International Air Ambulance Week
This week we celebrate International Air Ambulance Week. The focus of this yearly event is to support and generate donations for publicly funded flying medical services in the US and around the world.
As always Altus Emergency Centers is doing its part in raising awareness of this essential medical service.
What Are Air Ambulances?
When we think of an ambulance service, the first thing that comes to mind is a big truck full of medical equipment, flashing lights, and loud sirens speeding down the road.
The only difference between a traditional ambulance and an air one is air ambulances use helicopters and, in some cases, planes to transport the patients.
Air ambulances have all the necessary medical devices, including an EKG’s, and ventilators to monitor and provide lifesaving pre-hospital treatment to patients as well as medications for inflight care. Aboard the helicopters there are also trained emergency medical technicians (EMT’s) that take care of the patients.
Know Where to Go in Case of an Emergency.
The Important Role Air Ambulances Play During an Emergency
In emergency medicine, time plays a vital role. The sooner patients are diagnosed and treated, the better their chances of making a full recovery. Any delay even if it’s just a minute could cost the patient their life.
Some of the critical cases we receive must be transferred immediately to a hospital. In those cases, we use ambulances to safely and comfortably transfer patients from our facilities to the nearest hospital that can provide the care needed.
However, there are some instances where transport by regular ambulance service is not possible, either because:
- The injuries are time-sensitive, and the traffic conditions won’t allow for a speedy transfer
- The hospital is too far away
In these cases, the safest and most efficient way to transport the patient is through the air in a helicopter ambulance.
Air Ambulance Service and Altus Emergency Center
Altus Emergency Centers has been an integral part of the communities we serve. In some cases, we are the only emergency center available for miles.
As a result, sometimes, we face the challenge of moving a patient from our ER to a faraway hospital. Doing so in a speedy yet safe way has always been our priority.
Thankfully, we have been fortunate enough to build solid business relationships with some of the most trustworthy and professional ambulance services in Texas.
Our main allies in the field of air medical transport are:
- Acadian Ambulance Service
- Air Rescue – Southeast Texas, Air Evac 126.
- Life Flight
- Phi Air Medical
- Air Evac Lifeteam 74
- Memorial Herman Life Flight
Today we want to express our gratitude to our valuable allies. To the EMT’s, helicopter pilots, and dispatchers, thank you for the outstanding work you do every day.
Together we have helped save many lives, and we look forward to continuing doing so for the foreseeable future.
