Do you offer services that other companies don’t offer?

Yes, our goal is to provide as much support as we can. We have assisted families with help in finding appropriate facilities, selling or moving furniture or automobiles, locating home health care services, care for and transport of pets. We do what we can to make the move as easy as possible.

Can you explain your air medical trip process?

Yes, for a detailed explanation of the process from start to finish, please see our Air Ambulance Guide and “What To Expect Guide”.

Can you accompany my loved one on a commercial flight?

Yes, that’s our MEDICAL ESCORT SERVICE; we will provide one of our Critical Care Paramedic (CCEMT-P) or Registered Nurse (RN) for your loved one, we arrange everything from Door to Door or as we like to say Bedside to Bedside. To include all the ground transportation, medical staff fees and equipment required for the flight and Airline tickets in Business or First Class. We expedite through the check in and security to a First Class waiting area until boarding the commercial aircraft. During the trip, our medical team member will take care of all medical and hygiene needs, as well as serve as an excellent traveling companion. Some patients have Alzheimer’s and Dementia can get agitated during a flight. Our highly trained staff can deal with those and other special need patients.

Can you take more than one patient on a plane?

Yes. Some aircraft are outfitted with dual stretchers, and sometimes one of the patients can sit because their medical needs are less critical. We can work with you to provide you with the best options. Remember that’s why you are using Air Critical Care we take care of everything.

How long is the flight?

This depends on the aircraft selected for your flight and departure and destination cities. Jets fly at speeds of 550 miles per hour. Most jets can fly nonstop to your destination; your flight coordinator will advise you if a stop is planned.

How fast can you get here?

Fast. Since we are a 24-hour operation, we can respond immediately to your request. It typically takes about one hour to call out a crew and have them prepare to depart. We then fly directly to the airport closest to the patient. Your Flight Coordinator will keep in constant communication with you during this time so you will know our precise arrival time.

How soon do we need to schedule the flight?

As soon as you can, if we are not booked for that day we can transport your patient by air ambulance the same day that you schedule a flight. However, sometimes financial arrangements can take time to work with banks and other family members that maybe providing financial assistance. We like to have more time so our doctor can speak with the patient’s doctor, and that sometimes takes a little time. Commercial Medical Escorts (CME) requires a little more time because of airline coordination; typically expect 12 – 48 hours. International Stretcher transports can take from seven to ten days, so that the airline can schedule the install of the stretcher. If price is potentially an issue, the more time you can give us, the better chance we have of connecting it with another flight and reduced cost, we call this a “backhaul”.

When you are comfortable and ready for the flight, give us a call and we’ll set it all up for you.

Can I get an itinerary?

Yes, as soon as you confirm a trip with us.

Can you take the luggage in the ground ambulances?

Yes. Our Medical Team will arrange to have the luggage transferred by the ground ambulance to the aircraft. Due to the nature of an air ambulance, space is very limited. We recommend one 21″ carry-on per person. PLEASE CONFIRM ANY ADDITIONAL LUGGAGE with your flight coordinator.

Can the family ride in the ground ambulance?

Normally, one family member can ride in the front passenger seat of the ambulance. Ground ambulances have rules that passengers cannot ride in the back. If there is more than one passenger, we can assist by setting up a cab for you, or the Flight Crew (Pilots) will pick you up and transport you to the aircraft.

Can family be updated during the flight?

Yes. Your Flight Coordinator will keep everyone you want typically call you when we land prior to arriving at the sending hospital and prior to arrival at the receiving hospital. If you want more frequent updates, just let us know and we will be happy to fulfill your requests.

Does your Medical Team go into the hospital?

Air Critical Care provides a comprehensive “bedside to bedside” service, which means that our Medical Team will go to the hospital to pick up the patient. We meet the family and patient, will get medical chart and doctors’ orders. Getting this information directly for the discharging nurse is the best to avoid confusing during the care process. We then will switch the patient onto our medical equipment, put the patient onto the ambulance stretcher for transport to the aircraft. Then we reverse the process after landing, taking the patient directly to the bedside they are assigned and connecting him to that facility’s equipment. This ensures the highest level of continuity of care while helping the patient feel more relaxed with only one person to solve their needs and to act as a companion.

