Understanding Air Ambulance Services: FAQs Answered

Richard Cooper / February 28, 2025 /

Every second matters in a medical emergency, but the right hospital may be miles away or even in a different state or country. Air ambulance flights offer a critical solution, providing fast and safe medical transport when your loved one needs urgent care.

In this article, we’ll address the most frequently asked questions about air ambulance flights. Discover when to choose an air ambulance over a ground ambulance, which medical emergencies qualify for air transport, and how long the insurance authorization process typically takes. We’ll also cover what to expect during the flight, who can accompany the patient, and how to arrange an air ambulance service quickly and efficiently.

If you’d like to learn more about arranging an air ambulance for your loved one, contact REVA today. We’re always available to answer your questions and make this stressful time easier for your family.

Types of Medical Emergencies That Require an Air Ambulance

Air ambulance flights play a vital role in transporting patients during critical medical emergencies when ground transportation is not a viable option. Air ambulances are commonly used for the following medical emergencies:

  • Severe trauma and injuries
  • Heart attacks and strokes
  • Organ transplants
  • Respiratory distress or failure
  • Hospice or end-of-life care
  • Specialized cancer treatment

These are just a few scenarios where air ambulance flights are essential. At REVA, our air ambulances are equipped to handle patients of all acuity levels, ensuring stability and safety until they reach their destination facility.

Why Use an Air Ambulance Instead of Ground Ambulance Services?

One of the most frequently asked questions about air ambulance flights is why you might choose them instead of traditional ground ambulance services. While both options provide critical medical transport, air ambulance flights offer several distinct advantages:

  • Faster Transport Over Long Distances: When time is of the essence, air ambulances can cover significant distances much quicker than ground vehicles.
  • Access to Remote or Hard-to-Reach Areas: Air ambulance flights can navigate to places where ground transport isn’t feasible, including rural, mountainous, or international locations.
  • Advanced Medical Equipment Onboard: Air ambulances are equipped with specialized medical equipment often found in hospitals, ensuring continuous care throughout the flight.
  • Safe International and Cross-Country Transport: Whether transferring patients between states or countries, air ambulance flights provide a safe and controlled environment.
  • Additional Space for Medical Teams: Air ambulances can accommodate specialized care teams, including physicians, practitioners, ECMO teams, and transplant teams, ensuring patients receive high-level care during transport.

How Long Does It Take to Get Insurance Authorization for Air Ambulance Coverage?

Insurance authorization for an air ambulance flight can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The exact duration depends on when the request is submitted and your insurance provider’s operating hours.

REVA works directly with insurance providers to coordinate coverage, making this challenging time less stressful for your family.

Which Patients Do Air Ambulances Transport?

REVA’s air ambulances are equipped to safely transport patients with varying levels of medical needs, including:

  • Post-surgical patients
  • Patients with chronic illnesses
  • Critical care patients
  • Neonatal and pediatric patients
  • Organ transplant patients and donors
  • Travelers or expatriates facing medical emergencies
  • Patients requiring non-emergency medical transport
  • End-of-life or hospice patients

While these are some of the most frequently transported patients on air ambulance flights, every situation is unique. REVA’s experienced medical team assesses each patient’s specific needs to ensure the highest standard of care during transport. If you’re unsure whether an air ambulance flight is appropriate for your loved one, our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide guidance.

Can Patients Fly With a Companion on Air Ambulances?

One of the most frequently asked questions about air ambulance flights is whether a patient can travel with a companion. The answer is yes! On our medical aircraft, we allow one patient and one passenger or companion to fly together. If a doctor or medical professional is required to accompany the patient, they will not count as the companion, allowing a loved one to remain by the patient’s side.

Arrange an Air Ambulance Flight with REVA

If you believe your loved one may need an air ambulance but you’re unsure how the process works, REVA can help. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, coordinate insurance coverage, and arrange a medical flight for your loved one.

Contact us today to get a free quote for an air ambulance, and let us make this difficult time easier for your family.