Protocols & Procedures
U.S. Air Ambulance has carefully and extensively developed protocols and procedures for the benefit of all of our patients and to give you peace of mind and confidence in the comprehensive medical transport services we offer.
In choosing an air ambulance company consider many factors including cost, transport options, customer service and convenience. Most importantly, you'll want to know the caliber of medical care available on board the planes and the qualifications of the Medical Director and staff.
Training
U.S. Air Ambulance employs staff members trained in principles of aeromedical transport aviation. Our staff maintains licensing, credentialing in their specialty, with multiple certifications in the areas of critical care medicine and transport.
All U.S. Air Ambulance team members meet the following requirements:
- At least five years experience in critical care
- Trained in flight physiology, emergency and critical care medicine
- Current certifications in BLS, ACLS, PALS
- Air Medical Crew-Advanced National Standard class or its equivalent
Equipment
U.S Air Ambulance provides state-of-the art advanced life support equipment onboard including:
- FAA approved stretcher
- Cardiac monitors
- Pacemakers
- Defibrillators
- Portable transport ventilators
- ECG / IBP / NIBP / Pulse Oximeter /End Tidal CO2 Monitor
- IV Mini-med infusion pumps
- Portable suction units
- Emergency cardiac drugs
- GI/GU kits
- Oxygen
- Oxygen regulators, gauges, tubing, canulas and masks
- Intubation kits
- Oropharyngeal airway
- Hand operated bag-valve mask resuscitators
- Blood pressure cuffs
- Reeves stretcher
- Linens, blankets, towels, pillows
- 115 vac/60 hz outlets powered by AC inverters and DC outlets.
Specific special-needs equipment is provided as required by the patient's physician.
All medical equipment and supplies are examined and tested prior to and following each transport to assure proper maintenance and inventory. Equipment is regularly rotated into and out of inventory for periodic scheduled maintenance and calibration.
Medications
The following is a general description of the type of medications U.S. Air Ambulance carries in our medical bags.
- Analgesics
- Antianginals
- Antianxiety
- Antiarrhythmics
- Antibenzodiazapine
- Anticholinergics
- Anticoagulants
- Anticonvulsants
- Antidiarrheals
- Antihistamines
- Antihypertensives
- Antinauseants
- Antipsychotics
- Antisecretorys
- Benzodiazapines
- Beta Blockers
- Bronchodilators
- Diuretics
- Expectorants
- Sedatives
- Steroids
In addition to these standard medications, the medical team is authorized by our Medical Director prior to transport to administer current ongoing medications that are typically supplied to the patient by the sending facility, the patient's family, or the patient himself.. During International transports, we understand and accept that patients might receive medications that are not routinely used, nor are FDA approved, in the United States. Our policy prohibits the administration of illegal drugs.
Quality Assurance
U.S. Air Ambulance has an active Safety, Utilization Review, and Quality Assurance program. Our medical staff has extensive experience with a hospital-based committee as Assistant Medical Director for Utilization Review, Quality Assurance and Case Management services. At the completion of each flight, the transport team's safety form and flight notes are sent to our corporate office where the Medical Director and Medical Coordinator carefully review them. Any areas of concern are noted and discussed with the flight crew and are provided to the flight teams.
After each flight, the family is contacted by our customer service department, requesting that they evaluate our service and the care provided to the patient. Institutions are also encouraged to contact our customer service department to discuss management of patient's requirements. This comprehensive Safety, Utilization Review and Quality Assurance Program enables us to continually evaluate ourselves, and therefore maintain our highest level of service and care to our patients.
If you have any questions about our medical team, their qualifications, the equipment or medications on board, or any of the protocols discussed above, please call 800-633-5384. Our Patient Transport Specialists are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 52 weeks a year.
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