It has almost become a norm to blame organizations that offer medical flight services but not many people take the time or the effort to understand why they charge so steeply. While it cannot be denied that there is a definite profit motive as these are commercially operated organizations, there is more to their expenses than what meets the eye. The costs are not simply limited to the fuel that is utilized, there are far wider factors in play that push the costs up and we explore some of these.
The Major Expenses that All Medical Flight Services Must Meet
Typically, an air ambulance does not undertake more than three missions in a day. For the rest of the time, this highly expensive machine is simply forced to sit idle. Moreover, it does not fly a single mission several days in a year. While this is a fact, the cost of the funds raised to acquire it continues to compound. Same is the case with the base; medical flight services need a place to park the choppers and fixed-wing aircrafts throughout the year and the rent is, obviously, an added cost that needs to be borne.
The Expenses of Maintaining a Highly Qualified Team
Highly experienced pilots, paramedics, nurses and the technicians are just some of the staff members that medical flight services need to hire. Then, there are support staff, operational staff and the management staff too.
Utmost care is taken to ensure that the crew is properly rested. This translates into stipulated work hours regardless of there being a call for medical flight services or not. Of course, many of the crew members also take care of other duties while the air ambulance is docked; nevertheless, it is an expensive affair. Constant upgrades and training are other sources of expense, not to forget the expenses of remaining compliant with ever-changing regulations.
