FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
American Care Air Ambulance wants you to be informed and prepared when going through the process of arranging for an air ambulance transportation.
Q: Is it a reputable company? A: One would assume that a company offering air ambulance services has a solid track record for safety. This is not a safe assumption. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not certify air ambulance operators. They regulate aircraft operations, but exercise no control over the medical aspects of the flight. Because of this, one should research the company before coming to such an important decision. American Care has been in business for 15 years and our owner, Milan Floribus, has more than 25 years of experience in this industry. We are accredited by the European Aero-Medical Institute (EURAMI) as a national and international provider of air ambulance and rescue services.
Q: Am I dealing with a broker or an actual air ambulance operator? A: There is really nothing wrong with obtaining an air ambulance through a broker. However, if you use a broker, you might find it difficult to obtain information about the actual aircraft operator/air ambulance operator. Of course, if you contact the air ambulance operator directly, the chances are that you will certainly obtain the service at a much lower price. Using a brokerage service may result in inconsistency of care when the brokerage service utilizes various air ambulances’ services. The broker does not own the aircraft, medical equipment or employ aviation medical professionals. So each air ambulance service that flies for the broker would have different standards of patient care.
You should make sure that the company lists an actual physical address and not just a phone number and/or PO Box. Also, ask Who is the actual air ambulance operator? That is, who is the licensed operator of the aircraft? Then ask whom, if not that aircraft operator, is handling the medical aspects (i.e., who supplies the medical personnel and equipment).
American Care is not a broker so our price is not marked up by a middle man. We operate our own FAA certified aircraft.
Q: Does the company have a Medical Director? A: It is important to have a Medical Director on staff to consult with regarding the proper medical equipment and staff required for a particular patient. Aviation physiology may affect the patient, so particular attention must be given to his/her condition and previous medical history.
American Care has Dr. Bernard Michlin who has been our Medical Director for 15 years.
Q: What are the costs of an air ambulance? A: When calling for a cost quote on an air ambulance flight, the price will include: aircraft mileage, flight crew, medical personnel, medical equipment, landing fees, and any ground ambulance transportation that is needed. Some air ambulance services may quote aircraft mileage only, or might initially quote a low price for an inappropriate aircraft and then later either raise the price “due to add-ons,” or finally decide that you need a different aircraft, which, of course, will cost more than the original quote. Be sure that the quotation is all inclusive for the right type of aircraft. Reconfirm the quotation and the aircraft to be utilized.
Q: Is the ambulance service available for all aviation medicine inquiries? A: The air ambulance service should have sufficient medical personnel on staff to handle all inquiries as they arise. American Care provides air ambulance service for all medical cases EXCEPT high-risk pregnancies, neontal intensive care, and critical pediatrics. Also, we provide medical services for patients needing an escort on a commercial flight.