When facing a need for medical transportation, patients have a wide variety of options. But what’s the difference between an air ambulance and NEMT?
Air Ambulance Difference
These different modes of medical transportation differ for many reasons. Some are focused on emergency transport, while others focus on non-emergency transport. Patients may also pick various modes of transportation depending on their medical condition and the distance they need to travel.
The good news is that there has never been better options for medical transportation. This includes those who need air service to travel a long distance.
Both air ambulances and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) deal with medical transport via flying. While both have some similarities, they are very different services.
Air Ambulance
Air ambulances typically come into use in emergency situations. In some cases, helicopters are used. The destination is usually a trauma center or intensive care unit.
The situations most people are familiar with for air ambulance use involve accidents on the road or natural disasters. Helicopters fly to the scene and quickly transport those that need immediate medical attention.
In the case of longer distances needing to be traveled, a plane can come into use. No matter what type of aircraft is employed, they come equipped with medical equipment to handle any emergencies that come up during the flight.
Non-Emergency Medical Transport
NEMT, such as that offered by Flying Angels, is also medical transportation, but under completely different circumstances.
With NEMT, a service is hired to coordinate transportation of a patient needing medical treatment at a facility they cannot reach on their own. In some cases, this will require ground transportation. In others, commercial airline flights will need to be used. In some cases, both are needed.
NEMT uses both domestic and international airlines to book travel. In the case of Flying Angels, a flight coordinator is assigned to each patient. They handle all aspects of the travel plans, booking flights and arranging any ground transportation that is needed.
A flight nurse also is assigned to each patient. They travel with the patient throughout the entire trip. They carry any medical devices or pharmaceuticals a patient might need. They also have training in handling medical emergencies.
NEMT vs Air Ambulance
NEMT has grown as the need has grown for medical transportation that doesn’t involve the use of an air ambulance. Using NEMT offers patients and their families a much more affordable option for medical transportation.
There are many different situations that require the use of NEMT. But services such as Flying Angels have made making the arrangements for medical transportation that much easier.
International Society of Travel Medicine ProfileJanuary 1, 2018 After over 25 years as a Critical Care Nurse, 12 years as a Flight Nurse, I manage a team of Nurses and Doctors to be the Premier non-emergency medical transport company. View...
Life eventually throws everyone a curveball. Medical conditions and accidents, by their very nature, often happen when you least expect them. That’s why Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) has become so important over the years. Where once people felt trapped without any way of handling transportation needs, they now have support from businesses such as Flying Angels.
How Can NEMT Help Me?
There are many ways that NEMT can help a person. The following represent some of those ways.
Moving Parents
This has become one of the biggest areas of concern as the population in the United States ages. As parents get older, issues surrounding their care can change. If they have challenges with dementia, it’s often important for family members to move them closer. That requires complex travel arrangements that are often best handled by professionals. A professional NEMT company also can provide a Flight Nurse to travel with the parent, ensuring they are safe during the flight and have any medications they need.
Health Services
A big fear for many is that they will develop a medical condition that requires treatment far from where they live. This could include issues such as treatment at the best cancer facilities. Traveling to and from those destinations is simply not possible for many without a NEMT service provider. They can serve all their needs in both arranging flights and traveling with the patient.
Children with chronic medical conditions or injuries often need to be transported long distances for treatment or rehabilitation services. Transportation can be arranged literally from the home where the child lives to the medical facility and back again.
Again, a Flight Nurse can handle any medical emergency that may arise. They also work with airline personnel to ensure the child gets a comfortable seat (typically first class or business class) and carry any medication the child might need. They also manage any special needs of the child, such as moving them if they are otherwise immobile.
Sometimes, people have medical incidents while away on a trip. Once they are treated, the issue then becomes getting them safely back home or to a medical facility back in the United States. A service such as Flying Angels has years of experience in doing just this kind of thing. While in all cases providing medical care is the priority, a Flight Nurse also proves invaluable with flight arrangements. Problems often arise with flight schedules, particularly with international travel. A professional used to dealing with these issues is a huge benefit.
