Considering – Long Distance Medical Transport

What to Know About Long Distance Medical Transport

Sometimes people need to travel to or from a health facility or home despite health challenges due to age or illness. And it may be necessary they have medical care during the journey and be transported as gently as the condition requires. Using general commercial transport is usually not a suitable option. Hence, the rise of long-distance medical transport.

What Kind of Medical Transport is it?

This is a non-emergency service for transporting patients over long distances to or from rehabilitation centers, retirement centers, nursing homes, assisted living, and even private residences. A trip is considered long-distance if it exceeds 200 miles.

The primary purpose of these specialized transport systems is to ensure that patients get medical attention during travel, are comfortable, and arrive safely. This kind of transport also differs from a traditional ambulance in that it is only for non-emergency situations, in addition to the myriad of comfort appliances included. Most such vehicles would have large room space for accompanying family members to also travel with ease.

What differentiates this kind of medical transport from an ambulance or regular transport is that the transport facilities are typically outfitted with lay-flat mattresses and other comfort and safety equipment. The beds can come in different sizes equipped with tri-belt safety systems to support patients who need help staying in bed. It’s also common to have a private bathroom, TV set, mini-fridge, and other amenities on a medical transport vehicle.

Which People Use Long Distance Medical Transport?

• People on vacation who are down with a severe illness or injury, but need to return home
• Older people on vacation or trip to visit family or friend
• Patients moving to or from a specialized medical facility
• People with disability or health condition that restricts movement
• Relocating elderly people

These are just some people who may need this kind of medical transportation. It’s not limited to these only. If for any reason you cannot travel long distances but really need to travel, then your best option would be to use one of these specialized transportation services. Common health conditions that often warrant such specialized transportation includes but is not limited to patients with cancer, dementia, stabilized bone fracture, post-operation, and others.

A medically assisted transport is critical for patients who may need medical attention during their journey. There is usually medical personnel onboard the vehicle or plane whose services come in handy in times of emergency. Some vehicles and planes would have special medical equipment, like a place to restore motorized wheelchairs, oxygen setup, etc.

Sometimes patients are pretty nervous about moving long distances alone or without the company of a medical expert. Knowing that they are traveling in a comfortable facility and will be taken care of in times of emergency helps reassure the patient and families.

The drivers of medical transport vehicles are professionally licensed for defensive driving, and they regularly update their licenses. Medical transport companies are usually prepared for any possibility of a vehicle breakdown. It is rare for medical transport vehicles to break down due to the strict maintenance policies such companies adopt, like servicing vehicles after each trip and replacing vehicles after reaching certain milestones.

Depending on how much money you are willing to spend, there are three popular options for air and ground medical transport. Air ambulance is the most expensive. But that’s not the only way to transport patients by air. Most medical transport companies can make air travel arrangements via commercial airliners, and even provide a flight nurse where necessary.

Land transport is the cheapest, but it takes longer and may provide less comfort. Due to the immense benefits of long-distance medical transport, which mainly resides in safety and comfort, it is the best option for those whose conditions warrant it.