Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We’ve got answers
1. What exactly is an air medical escort?
An air medical escort is a healthcare professional (typically a nurse, paramedic, or physician) who accompanies a patient on a commercial flight. Unlike an air ambulance, which uses a private jet, an escort provides medical oversight, medication administration, and mobility assistance while traveling on a standard airline.
2. How does this differ from a private air ambulance?
It largely comes down to the patient’s stability and the cost.
• Air Ambulance: A private “ICU in the sky” for critical patients. High cost ($50-100k+).
• Medical Escort: Utilization of commercial airlines (Business or First Class). Much more affordable, but only for patients who are medically stable.
• Air Ambulance: A private “ICU in the sky” for critical patients. High cost ($50-100k+).
• Medical Escort: Utilization of commercial airlines (Business or First Class). Much more affordable, but only for patients who are medically stable.
3. Who is eligible for a medical escort?
Patients must be cleared by a “fit-to-fly” assessment. Generally, this includes:
• Patients who can sit up for takeoff and landing (unless using a commercial stretcher service).
• Those requiring oxygen or IV fluids.
• Individuals with mobility issues or cognitive impairments (like dementia) who shouldn’t fly alone.
• Patients who can sit up for takeoff and landing (unless using a commercial stretcher service).
• Those requiring oxygen or IV fluids.
• Individuals with mobility issues or cognitive impairments (like dementia) who shouldn’t fly alone.
4. Does the escort bring medical equipment?
Yes. Escorts typically carry a medical kit that includes:
• Blood pressure cuffs and pulse oximeters.
• Emergency medications and prescribed meds.
• Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) approved by the FAA.
• Blood pressure cuffs and pulse oximeters.
• Emergency medications and prescribed meds.
• Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) approved by the FAA.
5. Can a patient travel on a stretcher on a commercial flight?
Yes, on certain international airlines. Some carriers allow a row of seats to be removed to install a FAA-approved stretcher. This is usually shielded by a privacy curtain and includes a dedicated medical team. Note: This is rarely available on domestic U.S. flights.
6. How is the flight booking handled?
The medical escort agency typically handles all the heavy lifting. This includes:
• Booking tickets for the patient and escort.
• Coordinating with airline “Special Assistance” desks.
• Arranging ground transportation (ambulances or black cars) at both ends.
• Booking tickets for the patient and escort.
• Coordinating with airline “Special Assistance” desks.
• Arranging ground transportation (ambulances or black cars) at both ends.
7. Will insurance cover the cost?
Rarely. Most private insurance and Medicare view medical escorts as “travel assistance” rather than “emergency transport.” However, if the move is deemed medically necessary (e.g., moving a patient to a higher level of care not available locally), you may be able to file for reimbursement. Always check your specific policy.
8. Can family members fly with the patient and escort?
Absolutely. One of the benefits of using a commercial flight is that family members can book seats in the same cabin. This often makes the journey much less stressful for the patient.
9. How long does it take to arrange a trip?
While every case is different, a commercial escort can often be coordinated within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the airline’s medical clearance department and the patient’s location.
10. What happens if there is an emergency mid-flight?
Medical escorts are trained in flight physiology and ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support). They carry emergency protocols and medications to stabilize a patient until the plane can land and ground EMS can take over.