Non-Emergency Medical Air Transport for The Elderly

Most people harbor the seeming misconception that an air ambulance is only used to transport critically ill or injured patients in need of urgent medical attention. While this assertion isn’t wrong, however, there is more to medical air transport than just being used for medical emergency purposes. One of such uses is to transport senior citizens or the elderly with health conditions that cannot be categorically termed as critical or in dire need of medical intervention.

A non-emergency medical air transport service may include transporting the elderly to and from the hospital to a nursing home or a health facility for a routine medical procedure or a transfer to a different facility. In such circumstances, the mental and physical condition of the patient may render other modes of transportation inconvenient or impractical.
There are several medical-related conditions that you should consider when liaising with a non-emergency medical air transport service provider for a senior citizen or a beloved parent or grandparent.

• Physical Condition: Before finalizing the flight terms and plans, be sure to communicate the physical status of the senior or elderly to be flown. Preparations for non-emergency medical air transport will differ from person to person based on the physical condition of the patient at the time. Development such as providing needed medications, prepping oxygen bottles, and other required medical equipment can help ensure that your loved one is flown more safely and is actively being catered for throughout the flight duration.

• Mobility Issues: age-linked illnesses and conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatism, and other forms of physical debilitating health conditions can affect how a patient can use their hands and legs. In such cases, the medical air transport service provider will do well to provide mobility aid devices such as crutches, wheelchairs, a walker, and any other equipment that can ease the movement of the senior throughout the transit. Also, arrangements will be made to transport the patient to the flight rendezvous point safely, and assistance for boarding will also be provided.

• Mental Conditions: Alzheimer’s, depression, insomnia, and dementia are typical age-related mental conditions that can affect the way a patient understands, interprets, and follows instructions. Such cases may necessitate a familiar face such as a family member or trusted kin or friend of the senior or elderly to tag along for the journey. So, the air ambulance provider must be notified ahead of time so that adequate plans can be made to accommodate the seniors and care for them in the best possible way.

Aircraft for non-emergency medical air transport services that cater to seniors or the elderly are commonly outfitted to suit the needs of such patients. However, there is still the need for proper and meticulous planning to ensure that the transit is hitch-free and successful. As such, adequate coordination between the patient and family members is key to the success of non-emergency air transport of a senior citizen.