Air Ambulance
An air ambulance is a dedicated aircraft configured for medical transport, with a medical team on board to care for the patient throughout the flight. First Response Aviation Group coordinates air ambulance transfers within the UK, across Europe and worldwide, 24 hours a day.
When an air ambulance is the right choice
- The patient needs to travel on a stretcher
- They need intensive monitoring, oxygen or other medical support during the journey
- A scheduled flight isn’t suitable or available, or the transfer is urgent
- The patient is travelling to or from a location with limited airline services
The aircraft and medical team
Air ambulance aircraft are configured with a stretcher system, medical oxygen, monitoring equipment and the medications needed for the journey. The medical team is chosen for the patient’s condition, and can include paramedics, nurses and doctors experienced in critical care.
What’s typically included
- A dedicated air ambulance and flight crew
- A qualified medical team to manage the patient’s care throughout
- Onboard medical equipment, oxygen and medications
- Fuel, ground handling, route planning, and landing and overflight fees
- Ground ambulances at both ends of the journey, where agreed
- End-to-end coordination to ensure continuity of care
Every quotation sets out exactly what’s included, with a clear itinerary, so there are no surprises. Our bed-to-bed service covers every stage, from ward to ward.
Types of air ambulance aircraft
The right aircraft depends on the distance, the airports involved and the patient’s needs. Air ambulance aircraft generally fall into three groups:
- Turboprops: well suited to shorter flights and smaller airfields, including those with shorter runways.
- Light and mid-size jets: the most common choice for flights within the UK and Europe, combining speed with a cabin configured for one stretcher and the medical team.
- Long-range jets: for intercontinental transfers, with the range to fly further between fuel stops and more space for the medical team and equipment.
We’ll recommend the most suitable aircraft for each transfer, and explain why, so you can see exactly what you’re getting.
Medical equipment on board
Air ambulances carry the equipment the medical team needs to care for the patient throughout the flight. Depending on the patient’s condition, this can include:
- A fixed stretcher system with secure patient restraints
- Medical oxygen, with enough supply for the whole journey and a safety margin
- Patient monitoring, such as ECG, blood pressure and oxygen saturation
- A defibrillator, suction and airway equipment
- Infusion pumps for fluids and medications
- A ventilator, for patients who need help with their breathing
- The medications the patient needs, plus emergency medications
The medical team
The medical team is chosen around the patient. A stable patient may need a single flight nurse or paramedic, while a critically ill patient may need a doctor and a critical care nurse experienced in aeromedical transport. Specialist teams can be arranged where needed, for example for babies, children or patients on ventilators.
The team reviews the patient’s medical report before the flight, speaks to the treating clinicians, and stays with the patient from the bedside handover to the receiving hospital.
A typical air ambulance transfer
- The medical team collects the patient from the bedside, with a handover from the treating team.
- A ground ambulance takes the patient and the team to the departure airport.
- The patient is transferred into the aircraft on the stretcher, with the medical equipment connected.
- During the flight, the team monitors the patient continuously and gives any treatment needed.
- On arrival, a second ground ambulance takes the patient to the receiving hospital.
- The medical team hands over to the receiving clinicians, with notes and a full report.
What affects the cost of an air ambulance
- The distance flown, including positioning the aircraft to collect the patient
- The aircraft type and the number of flying hours
- The size and seniority of the medical team
- Ground ambulances, airport fees, permits and handling
- Overnight stays for the crew on longer missions
- Any special requirements, such as flying at a lower altitude for medical reasons
Every quotation sets out exactly what’s included, and we confirm the price in writing before the transfer is arranged.
Flying with a medical condition
Aircraft cabins are pressurised, but the air pressure inside is still lower than on the ground. For most passengers this makes no difference, but for some patients, such as those with certain lung, heart or head injuries, it can matter. On an air ambulance, the medical team plans for this, adjusting oxygen as needed and, where medically necessary, asking the crew to fly at a lower altitude to keep the cabin pressure closer to sea level.
Fitness to fly
Before any flight, the treating doctor and the air ambulance medical team agree that the patient is fit to travel, and what care they’ll need on the way. If the patient isn’t yet stable enough, the team will advise on what’s needed first, so the transfer can go ahead safely.
Our partners
Flights are operated by appropriately licensed air ambulance, and ground transfers by licensed ambulance providers. First Response Aviation Group coordinates the whole transfer, so you have one point of contact throughout. The operator’s details are confirmed at the time of booking.
Common questions about air ambulances
How much does an air ambulance cost?
The cost depends on the distance, the aircraft, the medical team needed and any ground transfers. We provide a clear written quotation for every transfer, setting out exactly what’s included.
Can a family member travel on the air ambulance?
Usually, yes. Companions are welcome where there’s space on board, subject to approval by the medical team.
Is an air ambulance always needed?
Not always. For patients who are stable enough, a commercial medical escort on a scheduled flight can be a safe and more cost-effective option. The medical team will recommend what’s clinically appropriate.
How long does it take to arrange an air ambulance?
Depending on the location, permits and aircraft availability, urgent transfers can often be arranged within a day or two. We’ll give you a realistic timescale when we quote.
Can you transport babies and children?
Yes. Specialist teams and equipment, including incubators, can be arranged for babies and children, subject to availability.
How much luggage can the patient bring?
Space on an air ambulance is limited, as it’s configured for medical equipment. Luggage allowances vary by aircraft, so we’ll confirm the allowance when we quote.
All medical information is treated in strict confidence and handled in line with our privacy policy.
To arrange a transfer or request a quotation, call our 24-hour concierge line on 01268 204 607 or send us a message.
Request a quote
Request a medical transport quote
Tell us about the patient and the journey, and we’ll come back to you with the right options and a clear quotation. For anything urgent, call our 24-hour concierge line on 01268 204 607.