Question 1

What is an air ambulance?

Accepted Answer

An air ambulance is a specially equipped aircraft—either a helicopter or fixed-wing plane—used to transport patients who require urgent or specialized medical care. Our aircraft are staffed by trained medical professionals and outfitted like mobile intensive care units.

Question 2

Are you accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are proudly accredited by the National Accreditation Alliance of Medical Transport Applications (NAAMTA). NAAMTA accreditation demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards of safety, quality, and patient care in the medical transport industry. It means our operations, training, protocols, and clinical practices have been independently evaluated and meet rigorous national and international benchmarks. For our patients and partners, this provides peace of mind that they are receiving care from a trusted, compliant, and industry-leading provider.

For more info on NAAMTA: https://intranet.naamta.com(https://intranet.naamta.com/)

Question 3

What types of aircraft do you utilize?

Accepted Answer

We operate a specialized fleet of medically configured aircraft designed to support both short- and long-range air ambulance missions. Our current fleet includes:

Bombardier Learjet 35 – A fast, reliable jet ideal for short to medium-range transports. It offers excellent range, fuel efficiency, and access to smaller airports for quicker patient transfers.

Bombardier Learjet 55 – With a larger cabin than the Learjet 35, the Learjet 55 provides additional space for patient care teams and equipment, making it well-suited for longer flights and more complex transports.

Dassault Falcon 50 – A long-range, tri-jet aircraft with a spacious cabin and enhanced performance capabilities. The Falcon 50 allows for extended-range international missions and comfortably accommodates multiple clinicians, specialty equipment (e.g., ECMO, balloon pumps), and even dual-patient transports when necessary.

Each aircraft in our fleet is fully equipped to function as a flying intensive care unit, featuring advanced medical equipment, stretcher systems, oxygen delivery, monitoring, and power capabilities for devices such as ventilators, infusion pumps, and cardiac monitors.

All aircraft are maintained to FAA Part 135 standards and supported by our NAAMTA-accredited medical protocols to ensure patient safety and comfort at every altitude.

Question 4

What areas do you service?

Accepted Answer

We provide air ambulance services across the entire United States and internationally throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim. With a diverse fleet of strategically based aircraft and highly experienced medical flight crews, we offer a comprehensive transport solution no matter the distance. Whether you need a medical evacuation within the U.S., a transfer from a remote island in the Pacific, or a repatriation from Asia to the mainland, we offer 24/7 global coverage and rapid response coordination.

Question 5

What types of patients do you transport?

Accepted Answer

We pride ourselves on being a “one-call solution” for all patient transport needs. Whether a patient requires basic care, such as medical repatriation, or high-level critical care, we are here to assist. Our clinicians hold licensure and certifications that exceed industry standards. We are equipped to care for patients requiring ECMO, intra-aortic balloon pumps, Impella devices, inhaled nitric oxide, NICU-level care, and many other specialized treatments. If you are unsure whether your patient is stable enough for transport, please contact us—our clinical specialists are available to help assess the situation and guide you through the decision.

Question 6

How far can your air ambulances fly?

Accepted Answer

Our fleet supports both short-range and long-range missions, including domestic and international flights. We can coordinate transports across states, countries, or continents as needed.

Question 7

Do your flights include medical staff?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every air ambulance flight is staffed by highly trained and licensed critical care clinicians. Depending on the patient’s condition, our teams may include flight paramedics, flight nurses, respiratory therapists, perfusionists, and/or physicians. Many of our clinicians hold advanced certifications such as FP-C (Flight Paramedic-Certified), CCP-C (Critical Care Paramedic), CFRN (Certified Flight Registered Nurse), and other specialized credentials in critical care transport.

As a NAAMTA-accredited provider, we maintain strict standards for staffing, training, and clinical protocols to ensure patients receive the highest level of care in transit. Whether the transport involves basic care or advanced ICU-level interventions, our medical teams are equipped and prepared to handle complex cases safely and compassionately.

Question 8

How quickly can a flight be arranged?

Accepted Answer

We can arrange flights within hours depending on aircraft availability, location, and clearance. We are available 24/7 to coordinate urgent transports.

Question 9

How much does an air ambulance cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost varies depending on distance, aircraft type, patient condition, and staffing needs. We offer upfront quotes and help explore coverage or financing options.

Question 10

Is air ambulance transport covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Some health insurance plans and travel insurance policies cover air ambulance services, but not all. We can help verify your benefits and assist with claims.

Question 11

Do you offer international air ambulance services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We specialize in both domestic and international medical evacuations and repatriations, including obtaining clearances, visas, and customs coordination.

Question 12

What happens before the flight?

Accepted Answer

Our team will coordinate with the sending and receiving medical facilities, gather medical records, confirm patient stability, and manage all logistics. We offer bedside to bedside services to ensure the best care for our patients.

