We look at worldwide air ambulance services to bring you some facts – some fun and some intriguing; nevertheless, they are all interesting.
Fact 1: The Wright Brothers’ maiden flight was in the year 1903 but the first air ambulance service dates back to 1870! Wondering how? It was the French who first found use for it in their military endeavors. The air ambulances were not really mechanical. What the French used were air balloons. Well, we can still call them air ambulances.
Fact 2: The common notion is that worldwide air ambulance services are sought to transport patients to cover long distances. Contrary to this belief, the average distance covered by these life-saving birds is just about 52 miles. Interesting, isn’t it?
Fact 3: Air ambulances played a big part in World War I and were a great success. After the War ended in 1918, the private industry was quick to catch up. The 1930s saw several private air ambulance companies across the world, but the greatest capitalist country in the world, the US, was a bit late to catch up with the trend.
Fact 4: The medical flight industry in the United States employs over 21 thousand skilled professionals. The average salary is over $68,000. However, their exemplary services prove useful to over 400 thousand people each year!
Fact 5: It is the ageing population that is driving the worldwide air ambulance industry. For instance, in the US, the industry is expected to grow at the rate of 10% per annum, mainly owing to an aging population. The fact debunks the belief that MVAs are what keep the demand high.
Fact 6: The air ambulance industry has more helicopters when compared to airplanes and the cost of hiring a medical flight can range anywhere between $12,000 and $25,000 most of the time. However, the cost can go much higher if the level of care needed is high.