Can you fly a pregnant woman?

Yes. Pregnancy cases are very specialized requiring special neonatal teams and equipment. Our medical team will work closely with the family to ensure a safe transport.

My brother weighs 490 pounds. Can you move him?

Yes, but we have to know this information in advance, so we can insure his comfort including a special stretcher and aircraft that offers a large cabin door. Please give the Air Critical Care Flight Coordinator the patient’s current hospital weight, height and widest measurement, or the “girth” to ensure patient comfort.

My mother requires blood transfusions. Can you do that?

Usually with blood transfusions we like to complete this before we take off, so she doesn’t have to have the transfusion on the plane. On the aircraft we have fluids that can increase blood volume. However, if the only way to transport her is to provide transfusion en route, we can manage that as well with advanced notice.

The patient can’t sit up. Will she be lying down on the plane?

YES, if lying down is her most comfortable position that is easily accommodated. We have a medically equipped stretcher that works like a small hospital bed with seatbelts.

My mother is on a ventilator or VENT (Life Support Breathing Machine). Are you equipped to handle that?

Yes, this is a very common transfer for our medical team and they are well trained for this. In most cases we will use a Registered Respiratory Therapist for this transfer. Please make sure to notify your Air Critical Care Flight Coordinator when you call that the patient may require a ventilator. Like most hospitals, we use the modern LTV-1000 and 1200 portable transport ventilators.

My patient has special medication needs. How can I get those taken care of during the flight?

Our Medical Teams will obtain a detailed medical report prior to departure and will obtain the current list of medications that the patient is taking. If we don’t have the medication on board, we will obtain the medications from the attending doctor of the departing facility. We will then administer the medication during the flight.

How long does it take to get a quote?

About 30 minutes.

Do you provide any discounts?

We can offer a discount with what we call our “backhaul” flights, this type of offering schedule requires some flexibility on your part, but it could reduce your costs substantially.

How much does your service cost?

As you might expect, the cost of medical transportation is somewhat expensive. Air Critical Care is committed to providing the lowest price possible without compromising on your required level of service. Call to 1- 800-550-0674, we can provide a FREE no-obligation, guaranteed price quote to you.

Is ground transportation included in your price?

Yes. Ground transportation and all other costs are included unless specifically omitted by customer request.

What forms of payment does Air Critical Care accept?

We accept money orders, bank wire drafts, bank cashier’s checks, personal checks (in some instances), cash, all major credit cards, and letters of guarantee from insurance companies.

Are all of your costs included or might there be additional charges?

All of our costs are included within our price: ambulance transport, the cost of the medical crew, all of the equipment and medications and the flight itself. Any changes to costs that might occur as a result of changing patient conditions (such as an upgrade to a ground ambulance from a wheelchair van) would be made prior to a transport and with the full knowledge of the customer.

Is there a less expensive option than an air ambulance?

There are other alternatives that are generally less expensive.

• Long Distance Ground Transport, in which we staff an ambulance or a specially configured motor home vehicle with drivers and our medical team personnel.
• Commercial Medical Escort (CME), if the patient can sit for at least a limited amount of time you may be a candidate for this service. The patient and escort sit in the First Class cabin of a commercial airliner. The medical team member monitors the patient, administers any necessary oxygen or medications, and assists with patients’ hygiene tasks.
• International Commercial Stretcher Service, available only for international flights. We arrange with the airline install a stretcher for you. We’ll provide one or two of our medical team members to accompany the patient on the flight.

In all cases, we still provide ground transportation for you on both sides of the trip, medications, life support equipment and necessary and prescribed medications.

What if the patient becomes unstable for flight or passes away before the trip, will you charge me?

We understand that this can happen. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, we don’t want you to incur any charges, if possible. If the patient becomes unstable and for some reason needs to delay the flight, as long as it’s more than 24 hours prior to the planned transfer, there are no charges. Within that 24-hour window, there would be a cancellation charge that could be applied to a later flight when he is able to fly. If it happens shortly before the flight and we have already repositioned an aircraft, you will be charged only the actual costs incurred up to that point.

