In our country, many unfortunate demises and accidents take place because of the lack of medical transportation and knowledge about such services. If used at the right time, different medical transportation plays a crucial role in being lifesavers.

The existing medical transport services in India are equipped with the best-in-class technologies. If delivered on time, they can minimize the damage caused and even save lives. If we categorize the services, there are two types of medical transportation, emergency medical transportation, and non-emergency medical transportation. As the name suggests, the former caters to more immediate cases and the latter is designed for situations wherein the patient is not that serious. 

For the safety of ourselves and others, we should have enough knowledge of such services so that we can help others and make the right decision in times of crisis.

 

  • Emergency Medical Transportation

 

This kind of transportation caters to individuals who are in life-threatening emergencies and need immediate attention and care. One can avail of this service at accidents, in public, and even at home. They will assist you during the whole procedure.

 

  • Ground Ambulances

 

To further divide the emergency medical transport, ground ambulances consist of services assisting with all on the ground situations. 

Basic Life Support

The basic life support ambulance is for patients with less extreme fractures, those who have been discharged for home or have fewer complications. They will be managed using equipment on the way to the destination. It is equipped with updated and premium technologies of blood pressure monitors, stretchers, oxygen cylinders, and anything else required for a safe ride of the patient. 

A basic Life support ambulance is used to reach the patient’s home or any medical facility.

Advanced Life Support

The Advanced life support services are designed to cater to the pre-hospital support needs of a patient in transit to the medical facility. Along with the basic equipment of oxygen cylinders and stretchers, it is equipped with cardiac monitors and cardiac lifesavers. For emergencies, they also carry medications. 

To make the best use of the technologies and equipment, ALS transport has a paramedic and a medical technician on board. These individuals have a high level of training to deal with life and death situations. There are many service providers such as the Last Journey who ensure timely arrangement of the ambulance.

 

  • Air ambulances

 

The emergency air ambulance services are called into action when a patient is highly critical and requires prompt transit of the patient to the required medical facility. To reduce the transport time, air ambulances use planes and helicopters to carry the patient. It is one of the best options when the patient is situated in a remote area. The air ambulance is equipped with a crew of paramedics and technicians who have advanced training for life-threatening situations. In terms of technologies, it has all the advanced facilities and equipment of the ALS ambulance. 

The patient’s vitals are continuously monitored, medications and shots are administered, and the condition of the patient is stabilized so that they can be transferred to the required medical transport. 

 

  • Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

 

Non-emergency medical transportation is used to assist individuals with a health condition or injury that does not require any immediate observation. It is recommended to patients who are not in emergencies but require assistance in reaching the necessary medical facility. 

Law firms and government may use these to transport injured clients to the court.

 

  • Ambulance Transportation

 

The non-emergency body transportation by Air ambulance is one of the most used. It is best suited for patients who are not in an emergency but require certain facilities and assistance in reaching the desired location. It is equipped with basic stretchers, a respiratory system, and medical setups. It is affordable and easy to reach.

 

  • Wheelchair

 

A wheelchair is useful for patients who cannot walk on their own due to illness, injury, or any other disability. In addition to providing mobility, a wheelchair improves the quality of life of the patient. It is operated by CPR-trained drivers. 

 

  • Stretchers

 

For patients who are bedridden or cannot sit up due to issues in the spinal cord or any other injury, a stretcher is a good piece of equipment. The basic one has to be carried by two or more people. 

Typically used for acute pre or post-hospital situations by emergency and non-emergency transport services.

 

  • Couriers

 

Couriers are useful in the transit and transport of blood, organs, and other biological matter to the required destination. Since it is used for research activities, many protocols and safety concerns have to be followed. 

 

  • Flight Service

 

The non-emergency flight service is for patients who are not critical but they require some form of medical assistance as they cannot walk or sit by themselves. The flight will have a nurse who can continuously monitor the patient’s health. After boarding, all the on-ground coordination will be arranged. 

Here are some tips to choose the best medical transport service

  • Go with a professional and accredited company to ensure safety and efficiency in service.
  • Whether you are using the transport for short or long-distance travel, visit the vehicle and make sure that it is well maintained and clean. Also, see if it is equipped with all the requirements that you have.
  • While not all patients required immediate attention, it is good to check if the staff travelling with your loved one have the training needed to deal with any issues that may arise during the transit. 
  • Find out in advance if your transport will have the specific equipment that you need. It can be a stretcher, oxygen cylinder or anything else.
  • Look for service providers who offer simple and easy to understand contracts. They must be willing to offer all you need so that you don’t have to run everywhere.

Lastly, remember that you should be informed about the different types of medical transportation so that you make the right decision. Go with a vendor that works empathetically and has good staff so that you can be stress-free.