In an emergency situation, having access to an air ambulance can mean the difference between life and death for some patients. If you have air ambulance companies in your area that offer services to the residents in and around that location, you are bound to have a few questions. Here is a look at some of the most common questions and the answers you likely want to know. 

Who owns air ambulance companies?

Air ambulance companies can be owned by either local medical groups, such as those that own hospitals, but they can also be owned by private individuals and local government agencies. It is more common for there to be privately-owned air ambulance companies in larger cities where the local government or hospital-owned aircraft can be overwhelmed. 

Do you have to be a member to get services from an air ambulance company?

The answer to this question can depend on the company. Some air ambulances do only serve members that pay an annual fee for services, but some offer straight-out service calls for a flat fee. Also, some of the health insurance types available these days can cover some of the costs of transport by a private ambulance company if the service is deemed as medically necessary. 

What is the difference between a hospital-owned air ambulance and a privately-owned air ambulance?

There is minimal difference between a hospital or private-owner air ambulance service. Hospital-owned helicopters and aircraft are usually stationed at the hospital, while private-owned air ambulances may be kept somewhere on private property or at a local place of business. This matters because it can affect how long the air ambulance would take if they had to travel to you. Hospital-owned helicopters also have a stricter protocol when it comes to who they can take on a flight; a private ambulance company can pick up patients at their own discretion.  

Do air ambulance companies only help during emergency situations?

Air ambulance companies are invaluable in emergency situations. In many cases, these companies can get you from your location to emergency medical care in a matter of minutes. However, the service can be just as valuable for other medical reasons that are not emergency related. For example, if you have to be transported from the hospital back home and the long trip would be hard for you to handle, an air ambulance may be a good solution to seek.