How much does air ambulance transport cost?

There are several factors that determine cost. The type of aircraft needed, the distance flown, and the medical staff configuration. Since air ambulance transport can range in cost from a few thousand dollars to thirty thousand dollars it is necessary to call one of our Medical Transportation Specialists to discuss your particular situation to determine most affordable way to transport the patient.

Does my insurance cover the cost?

The best answer is sometimes. The policies of insurance companies are constantly changing and the best way to find out if all or part of your trip is covered is to call us. We will check everything for you.

Does insurance, Medicaid or Medicare pay for this service?

Some customers have health Insurance that has coverage for air ambulance transport. In most cases, medical necessity must be shown, and must be going to a higher level of care. Medicaid, in some instances of medical necessity, will cover air ambulance service. U.S. Medicare and Medicare Gap insurances generally do not cover air ambulances and we will note this on a form called the “ABN” if the patient is of Medicare age. Air Critical Cares Insurance Specialist will work for you to obtain prior authorization from your insurance carrier if they pre approve air medical ambulance services, to submit claims for reimbursement and to follow through on other insurance issues.

What forms of insurance do you accept?

We work with all of the major comprehensive health care insurers, for example Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Aetna, AIG and many others. We will work with your insurance company to determine your coverage and we will accept their letter of guarantee. You will be responsible only for the amount that they do not cover.

Will Air Critical Care help me submit insurance papers?

Once the trip is completed, our Insurance Specialist will submit all claims and will assist you to get quick reimbursement from your insurance company. We will submit the paperwork. It will help if we have all the necessary information prior to the trip so that the claims process can be started quickly.

How much does a flight cost?

The cost of aeromedical transportation is somewhat expensive. AIR CRITICAL CARE is committed to providing the highest level of care at the lowest price. Please contact one of AIR CRITICAL CARE’s Flight Coordinators for a FREE quote.

What is included in your quote?

AIR CRITICAL CARE’s written quotes are all-inclusive. There are no hidden charges or add-ons. They include ground transportation, air transportation, medications and supplies, and of course the professional services of the Medical Flight Team. Any special permits involved with international travel will be included.

When comparing AIR CRITICAL CARE to other providers’ quotes, please be sure to obtain their quote in writing for your protection. Furthermore, please compare the level of care, number, education and capabilities of the team members. Many providers send one team member and/or they are basic trained emergency personnel such as Basic EMT’s on stable basic life support transports. We never expect the worst to happen but with AIR CRITICAL CARE you always have our highly trained critical care team on board our aircraft regardless of the patients’ status. If an emergency should arise, they are there to provide care immediately. They don’t have to land and call 911 to initiate care.

Does insurance, Medicaid or Medicare pay for air ambulance transport?

About 20 percent of patients have some form of insurance coverage for air ambulance transports. Usually, medical necessity must be shown. In instances of medical necessity, Medicaid will also sometimes cover air ambulance transports. Our Flight Coordinators will more than happily work with you to obtain prior authorization from your insurance carrier. If you travel, we suggest you look at the AIR CRITICAL CARE Assist program sponsored by Travel Assist, Inc. on our “Home Page”. This is a very inexpensive one-time-payment insurance policy that covers either an individual or family for up to one year and provides air ambulance transportation if needed at no out of pocket expense.

What form of payments does Air Critical Care accept?

AIR CRITICAL CARE accepts payments in the form of money orders, bank wire transfers, cashier’s checks, personal checks, cash and all major credit cards. Our Flight Coordinators will work with you to process multiple forms of payment if necessary. They are also more than happy to refer you to a financing company. Please provide the patients insurance information and we will work with their insurance provider to obtain payment authorization for your patient.

How many family members can fly with the patient?

Family members may travel without charge. The number of family members allowed is based on the aircraft, the patient’s health, and the length of the transport. Usually, Air Critical Care will allow 1 to 2 family members on board. If the patient is unstable or requires special equipment during flight, the flight team may deny accompanying passengers. This would be determined in advance of the transport and is very rare.

