When it is time to carry out end-of-life plans, air travel can become a considerable barrier. Flying to see loved ones, enter a hospice facility, or visit a meaningful place can all make a significant difference in the lives of the people entering or amid end-of-life care and their families. In these trying times, being home and with loved ones is critical, and medical conditions should not prevent it from happening.
Unfortunately, commercial flights can make air travel complex, especially for people with certain conditions or in a fragile state. Air ambulance travel can simplify transportation, giving patients medical attention and a quick, dependable flight to their destination. Still, not all medical flight companies offer the highest levels of safety and care, so choosing the right service provider is a pivotal part of arranging a safe, comfortable, and reliable trip.
Alternative to Commercial Flights
The typical approach to flying is to use a commercial flight, but these flights can be taxing on anyone, especially people with medical conditions. On a commercial airline, the patient might experience:
Risky airport environments: A crowded, fast-paced, loud airport can be stressful for the patient. The high number of people increases the risk of infection, and tricky maneuvering could increase the patient’s risk of injury. For example, a fall might be more likely when entering the aircraft or getting through a large crowd. While airports typically offer escorts, you will need to arrange this service.
Medical device and medication requirements: Most medical items, such as devices and medications, are allowed on planes, but you will need the appropriate documentation. In some cases, you will need to prepare the items for the flight, such as putting temperature-sensitive medications in a cooler or charging an electronic device. Some items, like personal oxygen tanks, are not allowed in the cabin at all. Instead, the patient will need a portable oxygen concentrator and spare batteries.
Physical effects of flight: Most people feel the effects of pressure changes and oxygen levels during the flight, but a person with health problems could have significant adverse reactions to them. Low pressure, for instance, can affect the patient’s heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, vascular system, and neurological system. Doctors often advise against air travel entirely for people with certain conditions, such as cardiac failure, heart rate or rhythm disorders, severe anemia, or acute mental disorders.
All of these situations can cause stress and increased risk for the patient in an environment where the personnel lacks medical training. A commercial flight also introduces the possibility of flight delays or lost baggage, which could dramatically increase the patient’s risk. An air ambulance is the most efficient alternative to a commercial flight for end-of-life care.
Air ambulances are jets outfitted with sophisticated medical equipment to offer a similar level of care to what you would have in a facility on the ground. The team consists of pilots and medical professionals trained in medical transit. With a spacious interior, the patient can stay comfortable and bring a travel companion or two. In some cases, patients can even bring pets along for support.
An air ambulance offers private air travel and high-quality medical care without the stress of the airport. For end-of-life travel, this approach can help patients reach their loved ones with comfort, dignity, and less risk. However, if a patient would have to fly commercially we suggest hiring a commercial medical escort to help support your medical needs during the flight. AirCARE1 offers escort services for these types of situations and our professional team is experienced and trained to help you during your journey.
Supporting Patients Through End-of-Life Flights
An end-of-life flight can mean many things, from taking a hospice air transport or traveling to a meaningful location. Regardless of its purpose, the process can be stressful, but a trained team can make it easier. Alongside high-quality medical care and an experienced flight crew, a relaxing flight can vastly improve the patient’s experience. Here at AirCARE1, we take a holistic approach to patient care to help patients stay calm and comfortable. Stress can significantly affect the patient, so we do everything possible to avoid it.
Some holistic strategies include:
Therapeutic music and sounds: Research confirms that music is great for inducing calmness, so we use specially curated playlists to help our patients relax throughout the flight.
Noise-canceling headphones: Some patients do not want music but find the sound of an aircraft distracting. Noise-canceling headphones block out these sounds and provide a quiet space for the patient.
Soothing hand massages: The human touch can help patients stay grounded and feel more secure. Hand massages may also help with pain relief, circulation, swelling, and other concerns.
Aromatherapy: By appealing to the sense of smell, aromatherapy may ease feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. It may also help with sleep and relieve certain types of pain.
Conversation: A friendly face and some conversation can help build trust between the patient and their care team while offering distraction or support. Our team aims to create genuine connections with patients and ease their flight.
With techniques like these, patients can enjoy a much more relaxing experience. Holistic services are just one of the ways we support patients through end-of-life flights.
Choosing the Right Air Ambulance Services
Not all air ambulance services are created equal. Some may lack accreditation, use inadequate training standards, or tack on surprise charges. Choosing the right flight company is crucial to booking a comfortable and safe flight. Consider a company’s standards and their performance in the following areas:
Safety standards and accreditation: Your flight provider should have accreditations from organizations that issue strict industry standards. Look for accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS), the European Aeromedical Institute (EURAMI), or the National Accreditation Alliance Medical Transport Applications (NAAMTA). These accreditations attest to the company’s performance and quality of care.
Aircraft selection and maintenance: Not all aircraft are built for medical purposes. At AirCARE1, we own a fleet of Learjet aircraft, each of which is configured to include a full Intensive Care Unit (ICU). They have extra-wide cargo doors for easy loading and unloading, and we fly higher than most other aircraft to avoid turbulence, fly faster, and provide a smoother flight.
Crew experience: Many air ambulance companies only provide one pilot and staff members with minimal medical transport experience or training. Look for a provider that prioritizes training. We hire medical professionals with extensive experience in areas like ICU and critical care, and our flight crews receive specialized training at one of the world’s most prestigious flight training facilities.
Pricing transparency: Some air ambulances will quote low prices and add on surprise costs later. End-of-life care is difficult enough, and your flight service provider should never take advantage of patients with deceptive pricing.
Travel companions: Traveling with a trusted friend or family member can help reduce stress, so look for a company that allows you to bring a companion or two.
Holistic care: A comforting, holistic approach to care can help you or your loved ones have a more enjoyable and relaxing flight. We use techniques to manage pain, ease respiration, reduce blood pressure, and achieve other wellness goals.
Take The Next Steps To Get A Quote
A trusted flight service provider can make all the difference if you or your loved one is planning air travel during end-of-life care. Flying home to be with loved ones or visiting a meaningful place should never be out of reach, even with challenging medical conditions. At AirCARE1, we strive to provide the highest quality of care with sophisticated equipment, highly trained teams, and unique holistic services. With upfront, transparent pricing and an attentive team, we are here to make the flight as smooth as possible.
Denise Waye is the Founder and President of AirCARE1. Her career as a critical care registered nurse started in 1994 revealing her many years of experience in the field. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from the University of New Mexico and has worked in a variety of critical care patient settings including ICU, CCU, and the emergency department. Shortly after becoming a flight nurse with another provider, Denise founded AirCARE1 in 2004 on the premise of providing unmatched patient care with a holistic approach along with outstanding customer service.