More than 50% of the cost of transporting a client / patient whether by air or by ground is fuel. Most vehicles whether air ambulance jets, helicopters or long distance ground ambulances use diesel fuel. With diesel fuel prices roughly 70 cents higher than gasoline (now $ 4.50 per gallon) the cost to the industry and eventually the consumer is even higher. Diesel engines are more efficient but the cost of diesel fuel today exceeds the efficiency savings of the diesel engine.
Since the cost fuel has doubled over the past few years fewer people are able to afford an air ambulance flight. To the high cost of fuel add the struggling economy, the high credit card debt and still fewer people have cash or can put $ 15,000-28,000.00 on their credit card.
One alternative is to transfer the client by ground if the client is stable and cleared for the long distance medical transport. Long distance medical transports (more than 500 miles) become cost effective and are quite comfortable if one rides in a large coach with an air cushion ride. Compared to air ambulance, long distance medical ground transportation is about half the cost of a Lear jet air medical transport. Of course, non-emergency ground transportation is not an option for ICU or CCU patients or for patients who may become unstable. Nor is a long distance ground transport appropriate for any person having or requiring an IV.
