A Commercial In-Flight Stretcher is a very pragmatic way of moving patients with conditions or injuries that make them unable to sit upright for a journey. It would be cost-effective instead of private air ambulance services, as the patient would travel safely on scheduled airlines with medical support.
Although booking this service requires a lot of preparation and planning, it ensures that the process of patient transfer goes smoothly, even over long distances. Here is an easy guide to help you understand the entire process, ensuring peace of mind during a difficult time.
One major thing to find out before the booking process actually starts is if the patient qualifies for the airline stretcher requirements. Airline stretchers are only for stable patients who, due to fractures or surgery, will not be able to sit in one position for long hours. However, if the patient is critical, then the preferred air ambulance should be a dedicated one since airlines will deny carrying unstable patients.
A medical opinion from a doctor is necessary to ensure that the patient can travel safely. Airlines will not board a patient who needs medical attention without a fitness-to-fly certificate issued by a doctor stating that the patient is sufficiently stable to fly on a commercial flight.
Dial an ambulance service company that specialises in patient transport, such as RED.Health. The companies will take care of everything, from making flight arrangements to ensuring the transportation of a medical escort. Do this as far in advance as possible since airline stretchers are planned services and require time for preparation.
Medical transport companies also allow the patient to choose a suitable flight and detail the care to be provided onboard. Professionals involved in the process ensure that nothing goes wrong and that the patient continues to receive care.
Once the air ambulance flight is selected, the medical transport team coordinates with the airline to arrange the airliner stretcher. This configuration requires that a row of seats be removed to make room for the stretcher. A privacy curtain is usually added for the patient's comfort and safety during the entire flight.
This journey is not confined to the single act of the flight itself. Patient transport ambulances will need to be used to transfer patients from their home or hospital address to the departure airport. On arrival, an ambulance will need to take the patient from the airport to the final medical facility or destination.
This bed-to-bed service provides a safe, hassle-free transfer of the patient with zero compromise on his/her safety at any point. Under medical supervision during ground transfers, the possibility of any complications arising during the transfer also becomes minimal.
Commercial in-flight stretcher booking requires some paperwork with slight variations between airlines. The following documents are usually involved:
Your medical transport provider will walk you through it all and ensure that all necessary documents are in by the right time. All paperwork helps prevent last-minute delays.
When one books for a commercial airline stretcher, it is much cheaper than a private air ambulance. However, air ambulance cost vary and depend on the distance, the condition of the patient, the need for extra medical staff at times, and the airline's charges.
All costs from your transport service provider would be broken down, so there would be the fewest unknown costs. Many providers offer package deals with air ambulance services, including ground transfers and medical escorts, for easy budget management.
It may seem that booking a commercial in-flight stretcher can be a hassle, but actually, this is easier with the help of a known provider such as RED.Health. The crew here has good knowledge about air ambulance services and patient transport ambulance arrangements, ensuring smooth coordination and continuous care throughout the entire journey.
That is when a commercial airline stretcher proves to be the ideal option in case one needs to safely transport a loved one over distances too long to afford an air ambulance, but which can be expensive. In any case, it is always prudent that, ahead of time, the intending patient's availability at the proposed airline should be confirmed, since otherwise, one may end up delayed by lack of prepared documents and especially unavailability of the airline.
Choose a reliable service, and you will be relieved of all those concerned thoughts about the most important thing: the well-being of your loved one. The logistics will be taken care of by professionals so that you can focus on your travel. With RED.Health, you'll be assured of empathetic care, safety, and peace of mind for every step of the journey.
