Frequently Asked Questions

Medical air transport is recommended for patients who need to be moved quickly because of a serious illness or injury. This could include transplant patients, cardiac patients, neonatal conditions, evacuations or bringing a loved one home from a distant location.

We use fixed wing aircraft and ground ambulance, and provide medical escorts on commercial airlines and Amtrak trains. Our Trip Coordinators will discuss all the options with you when you call, to help determine the most appropriate transfer in terms of the patient's condition and your family's budget.

No. The Customer Care Team at Global Air Response will handle all of the logistics necessary to get the patient to the air ambulance, including bedside-to-bedside service if necessary

The cost depends on the type of transport, the medical staff and equipment needed, the distance to be traveled, the timing of the trip, and if international service is required. Our Trip Coordinators will give you a quote over the phone, and can provide a written quote upon request.

Yes, as is all equipment used on air ambulances contracted by Global Air Response.

Yes, in most aircraft there is room for at least one additional passenger. Global Air Response does not charge any additional fees for one or two extra people. Pets are also allowed on the planes we use, although they are not allowed in the ground ambulance.

Yes. For flights out of the U.S. the patient and passengers will need current passports or visas, but all other international arrangements will be taken care of by Global Air Response. We will be happy to provide a copy of our FAA Operations Manual that shows where we can fly internationally. Many other air ambulance companies cannot provide this service.

Please check your insurance policy for specifics. In most cases, if the flight is recommended by a doctor because it is a medical emergency to move a patient to a facility that can provide essential medical service that is not available where the patient is presently located, it is likely that a portion or all of the cost will be covered by insurance. Emergency flights due to injury and illness are also usually covered. In almost all cases, elective flights for able patients are not covered. For Example, getting a recovered patient back home is usually not covered. Medicare and Medicare Gap will generally not cover air ambulance services, but Medicaid, in some instances of medical necessity, will cover part or all of the cost. For more information on Medicare policies, please visit www.medicare.gov and search publication 11037.

Global Air Response accepts all major credit cards, bank wire transfers and personal checks that are guaranteed, as well as pre-approved insurance claims, Payment is required prior to finalizing the trip schedule

Depending on the medical condition of the patient, the flight crew will include a Registered Nurse with air ambulance experience, a Respiratory Therapist, a Paramedic or an MD. Global Air Response's medical staff works directly under the supervision of our Medical Director

At Global, the stretcher is key to the patient's comfort and safety. Our stretchers are FAA approved and the patient can either lie prone or on an incline. A full complement of drugs, oxygen and comprehensive monitoring equipment is also stocked for every Global flight, as well as any additional support recommended or prescribed by the patient's doctor. Of course, if the patient is able to sit in a First Class seat on a commercial airline, the supplies would be limited to reflect his or her needs. If you'd like a comprehensive list, please let us know and we will fax or e-mail it to you.

We carry a full complement of commonly needed medications. If the patient needs additional prescriptions, we will include them as well. On international flights it's important to note that we will not allow any medications that are barred in the U.S. If you'd like a comprehensive list, please let us know and we will fax or e-mail it to you.

Yes. We supply ample oxygen to cover the duration of the flight plus one hour, and an additional supply to support the patient during transport from the plane to the final destination. We also have a back-up supply in case of a power failure.

Yes. We hang IV fluid bags and monitor regularly throughout the flight.

Yes. The air ambulances used by Global Air Response are fully equipped and staffed to monitor all medical conditions and emergencies.

Yes. The safety and comfort of our patients and their families is a primary concern. When you talk to our Trip Coordinators or Customer Care Representatives, please let them know of any additional personal care items you may require.

Medical records are reviewed by our Medical Director and the medical team who flies with the patient, as well as between the sending and receiving facilities. Additionally, a complete report is filed on the completion of the flight, alerting the family as well as the receiving facility to any unforeseen events that may have occurred during the flight, as well as the current medical condition of the patient.

We will do whatever possible to get a patient to his or her destination, but sometimes circumstances are out of our control. In every case, we will keep the patient's well-being at the forefront and expedite the transfer as best we can.

BLS means "basic life support." This is the type of care for patients who need minimal external life support, but still need monitoring and care. Some of the equipment required might include an FFA approved stretcher, oxygen, blood pressure monitoring, IVs and certified emergency medical personnel.

ALS means "acute life support," which includes all of the above as well as the possibility of cardiac defibrillation and the potential for dealing with trauma and other conditions that would necessitate a higher level of care.

CC is "critical care." In this situation, at least two specifically trained flight medics would accompany the patient with highly sophisticated medical equipment in the air ambulance. This type of transport is used in the most severe cases.