3 Considerations for a Long-Distance Medical Transport
When making trips to a medical facility, several factors come into play. How long is the trip? Are there rest stops? Is there any need for specialized monitoring equipment? Does the service provider make room for wheelchairs and other assistive devices?
The trip distance often determines the client’s billings and the arrangements that should be made for the journey. Nonetheless, a long-distance medical transport company ensures that customers are relaxed and comfortable during the trip, regardless of the distance.
It is no news that long-distance medical transport requires a lot of planning. Besides, it is easier to run into trouble during such a trip. A good cross-country medical transport firm considers the following when preparing for a trip.
1. Size of the restraints
Most passengers often ignore safety during long-distance medical trips. Unlike these commuters, service providers are conscious of the patient’s safety during these journeys. As a result, patients are often made to put on a restraint to avoid hazards.
The size of the restraint varies for both adults and children. When you place a restraint meant for an elderly man around a toddler, it is most likely that the child will slip out of the vehicle seat during the journey, resulting in serious injuries that could have been avoided if only the employee used the proper restraint size.
2. Toilet stops/Food breaks
It is almost impossible for a person to embark on a five-hour journey without stopping for a moment to void the bladder or get something to eat. Besides, the driver may get tired during the trip. Apparently, not every long-distance journey to the hospital will hit the five-hour mark: some may be more, others less.
However, long-distance medical transport companies ensure that toilet stops are factored in when making trips to the hospital. During toilet stops, the employee accompanying the patient is alert to make sure the patient doesn’t go missing, especially if the patient is a small kid or has some form of cognitive impairment.
3. Relaxation
Relaxation is an immediate concern for long-distance medical transport companies since passengers often end up bored and uneasy before reaching their destination. In light of this, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) firms make sure that the patient has the highest level of comfort attainable during long-distance trips.
A plasma TV and chest freezer installed in an RV may be enough to keep the patient engaged. Unfortunately, this feature is reserved for only those who can afford the luxury option. Friends and family are encouraged to accompany their loved ones since human contact, especially a familiar face eliminates uneasiness and boredom.
Furthermore, the interior of the vehicle is organized efficiently to ensure that the patients can freely stretch their legs. The vehicle also has an effective AC unit to keep the interior cool and aerated.
Conclusion
Traveling long distances to the hospital used to be a stressful experience in the past. However, long-distance medical transport services have changed the story for good. These days, NEMT firms consider the safety, comfort, and the few stops they should make on the way. In the end, traveling miles to the hospital without hassles is what matters the most.
