Air ambulance transport allows patients to be transported quickly and efficiently to medical facilities that can provide the necessary medical care. If you or a loved one requires air ambulance transport, it’s essential to prepare well in advance. Here’s a checklist of the top 10 things to help you prepare for your air ambulance transport. Keep in mind that the checklist comes in handy when it is a non-emergency situation and you have the time to prepare for it.
1. Medical Records
The medical team on board the air ambulance will need to have access to your medical records to understand your medical history and current condition. Ensure that you have all relevant medical records, including X-rays, test results, and medication information, in one place. Don’t forget to include medical documents like discharge summaries. If you do not have one, you can always get in touch with the hospital that treated you as they are mandated by the government to keep a record of those.
2. Allergy Information
If you have any allergies to food or medications, ensure that you communicate those to the medical transport coordinator well in advance.
3. Insurance Information
Air ambulance transport can be expensive, and it’s important to have your insurance information ready. Check with your insurance company to understand your coverage and ensure that your policy covers air ambulance transport. While you need not worry about getting a surprise or balance bill, you must be aware of things like your copay eligibility so that you can budget for the expenses.
4. Gadgets for Communication
During your air ambulance transport, you may need to stay in touch with your loved ones or your medical team. Make sure you have a communication device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, with you. Discuss the possibility of using them with the organizers of the air ambulance transport well in advance.
5. Contact Information
Keep the contact information of all stakeholders involved in your air ambulance transport. This includes the ground ambulance team that transports you to the air ambulance and the receiving hospital. The crew will also have this information but it is good to have this info at hand.
6. Comfortable Clothing
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily and does not restrict blood flow. Avoid tight-fitting clothes, belts, and jewelry. If you are opting for air ambulance transport, the possibility is that you have to travel long distances and some of it might be on land ambulance too. Make yourself comfortable.
7. Personal Hygiene Items
Carry personal hygiene items, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and wet wipes, to stay fresh and clean during your transport. While the medical crew will accompany you and you can always ask for help if you are particular about what personal hygiene items, it is wise to carry them.
8. Medications and Medical Equipment
Almost all air ambulance transport companies will ensure that you have the right medications at hand. Besides, they are fitted with the necessary medical equipment like heart monitors and oxygen cylinders, but you will feel more at peace if you discuss your medical needs in advance. If you require any specialized medical equipment, such as a wheelchair or stretcher, inform the air ambulance company well in advance.
9. Travel Documents
Carry all your travel documents, such as passports or visas, if you’re traveling internationally. Discuss this with the air ambulance transport coordinator. They will provide you with a comprehensive checklist of the items to carry. You may even ask for help with documents like visas.
10. Valuables
Carry any valuables, such as jewelry or electronics, only if you feel they are absolutely necessary. Understand that these translate into additional responsibility as the air ambulance may not be responsible for lost or stolen items.
