dedicated to providing the first-class care everyone deserves. Don’t make the mistake of entrusting a service that doesn’t have a good reputation or safety track record with the health and well being of yourself or a loved one.

Patient Advocacy

Depending on the condition of the patient, it can be difficult for an individual to advocate for him or herself during an air ambulance flight. However, these patients deserve the same level of patient care they would receive if they were being treated in a hospital or another medical facility. A quality air ambulance company offers patient advocacy so every patient will receive the exact type of treatment they require, regardless of the extent of that care.

Experienced Care You Can Trust

Most medical staff that serves in air medical transport has years of experience in emergent care. This is critical to ensure that you or your loved one will have the quality of care you need to stay safe and healthy while in the air. When you look for a quality air ambulance company, make sure you choose one that provides bedside-to-bedside service. This means the same medical professional will be by the patient’s side through every step of the process, from the original medical facility to the medical flight and transport to the final destination. This will ensure continuity of care.

If you or a loved one experiences a medical emergency when you are far from home, it can be difficult to handle. While you can remain in your current location until you heal, it is often best to find an air ambulance company to transport you or your loved one closer to home for quality medical care. If this is your decision, it is important to choose an air medical transport that can offer the highest level of quality care so each patient can receive the medical treatments they need, while being close to family and friends during their recovery Are you looking to transfer yourself or a loved one closer to home for medical care? Call 800-550-0674 or request a quote online now! We offer quality air ambulance service that provides the highest level of patient care.

Making Sure Elderly Patients Are Home Safe

Elderly

The elderly are among the most common age group to require an air ambulance service. Whether these individuals are injured and their children want to move them closer to home to supervise their medical care or they become ill while traveling, a medical flight may be the only option to get the patient home. Once the medical escort makes the itinerary to get your loved one home, you should have peace of mind knowing your loved one will be safe and well taken care of during the relocation process.

Care during the Journey

Proper medical care is essential to ensure the health and safety of elderly individuals. An air ambulance service should provide the highest level of medical care at every step of the journey. Finding a medical escort that will be with each patient from bedside to bedside is extremely critical to the well being of that patient, providing an important continuity of care. The medical flight is just one aspect of the journey; the ground transportation is also essential to provide the proper care for each patient.

Tripping Hazards within the Home

After the medical flight, the medical escort’s job doesn’t end. The accompanying medical escort should do more than simply drop off the elderly patient. The medical professional should accompany the patient into his or her home and complete a thorough inspection to establish that the home environment is safe. Extension cords stretched across a room or doorway, throw rugs and even throw covers draped over furniture can be a tripping hazard. Falls are extremely dangerous for the elderly. The medical professional from the air ambulance service should walk through the home and remedy any of these tripping hazards, safeguarding the home for the patient.

Other Potential Hazards

Even though falls are one of the leading causes of injuries in elderly individuals, especially those who live alone, it isn’t the only hazard the medical escort should look for. Some individuals may have their water heater set too high or may not have the furnace on to combat cold temperatures. Other things to check for include slip-free carpeting, grab bars and a phone that is easily accessible from the bed so that the patient can call for help if necessary. All of these features will be inspected so that the patient is as safe as possible before the medical transport staff leaves him or her at home alone.

The health and safety of every patient should be a top priority for an air ambulance service. The medical flight may be their focus, but it is not the only place the company should provide care for the patient. Instead, a medical escort should be with patients throughout the trip, from the moment they leave their bed at a medical facility to the time they reach their home. Even after the trip is over, the medical professionals who have accompanied the individual from the start should check the home, making sure everything is safe before leaving the patient.

If you need an air ambulance service to transport an elderly relative back home, call 800-550-0674 or request a quote online now! We make sure he or she is safe during every part of the journey. This includes a thorough home inspection for any potential hazards.

Spring Is in the Air at ACC!

Spring is in the air!

It may seem like it is far off, but spring is just around the corner. In honor of the first day of spring, our air ambulance company put together this list of 10 things you can do to get started on your spring cleaning project.

Set up a Schedule

Having a busy lifestyle is not an excuse to get out of your spring cleaning. To ensure that you have the time to complete these tasks, add it to your schedule. Creating a timeline for your cleaning tasks will increase your chances of completing them.

Buy the Right Tools

Preparing for your cleaning tasks requires the correct tools to effectively clean your home from top to bottom. When you purchase quality brooms, mops and other cleaning tools, you will get years of use out of them, especially if you only use them for your annual spring cleaning.

Keep It Simple

Some individuals think they need a large number of cleaners to get the job done correctly. The truth is you really only need about four cleaners: an all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner and heavy-duty degreaser. These products can handle all of your cleaning jobs.

Tote Your Tools

Move all the big items to the room you are cleaning before you start. Consider purchasing a large bucket or tote bag in which you can easily carry your cleaning products and smaller tools.

Dress Properly

Because you are likely to get a little dirty while you clean, make sure you wear older clothing you wouldn’t mind ruining. In addition, choose clothing that is comfortable, such as sweatpants and an old t-shirt. If you have longer hair, pull it back with a bandana or a hair band. Gloves and eye protection are also a necessity.

Get Motivated

Think about what motivates you. Do you love listening to music? Does a flow of fresh air invigorate you and get you in the mood for cleaning? Even listening to a book on tape can be a great motivator to pass the time as you clean.

Organize Your Strategy

Don’t waste your time going back and forth through a room more than once. Tackle each task one at a time and try to move around the room on a rotation so you don’t miss anything the first time around.

Pick up First

General straightening can go a long way toward making your spring cleaning tasks easier. Remove any dirty dishes or laundry from a room first, just as you would pick up before bringing in a professional to clean your home. Do yourself the same favor.

Use Both Hands

You can get tasks done much faster if you make use of both your hands. Spray windows or mirrors with one hand and wipe it down with the other. Use two dusting cloths at once. This allows you to get more done in a shorter period of time.

Get Your Family Involved

Don’t take on the task of spring cleaning all on your own. Enlist your family members to help you out. The more people who tackle the job, the faster it will get done and the more satisfaction everyone will feel once it’s completed. Your family may even be less likely to mess up the area later on.

You may give your home a thorough cleaning once a year, but we don’t wait until spring. We continuously maintain and clean our vehicles, including our air ambulances, all year long. If you or a loved one needs an air medical transport, call 800-550-0674 or request a quote online now! We can transfer patients from one medical facility to another quickly and efficiently.

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