Question 13

Can a family member fly with the patient?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. One companion can often accompany the patient, depending on aircraft space, weight limitations, and medical necessity.

Question 14

How do you ensure patient safety in flight?

Accepted Answer

Our aircraft are equipped with ICU-grade medical equipment, and our clinicians follow strict protocols for in-flight monitoring, medication administration, and emergency response. Satellite-based communication onboard our aircraft allows our crews to stay in constant contact, even over the most remote areas of the Pacific Ocean.

Question 15

What happens after the flight?

Accepted Answer

We ensure a seamless handoff to the receiving hospital or facility, and our team remains in communication with the family and medical providers throughout.

Question 16

Do you provide bedside-to-bedside service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We consider ourselves to be a concierge service that handles all services from start to finish of the patient transfer.

Question 17

Can you transport COVID-19 or infectious patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have protocols and isolation equipment to safely transport infectious patients, including COVID-19, with minimal exposure risk.

Question 18

Do you provide neonatal or pediatric air ambulance services?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Our team includes specialized pediatric and neonatal flight clinicians, and our aircraft are equipped to accommodate an isolette (infant incubator). We also have the capability to deploy with a BabyPod, which is an excellent solution for maintaining temperature regulation in out-of-hospital environments. Our team is trained to provide safe and compassionate care for even the most delicate patients during transport.

Question 19

What is the difference between medical escort and air ambulance?

Accepted Answer

A medical escort involves sending a clinician with the patient on a commercial flight, while an air ambulance is a private medical aircraft offering higher-level care.

Question 20

Do you offer medical escort services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide medical escort services worldwide. This service is ideal for patients who are medically stable but require assistance during commercial air travel. Our experienced clinicians accompany the patient throughout the journey—whether from bedside to bedside or airport to airport—ensuring safety, comfort, and continuity of care. As long as the patient is medically cleared for commercial travel, we can coordinate and execute the mission anywhere in the world.

Question 21

Can you fly to remote or underserved areas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With proper coordination and clearances, we can reach remote areas to deliver patients to a higher level of care quickly and safely.

Question 22

How are your flight clinicians trained?

Accepted Answer

Our clinicians undergo rigorous training in critical care, aviation safety, and emergency medical protocols. Our team members are required hold advanced industry certifications such as FP-C, CCP-C, or CFRN as a standard set by NAAMTA. As a NAAMTA-accredited provider, we adhere to the highest standards in medical transport, ensuring our staff is continuously trained and evaluated to deliver exceptional care during every mission.

Question 23

How do I request an air ambulance flight?

Accepted Answer

Call our 24/7 Communications team, send us a detailed email, or submit a request via our website. We’ll walk you through the process and provide a custom quote.

Communications Center: 844-888-8911

www.optimum-air.com/request-a-quote

Question 24

What’s included in an air ambulance quote?

Accepted Answer

Our standard quote includes the aircraft, clinical team, medical equipment, ground ambulance transportation for the patient at each end. If you are requesting a modification to the covered items, please let our communications center know.

Question 25

What are your communications center hours?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we work directly with hospitals, case managers, and insurers to ensure efficient and coordinated care. We are in network with many insurance companies. Please call our communications center to find out if you’re covered.

Question 26

How do I know if air ambulance transport is necessary?

Accepted Answer

If a patient is too unstable for commercial flight or requires continuous medical care, air ambulance is typically appropriate. Our clinical team can help assess suitability.

Question 27

Are your aircraft FAA-certified and maintained?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All of our aircraft are FAA-certified and maintained to the strict standards of FAR Part 135 regulations. They undergo regular, rigorous maintenance and safety inspections to ensure optimal performance and compliance. Additionally, we meet or exceed the operational and safety standards required set by the NAAMTA accreditation body, further reinforcing our commitment to excellence in medical transport.

Question 28

What regions do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We are a worldwide capable medical transportation provider with operations focused in North America, Central and South America, Asia, the Pacific Rim and Europe.

Question 29

Can you transport patients’ home from another country?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle international repatriation, including coordination with embassies, customs, and healthcare providers abroad.

Question 30

Do you offer stretchers for commercial medical escort flights?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on select airlines and routes. This requires coordination and approval but is available for patients that meet our criteria.

Question 31

What makes your company different from other air ambulance providers?

Accepted Answer

We focus on safety, rapid response, and compassionate bedside-to-bedside care. Our experienced team, global reach, and personalized approach set us apart. We are capable of handling all patient types—from basic levels of care to the most advanced ICU-level transports, including patients on ECMO, balloon pumps, and other specialized support devices. We pride ourselves on being a “yes-first” provider, committed to finding solutions and accepting all missions when it is safe and medically appropriate to do so.

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