How to Choose an Air Ambulance Provider: Safety Criteria

Price is not the first criterion

For an insurer, an assistance company or a family, choosing an air ambulance provider is a decision with consequences for the patient's safety. The price matters, but it comes after safety and medical quality. See also why prices vary so much. Here are the criteria worth checking, and the questions to ask.

1. The operator and its certificate

The aircraft must be operated by a company holding a valid air operator certificate (AOC), issued by its national aviation authority, covering the type of operation. Ask for the certificate and check that it is valid and that it covers medical flights. Some operators also hold a specific accreditation for air ambulance operations. See the certifications that matter.

2. The aircraft

• Airworthiness: the aircraft is maintained according to the rules of its authority and its airworthiness is verified before the mission.
• Medical configuration: the stretcher, the oxygen supply, the electrical power and the equipment are fitted and secured for medical transport.
• Range and runway: the aircraft is suited to the route, the airports and the clearances.

3. The flight crew

Two pilots, with experience of medical missions and recurrent training. Ask about the rules on flight and rest times, which protect the safety of the mission.

4. The medical team

• Who is the physician and the nurse, what are their qualifications and their experience of transport medicine?
• Can the team be adapted to the case: intensive care, pediatric, neonatal, ECMO?
• Is there a coordinating physician who reads the file and who can be reached 24/7?

5. The equipment

Transport monitor, ventilator, infusion pumps, suction, defibrillator, oxygen reserve, incubator if required, isolation stretcher if required. The equipment must be maintained, checked before each mission and secured in the cabin.

6. The insurance

The aircraft and the operation must be covered by a valid insurance, which is checked before each mission. Ask for the proof.

7. Response time and continuity

A service available at any hour, a clear process from the first call to the departure, a fallback if an aircraft is not available. Ask for the realistic time of departure, not only the best case.

8. Transparency of the quote

A clear written quote, stating what is included: aircraft, crew, medical team, equipment, ground ambulances, fees and permits, and the conditions in case of a delay or a cancellation.

9. Communication and reporting

Regular updates to the insurer and the family, a medical report at the handover, and the documents that the insurer needs for its file.

How we work

We are a coordinator: the flights are operated by partner operators, each holding a valid AOC issued by its national aviation authority. Operators accredited by EURAMI are available, although not all operators are. The airworthiness and the insurance of the aircraft are checked before each mission, and the documents are available on request before departure. See our page for insurers and assistance companies.

In short

• Check the AOC, the aircraft, the crew, the medical team, the equipment and the insurance.
• Ask for a clear written quote and a realistic time of departure.
• Choose a provider that can explain and justify each of these points.

General information only — not personalized medical, legal or insurance advice. Your insurance contract and the treating physician's opinion prevail in your situation.