Corporate aviation is known for its adaptability and flexibility to meet every need at short notice. However, corporate jets are not just for convenience and luxury; they can also offer critical services in difficult times, situations, and areas. One service that may not often be considered is medevac flights.

A medevac flight transports critically ill or injured patients to a hospital or other medical facility. These flights are often used when ground transportation is not possible or would be too risky for the patient’s condition, especially when needing to travel long distances. They are also vital in remote or rural areas, where air ambulances provide much-needed emergency care on an aircraft that has been specifically modified to enable medical care.

A growing market

In terms of market size, recent research shows that the air ambulance market share in the Middle East and Africa registered a significant rise and is expected to continue its growth at a compound annual growth rate of almost 13.0% during the period 2023–2031.

Adaptable and configurable

Dubai-based ASM has access to many aircraft types and helicopters, including its own fleet of Learjet 60XRs, which can be used for medevac operations and are easily adaptable. In a situation where an air ambulance flight is required, the aircraft cabin can be arranged in an air ambulance configuration within hours of the first phone call, requiring just the pickup point, destination, and choice of aircraft.

Air ambulance flights are typically carried out by fixed-wing airplanes that are specially equipped to provide medical care to patients in-flight. However, helicopters can also be part of the medevac aircraft portfolio, especially in tighter and more remote locations that cannot accommodate a private jet due to the lack of a suitable runway, where range and cabin space are secondary limitations to be considered in this instance.

Highly trained and equipped

Air ambulances are staffed by highly trained medical personnel (including paramedics, flight nurses, and physicians) and, most importantly, can reach locations that are inaccessible by ground transportation while significantly shortening travel times – which is crucial during an emergency.

The responsiveness of specialized companies, like ASM, is unparalleled, with a coordination center that is operational 24/7. Upon receipt of an emergency call, the staff immediately spring into action, gathering all essential information, such as the patient’s medical history, the urgency of their condition, and a fit-to-fly certificate from a government-authorized medical service provider. This certificate is crucial to confirm if the patient can safely travel at high altitudes.

In practical terms, during the flight, medicines and state-of-the-art equipment will always be on hand. Qualified experts also travel onboard with the patient to provide specialist emergency care. The specific equipment and procedures used on a medevac flight will vary depending on the patient’s condition and the length of the flight; however, some common equipment that may be used includes respirators and ventilators, cardiac monitors, defibrillators, pain medication, intravenous fluids, and even, on some occasions, an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine, which provides life support to people whose heart and lungs are unable to function normally.

Logistics of a medevac flight

Each medevac mission is meticulously planned. This includes detailed route planning, securing the necessary flight clearances, and managing all logistical aspects efficiently. Simultaneously, a specialized medical crew is assembled, tailored to meet the specific needs of the patient. This team, typically composed of physicians, paramedics, nurses, and respiratory therapists, all possess extensive training in critical care and air medical procedures.

During the flight, the medical team provides continuous care tailored to the patient’s needs. They also keep the referring medical team updated on the patient’s status, ensuring all involved parties are informed. Upon landing, a ground ambulance transfers the patient directly to the designated hospital, where the medical crew conducts a thorough handover to the hospital staff, guaranteeing a seamless continuation of care.

Moreover, the concept of comprehensive care is exemplified through a bed-to-bed service. This approach meticulously handles every logistical component involved in transferring a patient from the originating hospital to the destination hospital, including ground ambulance services at both ends of the journey. This ensures the patient receives uninterrupted care, thereby minimizing the risks and stress associated with medical transfers.

Global coverage

Many air ambulance operators (ASM included) have operational capabilities that are global, supported by strategic partnerships and an extensive network that enables them to conduct complex medevac operations. This includes wing-to-wing transfers with other air medical providers, essential for managing transcontinental medical evacuations and ensuring uninterrupted care during long-distance journeys that extend beyond the reach of a single aircraft.

As an example, the ASM’s Learjet 60XR can depart from Dubai within hours of an emergency call. In a medevac case, it can transport the patient safely non-stop to east and north Africa, Turkey, India, or all over the Middle East. Modern aircraft can transport patients in comfort and safety while having the latest medical equipment and support.

More than luxury or business travel

Corporate jets are demonstrably not just for luxury or business travel, but also play a humanitarian role and adapt easily to any given situation. Some other examples apart from medevac flights where private aircraft are used beyond the usual services are hurricane relief efforts, earthquakes, and the delivery of essential goods to areas that need help. During the pandemic, these efforts were a crucial measure to provide critical assistance where needed.

The medevac service is crucial to remote or rural areas where air ambulances can connect critically ill patients to major hospitals to receive essential treatment. There is no doubt that air ambulances, by providing fast transport in critical situations, can literally make the difference between life and death.