For most people, the only route of emergency travel available in their area is a traditional ambulance. While an emergency ambulance service will do all they can to get you promptly to the medical treatment facility where you need to be and will administer some treatment along the way, having access to an air ambulance is an even greater advantage in the middle of a health crisis. An air ambulance service will fly to your home, pick you up, and get you to a medical treatment facility faster than any other option. If this is a service available in your area, there are a few things you will likely want to know just in case an emergency situation comes up. 

When is it better to call an air ambulance over a traditional ambulance service?

Air ambulance services should only be contacted in severe emergencies when travel by any other means could be life threatening or especially dangerous. In some medical situations, timing is crucial and every few seconds counts. For example, if you or a loved one is having a heart attack or has suffered severe trauma, it would be best to travel by air in a helicopter where traffic would not hinder the emergency personnel from getting to the hospital as quickly as possible. While traveling by air may seem like an unnecessary measure of precaution, if there is any question as to how quickly you or a loved one's condition could be affected by the time it would normally take to get to the hospital, calling an air ambulance could be the best option. 

What will happen once you are loaded on the ambulance helicopter?

While in the ambulance helicopter, you will be treated much like you would be in any other ambulance. The emergency staff on board will be administering care to you, monitoring your vital signs, and doing whatever is necessary for your particular health situation. If you are conscious for the trip, you can expect the staff to also keep you informed as to what is happening and when. For example, they will let you know when the helicopter is landing so you know to expect some turbulence. 

Can a family member or loved one travel with you?

This will depend on the particular air ambulance service in your location and the size of the aircraft you are picked up in. In most cases, one individual may be able to travel with you on route to the hospital. However, this person will have to be secured in a seat and may not be able to be exactly by your side during travel for safety reasons and because of space limitations. 

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