What do I have to do to fly with my patient or loved one?

Our Transportation Specialist will manage the entire process for you. When you call to schedule a flight, our Transportation Specialist will request if any passenger’s will be accompanying the patient, please provide the following information: Passengers name, Date of Birth and estimated weight.

You can refer to our Air Ambulance Guide “What to Expect Guide” on this web site.

How far in advance should a flight be scheduled?

Some patients must fly within minutes or hours. However, some may not need to fly for some days or even weeks later. It is always best to call us and arrange the transport as soon as possible. This allows time to obtain all necessary documents, insurance approval and allow for proper planning. Sometimes, advance notice can reduce the patient’s cost. Call 1-800-989-4067 for more information.

What equipment and medications are on board the aircraft?

Air Critical Care strives to provide the highest and most advanced care of any fixed wing air ambulance provider. We have converted the air ambulances to full time flying Intensive Care Units. You will find that the air ambulances are equipped comparable to or exceeding most Intensive Care Units or Emergency Departments. Our teams have interchangeable scopes’ of practice to better provide care to our patients. Below is a sample list of some of the equipment you will find on ACC air ambulances.

Air Ambulance Stretcher

The air ambulance stretcher provides our on board oxygen, medical grade compressed air, and vacuum for suction as well as electricity for our medical equipment.

The air ambulance stretcher also has attachments that allow for more room and comfort for the patient once they are onboard the aircraft. It incorporates an FAA approved ramp that facilitates moving the patient’s stretcher in and out of the aircraft instead of having to carry it through the aircraft. This allows for much safer loading and unloading of our patients!

Zoll “M” Series Critical Care Transport Monitor/Defibrillator/Pacemaker

The Zoll “M” Series CCT provides not only standard ECG monitoring but also has EKG capabilities that if needed, will allow us to fax the EKG directly over the satellite phones on our air ambulances to our on call Critical Care Physician for consultation. When the need arises the “M” Series CCT has the most modern Defibrillator in healthcare. It utilizes the new proven technology of Biphasic Defibrillation. Biphasic allows for better resuscitation rates without causing as much electrical damage to the heart as previous defibrillators. It also has an external Pacemaker that surpasses all others. Zoll made the first pacemakers in the world.

The Zoll “M” Series CCT allows us to monitor blood pressure by non-invasive and/or invasive means. Pulse Oximetery, and Capnography are also available to better monitor our patient’s respiratory status. The “M” Series CCT gives us the capabilities to monitor two invasive pressures simultaneously such as Arterial Blood Pressure, Central Venous Pressure, Pulmonary Artery Pressure, and Intracranial Pressures as well. It even has a thermometer built in!

Pulmonetics LTV-1000/1200 Mechanical Ventilator with Graphics Monitor

The LTV-1200 is the most advanced mechanical ventilator on the market today for air ambulance usage. It allows us to provide the same modes and parameters as the much larger hospital ventilators. The LTV-1200 allows us to utilize the modes of Assist Control, SIMV, Pressure Control, PC-Inverse Ratio, SIMV-Pressure Control, and Bi-Level Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (AKA BiPAP). The LTV-1200 has an internal turbine allowing ACC’s Flight Teams to blend the amount of oxygen given to its patient. We can deliver 21% to 100% Oxygen where most air ambulance transport ventilators can only deliver 100% thus giving patients far more oxygen than they may need (possibly even delivering toxic levels).

Alaris Minimed III IV Pumps

The Minimed III IV pumps allow us to infuse three IV’s medications with one pump. It has a medication calculator to help us calculate drip rates based on body rates and has a medication library to provide information on various medications.

What kind of safety record does Air Critical Care have?

Air Critical Care has a perfect safety record. Aircraft operations are provided contracted provider being “RAI Jets” and or “RD AIR” FAA part 135 operators and pilots are all ATP certified and the aircraft are under the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 135 regulations. The FAA’s Part 135 regulations are strict rules governing aircraft operations, maintenance, and pilot training. They also control pilot work hours to ensure that pilots do not fly when fatigued. Air Critical Care’s contracted aircraft vendors meet or exceed these regulations.

