If you have a parent that has COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), they likely have breathing problems and would need immediate care if they cannot breathe properly. If your parent needs to travel, you should consider hiring a medical flight service to take them where they need to go. This is beneficial to them, as if they have a medical problem on the way to the location, they will have experienced people to help them until they arrive. Besides this, they can arrive at the location much faster than if you chose an ambulance. Below is some information you should know about medical flights just in case you ever have to use them.
Care Offered by Medical Air Flight
When you start looking into the medical air flight companies in your area, you need to make sure they can offer you the services that your parent needs. Because your parent has a breathing disorder, the medical air flight should have a respiratory therapist on board, as well as the proper equipment needed to help your parent breathe.
All flights should offer simple life support, which is giving patients things like oxygen and IV antibiotics. The company you choose should offer critical care support in case your parent's needs go above and beyond a breathing treatment. This type of air flight has highly specialized equipment and a medical staff. They aircraft will carry things like CPR equipment, ECG and monitoring unit, medication, and respirators.
Difference Between Fixed Wing and a Prop Plane
Before you sign up with a service, ask them if they use a fixed wing or a prop plane. This is important, as prop planes are much smaller when compared to fixed wing. This means they do not have the ability to have a lot of medical equipment or staff onboard. A smaller plane also generally flies at a lower altitude. Because a fixed wing is larger, it holds more staff and equipment, and the plane can fly at higher altitudes allowing it to arrive at the hospital quicker than a prop plane.
Help with Insurance
Some medical flight companies will help you work with your insurance carrier, such as filing and having documents pre-approved. If they do not do this, you should make sure you call your insurance company on your own. They may cover all or some of the costs of the air flight, which can save you a lot of money.
Knowing this information can help you choose the right carrier service for your parent. This will ensure they get to the hospital on time and will have the care they need on the way to the hospital.
