AirMedCare

[TheLBLman]

I had referenced AirMedCare in the Reelfoot thread, as being just another little something that can add to one and one's family's peace of mind.

Anytime there is a medical emergency, the first responders are often law enforcement. Many law enforcement officers may also be paramedics, but these officers will not have the resources that arriving (ambulance) paramedics typically have for medical emergencies.

Based on the initial assessment of the first responders, they may recommend an air ambulance rather than a typical vehicle ambulance.
Or course, often a typical ground ambulance is actually the best & quickest way, and in many cases, there is no good place nearby to land a helicopter.

I believe there may be times an air ambulance isn't considered for a couple reasons.

1) Sometimes, it just may not get thought about.
2) Sometimes, it may be assumed the costs and flying risks outweigh the benefits.

That said, I believe having an AirMedCare membership decal on your truck, along with an AirMedCare membership card in your wallet, just might increase the possibility you get into an emergency room quicker, when time is of essence.

As an aside, you may find the air ambulance is at least often staffed with more experienced paramedics and critical-care registered nurses, sometimes even emergency room physicians on-board. This too could benefit your chances for survival.

More info about AirMedCare . . . . . . . . .
www.AirMedCareNetwork.com

 

[Jcalder]

How would this have been beneficial in the reelfoot case? Or anywhere else if you don't have cell signal? Also, all being a member does is significantly reduce your bill isn't it?

 

[Andy S.]

Also, all being a member does is significantly reduce your bill isn't it?

That is my understanding, if you ever use their service. My daughter was winged in 2015, flew her 30 miles to LeBonheur. Helicopter parent company sent me a bill for $21,000 and called me several times reminding me it was my responsibility to pay it if insurance did not. Seriously. After weeks of deliberation, BCBS paid it and my part was $100. I was expecting $1-2k and was prepared to pay at least that much. Fast forward to summer 2020, Henry County paramedics winged my coworkers 1 year old daughter and his wife from Buchanan's Resort at TN River to LeBonheur in Memphis. Helicopter parent company sent him a bill for $61,000. Last I heard in December, BCBS had not made a determination on it.

 

[TNGunsmoke]

How would this have been beneficial in the reelfoot case? Or anywhere else if you don't have cell signal? Also, all being a member does is significantly reduce your bill isn't it?

It's like a special insurance, pay so much a year, but if you need the air ambulance, it is covered.

 

[Jcalder]

It's like a special insurance, pay so much a year, but if you need the air ambulance, it is covered.

If they use that service. Locally, we have a few different ones that fly.

 

[Andy S.]

Most have a partnership network.

 

[TheLBLman]

How would this have been beneficial in the reelfoot case? Or anywhere else if you don't have cell signal?

It's always situation and site specific as to whether it's going to be beneficial with any particular emergency.

If you don't have any cell service, any potential help may be delayed.

It's just that travel from one point to another can be quicker via air than land, and sometimes, the difference of a few minutes is the difference between life or death.

Sometimes a typical ground vehicle ambulance arrives, then makes the call for an air ambulance to transport the victim(s). Sometimes the ground crew has to transport the victim(s) to somewhere the helicopter can land.

Once attended at the site, in the case of a critical injury, someone around the Reelfoot area then might have their best chance for survival if they can quickly get into an ER in either Paducah, KY or Memphis, TN were the ER staffs and their trauma surgeons/nurses are highly experienced in successfully treating trauma victims. Via air, either is only minutes away.

 

[Grnwing]

This is a good reminder for me to look into the extra coverage. I had a brother airlifted out of Lusk, WY on an antelope/mule deer hunt and he got a pretty hefty bill from the company. Also had a neighbor have a stroke and he was air lifted from Moscow into Memphis and he had just purchased the insurance the week before, who knows how much that save him and not to mention the headache of dealing with insurance companies. It is something to think about for those who live or spend a lot of time in remote areas.

 

[Tom Collins]

Thank you making this aware

 

[TNGunsmoke]

We get a special rate through work, I know other companies around here offer it too. The rate is based on the kind of company, number of employees, and maybe some other factors, so will be different based on what kind of negotiated rate you can get. But if that is not an option, you can get it direct from your local life flight organization. Check with your risk management or HR department to find out if it's a possibility.

 

[7mm08]

Anywhere in the US this will get you help..... even without cell service

https://www.findmespot.com/en-us/