Though rescue helicopters have saved thousands of lives in recent years, lesser-publicized fixed-wing air ambulance aircraft – both turbo-prop, and jets – are in great demand these days. The fix-wing air ambulance aircraft fly accident victims and seriously ill patients further and faster than helicopters. For example, a helicopter has an average range of 150 nautical miles before it has to be refueled. Fix-wing craft can reach 500 to 1,400 nm, depending on the model flown.

In most cases, air ambulances are private business class aircraft that that can be converted with specially equipped stretchers advanced life support equipment, medications and highly trained medical staff.

Air ambulance service is offered throughout the United States, including Hawaii. Companies such as Quik Flight located at Albany, New York International Airport, can arrange for bedside to bedside service. Special patient needs are taken into consideration so that various transport vehicles are used.

The air ambulance companies will also assist clients with their insurance claims.

Getting into smaller airports with shorter runways, is an important factor in transporting patients. Every minute counts in emergency.

According to Quik Flight President, Chandler Atkins, special round trip air ambulance flights are very important when heart transplant surgeons travel to get a heart. The doctors have few precious hours to fetch a heart and return to their medical facility to perform a transplant.

“There is enough stress on patients and family members in time of crises,” says Atkins. “ We feel we can bring added piece of mind by helping them get through their particular medical ordeal.