Exploring Health Concerns and Treatments

When it comes to facing potential medical emergencies and transportation, you may wonder what the difference is between traditional charter flights and dedicated medical flights for those who need emergency medical care. After all, if a charter flight can get you there just as quickly, it should be fine, right? It's important that you understand the difference in these two flights because a medical flight is equipped far differently than a standard charter flight. Here's a look at what you need to know about medical flights and their benefits.

Medical Flights Are Equipped With Specialized Oxygen Supplies

While every flight, including charters, would have oxygen masks, a medical flight transports a different type of oxygen supply. The medical-grade oxygen system pumps out more oxygen per minute than a standard rescue system. In addition, the medical-grade oxygen is more pure than the oxygen butane that's typically delivered on a commercial airplane. In the case of a significant trauma or marked oxygen deficiency during transport, having a system like this can make all the difference.

Medical Flights Include Sickbeds, Not Stretchers

Unlike the stretcher you might find in a charter flight situation, or even in a medi-vac helicopter, a fully-equipped medical flight will include an actual sickbed for transporting the ill or injured. Sickbeds made for medical flights are created with anchor points on the legs to bolt them into place. This means no risk of sliding around in transit, which is vital for many in-flight treatment situations. You can have the confidence that someone being cared for on a medical flight is able to receive the necessary supporting care in transit.

Medical Flights Have Specialized Power Systems

One of the things that makes a medical flight truly unique is the power demand of the equipment on the flight. Most medical equipment requires a different power supply than your standard household electrical circuit. Since even charter planes are usually only equipped for standard power supplies, you'll want to look for a medical flight for anyone who needs any kind of medical equipment for treatment. The last thing you want is to get aboard a charter plane only to find out that you can't get power to the equipment that is necessary for care during the flight. Always consider the power demand before you choose a form of transport.

Medical Flights Can Offer Consistent Barometric Pressure

Some medical conditions, like low blood and oxygen levels or radiation injuries, are often treated through the use of hyperbaric oxygen treatments. When the barometric pressure can be easily regulated inside the cabin, you'll be able to create that environment easily. Since most commercial flights and charter flights are not equipped with sufficient flexibility in their cabin pressure system, the only way you can get that type of benefit is through transportation on a medical flight.

Medical Flights Have Better Equipment For Medical Emergency Treatment

Unlike a charter flight that's designed primarily for just transporting passengers, a medical flight is equipped with the life support equipment and trained professional medical specialists who can deal with emergency medical situations. You won't have to worry about any emergency situations being properly addressed because the flight will be designed specifically to address situations like that.

When you're faced with a medical situation of any kind, it's important that you're objective and practical about choosing the method of transportation. Sometimes the care provided between the scene and the hospital can make a significant difference in the chances of a full recovery. Consider what kind of care the patient is going to need en route and make sure that there's staff, equipment, and resources to meet those needs.