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When should someone consider an air ambulance over other ways of transporting a patient?
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.
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What types of transport are available through SKYMED ASIA?
We use fixed wing jet aircraft only and ground ambulances, and provide medical escorts. 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 budget.
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Will the family need to schedule a ground ambulance to get the patient to the airport?
No! The Customer Care Team at SKYMED ASIA will handle all of the logistics necessary to get the patient to the air ambulance, including bed-to-bed service if necessary.
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How expensive is an air ambulance service?
The cost depends on the type of transport, the medical staff and equipment needed, the distance to be traveled and the flying time. Our Trip Coordinators will give you a quote over the phone, and can provide a written quote upon request. Please call our hotline +66 93 593 2355!
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Is your stretcher approved by the aviation authorities?
Yes! As is all equipment used on air ambulances operated by SKYMED ASIA.
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Can someone fly with the patient in an air ambulance?
Yes! In most aircraft there is room for at least two (02) additional passengers. SKYMED ASIA do not charge any additional fees for one or two extra travelers. Pets are also allowed on our aircraft, although they are not allowed in the ground ambulances.
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How do I pay for this service?
SKYMED ASIA accept all major credit cards, bank wire transfers and cash, as well as pre-approved insurance claims. Payment is required prior to finalizing the trip schedule unless prior credit terms have been established.
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What types of medical personnel accompany my patient on the flight?
Depending on the medical condition of the patient, the flight crew may include a Registered Nurse with air ambulance experience, a Respiratory Therapist, a Paramedic or a medical doctor. SKYMED ASIA medical staff work directly under the supervision of our Medical Director.
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What medical equipment is on board?
SKYMED ASIA understand that the stretcher is key to patient's comfort and safety. Our stretchers are fully aircraft-approved and patients can either lie prone or on an incline. A full complement of drugs, oxygen and comprehensive monitoring equipment is also stocked for every SKYMED ASIA flight, as well as any additional support recommended or prescribed by the patients’ doctors.
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What types of emergency drugs and prescriptions do you carry?
We carry a full complement of commonly needed medications. If a patient needs additional prescriptions, we will include them as well.
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Do SKYMED ASIA supply medical oxygen?
Yes! We supply ample oxygen to cover the duration of the flight and ground transfer plus one extra hour. We will also have with us a back-up supply in case of a power failure.
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Can SKYMED ASIA accommodate a patient with an IV?
Yes! We have equipment to hang IV fluid bags and will monitor regularly throughout the transfer.
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Is suction available if necessary to keep the patient's airways clear?
Yes! The air ambulances used by SKYMED ASIA are fully equipped and staffed to monitor all medical conditions and emergencies.
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Do SKYMED ASIA supply extra blankets and towels?
Yes! The safety and comfort of our patients and their families are our 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.
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Do SKYMED ASIA keep medical records?
Medical records are reviewed by our Medical Director, the medical team who fly with the patients, and the sending and receiving hospitals. Additionally, complete medical reports are filed on completion of flights, alerting families and receiving hospitals to any unforeseen events that may have occurred during the flights, as well as the current medical conditions of patients.
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What happens when a flight is delayed or diverted because of weather or other problems?
We will do our utmost best to get patients to his or her destinations safely, but sometimes circumstances are beyond our control. In every case, saving patients is our main mission and we will take all possible steps to expedite transfers as best as we can.
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I have seen acronyms for different levels of care, but I do not understand what they mean. Please explain the differences between BLS, ALS and CC!
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.
