The air ambulance industry has been transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolation pods, donning personal protective equipment, and sanitization procedures are the new norm for the industry. Although it has been close to three quarters since the onset of the pandemic, the world is still learning about it and the protocols and standards of care are still evolving. Along with it, the air ambulance industry is evolving. The rural communities, which are heavily reliant on medical flights, will be even more dependent on it in the post-COVID-19 era. Let’s take a look at what will change in the days and years to come.
Rural Communities will Continue to Rely on the Air Ambulance Industry
Scores of people around the country have been infected so far. The rural population of the United States does not have many options when it comes to quality healthcare. This fact might necessitate the flying of medical staff or the patients from one location to another for treatment purposes. The air ambulance industry will play a big role in instances like these, especially when there is an emergency. As more and more long-term effects of the infection come to light, treatment modalities will change.
People will Stop Delaying Treatment Plans
The air ambulance industry has witnessed a sharp decline in the number of customers in recent times. The restriction of movement has resulted in a huge reduction in road and adventure related accidents. Moreover, even patients with health concerns have chosen to not seek treatment for the fear of contracting the infection in the hospital. Instances like these will change once the country opens up completely and people feel confident about venturing out without fear. The pharmaceutical industry too is very close to developing a vaccine. Once the population is vaccinated and insulated against the infection, the air ambulance industry will come back to its pre-COVID-19 levels.