These represent some of the ways that NEMT can support those who face tough situations caused by medical conditions or injuries. If such a situation arises for you, don’t hesitate to look into your options using a service such as Flying Angels.
Patients requiring specialized transport represent a unique and often vulnerable population. They often must deal with complex medical conditions that demand careful consideration during transportation, whether they are being moved from a hospital to a long-term care facility, or to their home.
The key to ensuring a safe, effective journey for these patients is the development of customized care plans tailored to their unique medical needs. Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) increasingly plays a vital role for hospitals and patients as they develop these customized care plans. The specialized transport offered by a quality NEMT company plays a crucial role for patients who face mobility challenges, chronic illnesses, or other conditions that prevent them from using conventional transportation options.
Incorporating medical transport into a customized care plan, including having an experienced nurse travel with the patient, ensures that patients receive appropriate medical attention and care throughout their journey.
Developing a Customized Care Plan for Patients
Customized care plans that use specialized transport are designed to address the unique challenges posed by a patient’s condition. These plans not only focus on medical services during the trip but also prioritize the safety, comfort and emotional well-being of the patient. Studies have shown that customized care in all phases of healthcare can improve patient outcomes.
Transportation plans, typically created in collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals, start with an in-depth pre-transport assessment. This evaluation involves a comprehensive review of the patient’s medical history, current health status, and specific risks associated with their condition. A multidisciplinary team — often includes physicians, nurses, transport coordinators, and specialists — work together to assess the patient’s needs.
Key components of a customized care plan include the level of medical care the patient requires during transport, safety protocols, emotional support, and post-transport care.
The Importance of NEMT in Specialized Transport for Patients
Customized care plans are a crucial component for patients who require specialized transport. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are increasingly looking to non-emergency medical transportation companies to provide safe, secure, and efficient transportation of patients.
Service benefits include:
Experienced nurses. Experienced nurses travel with the patients when they are transported using NEMT services. This applies to both ground transportation and specialized transport that necessitates flying on a commercial airline. For example, Flying Angels’ RN Flight Coordinators book all flights and work with airports and airlines for any specialized services needed. A nurse travels with the patient from start to finish of their journey whether it’s by ground or air.
Tailored support for patients. A customized care plan takes into account the patient’s unique medical and mobility needs. NEMT services are staffed by trained personnel who can assist with patient transfers, ensure proper seating, and monitor the patient’s condition during the journey. This tailored support helps minimize the stress and discomfort that can come with travel for patients with physical or medical limitations.
Reducing the risk of medical complications. While patients using NEMT are not in an emergency situation, many still face potential medical risks during transport. For instance, patients with respiratory conditions may require supplemental oxygen, or those with cardiovascular conditions may need close monitoring to avoid complications. Customized care plans that integrate NEMT ensure a nurse is present to address any issues that may arise during transport.
Cost-effective solution for non-emergency cases. NEMT offers a cost-effective solution to emergency medical transport (such as air ambulances), which can be significantly more expensive. For patients who do not require immediate emergency care but still need medical supervision during transport, NEMT provides a balanced alternative.
Emotional support. Getting transported from one healthcare facility to another, or getting discharged from a hospital to their home, can be anxiety-inducing for patients, especially those with chronic conditions or limited mobility. NEMT services provide personalized attention and care, which helps alleviate stress and provides patients peace of mind. NEMT helps bridge the gap between conventional transportation options and emergency medical services for hospitals, creating customized care plans for patients who require specialized transport. Its role in reducing medical complications, supporting long-distance travel, and prioritizing patient comfort serves as an essential resource for patients with unique medical and mobility needs.
Benefits of non-Emergency Travel CompanionsApril 12, 2024 Bob Bacheler is the owner and managing director of Flying Angels, Inc. based out of Philadelphia, PA where he manages a team of medical escorts comprised of highly skilled nurses and doctors. In addition to...
