In the world of air ambulances, where every second counts, efficient ground transportation is a vital component of patient care. However, in recent years, the air ambulance industry in the United States has faced a significant challenge: the declining availability and rising costs of ground transport services for aircrews.
Ride-Share Services as a Cost-Saving Measure
To combat the inflated expenses associated with ground transportation, air ambulance providers and their subsidiaries have turned to unconventional solutions, including ride-sharing services like LYFT. While these services may offer cost savings, they bring their own set of challenges and risks.
Imagine a scenario where an air ambulance team is urgently responding to a mission request, transporting a critical patient in need of a lung transplant. At the airport, they are greeted by a taxi driver unfamiliar with the specialized equipment and team requirements. This logistical puzzle includes packing a wide array of medical equipment and personnel into a vehicle, posing safety and operational concerns.
Delays and Complications in Patient Transport
Unfortunately, complications don’t end at the airport. Upon arrival at the referring hospital, the team may find themselves waiting for ground transportation, further delaying critical patient care. As the clock ticks and the patient’s condition worsens, the safety of both the patient and the medical team is compromised. The lack of available oxygen in ground transport vehicles and the use of precious resources during ground transport can have dire consequences.
A Collective Responsibility for Improvement
The troubling scenario described above prompts reflection within the air ambulance industry. Questions arise about how to prevent such incidents from becoming the norm. The industry must come together to find better solutions for ground transportation. Patients, their families, air ambulance teams, companies, brokers, assistance providers, travel networks, and insurance companies all share a stake in ensuring that patients receive the best possible care during transit.