Are Air Critical Care and its aircraft insured?

Yes, Air Critical Care utilizes aircraft that are insured with up to 50 million dollars of Liability insurance based on the size of aircraft. In addition, Air Critical Care maintains over 1 million in Professional Liability insurance as well. We know of no other air ambulance service that carries this high level of aircraft liability insurance.

Which one of your aircraft is right for my patient or loved one?

The main difference between aircraft is length of travel before refueling, cost and speed. We will choose the most practical aircraft for the mission. When speed is important and extreme distance is an issue, we will utilize the Lear Jets ability to fly farther and faster than the other jets. Of course, flight costs are different between the three types of aircraft.

What size airport do you need?

We are capable of landing and taking off on any runway of at least 3500 feet in length depending on aircraft. This includes the majority of small community airports. Therefore, chances are there is an acceptable airport within minutes of your location and destination.

Can a family member or friend travel with the patient?

Typically, a passenger can travel with the patient; however it is dependent on the amount of medical staff needed for the flight, and type of aircraft utilized for the flight and the patient’s condition.

Do I need to arrange ground ambulance service to get to the air ambulance at the airport?

Air Critical Care will handle everything,transportation from bedside to beside. There is no additional work or paperwork that you will need to fill out. Our goal is to make medical transportation easy, simple, and efficient. Please just do what you can to make the best of what can be a very difficult time for some people. Our “personal touch” means we take care of everything for you, just like family.

Are you an air ambulance provider or just a broker?

We are an Air Ambulance Service Provider, licensed for Air Ambulance Transport and insured as an air ambulance operator. We also provide other patient transports via Ground Ambulance and Medical Escorts on commercial airlines. We can accommodate almost all patients from the very basic to the most critical patients.

Do you offer services that other companies don’t offer?

Yes, our goal is to provide as much support as we can. We have assisted families with help in finding appropriate facilities, selling or moving furniture or automobiles, locating home health care services, care for and transport of pets. We do what we can to make the move as easy as possible.

Can you explain your air medical trip process?

Yes, for a detailed explanation of the process from start to finish, please see our Air Ambulance Guide and “What To Expect Guide”.

Can you accompany my loved one on a commercial flight?

Yes, that’s our MEDICAL ESCORT SERVICE; we will provide one of our Critical Care Paramedic (CCEMT-P) or Registered Nurse (RN) for your loved one, we arrange everything from Door to Door or as we like to say Bedside to Bedside. To include all the ground transportation, medical staff fees and equipment required for the flight and Airline tickets in Business or First Class. We expedite through the check in and security to a First Class waiting area until boarding the commercial aircraft. During the trip, our medical team member will take care of all medical and hygiene needs, as well as serve as an excellent traveling companion. Some patients have Alzheimer’s and Dementia can get agitated during a flight. Our highly trained staff can deal with those and other special need patients.

How fast can you get here?

Fast. Since we are a 24-hour operation, we can respond immediately to your request. It typically takes about one hour to call out a crew and have them prepare to depart. We then fly directly to the airport closest to the patient. Your Flight Coordinator will keep in constant communication with you during this time so you will know our precise arrival time.

How long is the flight?

This depends on the aircraft selected for your flight and departure and destination cities. Jets fly at speeds of 550 miles per hour. Most jets can fly nonstop to your destination; your flight coordinator will advise you if a stop is planned.

How soon do we need to schedule the flight?

As soon as you can, if we are not booked for that day we can transport your patient by air ambulance the same day that you schedule a flight. However, sometimes financial arrangements can take time to work with banks and other family members that maybe providing financial assistance. We like to have more time so our doctor can speak with the patient’s doctor, and that sometimes takes a little time. Commercial Medical Escorts (CME) requires a little more time because of airline coordination; typically expect 12 – 48 hours. International Stretcher transports can take from seven to ten days, so that the airline can schedule the install of the stretcher. If price is potentially an issue, the more time you can give us, the better chance we have of connecting it with another flight and reduced cost, we call this a “backhaul”.