Medical transportation refers to transport services that carry patients to hospitals or other equivalent healthcare facilities. It can be divided into two broad categories- emergency medical transportation and non-emergency medical transportation.
Emergency transportation, as the name suggests, refers to attending only emergency patients who require immediate medical help and admission to hospitals or might suffer fatal consequences. In contrast, non-emergency medical transportation services cater to discharges, regular checkups, and other purposes, including medical attention, but not immediate per se. Patients widely use both these services to receive emergency and non-emergency treatments. You can easily find NEMT services by looking for patient transportation near me on the internet, and you will get ample options. So choose the best option, and get the best and safest ride for your loved ones.
America faces a lack of a properly organized medical transportation system, often leading to delayed medical attention. To avoid such situations, know your options well. Taking care of an old parent requires always being alert and resourceful. Mere winter care for seniors is not the end of your duty, and you must take their medical needs seriously.
Understand the difference between the two medical transportation systems and which will work the best in what situations.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
Non-emergency medical transportation or NEMT services provide transportation to scheduled medical appointments like checkups, dialysis, etc., and drop the patient back home safely.
Transporting patients using public or private cars is often unsafe and might harm the patient during the journey. Moreover, it becomes even more difficult for disabled patients to carry stretchers and wheelchairs in public or private transport. Therefore, NEMT companies like Secure Comfort Care services offer vans with all safety equipment and caregivers at the patient's assistance throughout the transit.
Services You Get from NEMT
* Ambulatory Service
Ambulatory services are very close to what ambulances provide but for a lesser critical moment. Therefore, patients who require medical assistance but do not have a time-critical emergency can use it. For instance, if you have to reach the hospital for surgery, you can opt for this service, but in the case of a heart attack or accident, you would have to call an ambulance.
* Wheelchair and Stretcher Services
Patients who are either wheelchair-bound or bedridden can use NEMT services to fulfill their doctor's appointments, tests, etc. The vans have a special mechanism that lifts stretchers and wheelchairs safely into the vehicle without hurting the patient. As a result, patients can be transported easily without getting up from the stretcher.
* Flight Services
This service is for patients who need medical supervision when traveling by air.
* Discharge Services
An ambulance can drop you off at the hospital but not back home. However, NEMT companies offer that service. Therefore, it is a must on your hospital discharges planning checklist.
Non-emergency medical transportation is the safest option for the elderly and the disabled.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Emergency medical transportation is apt for situations where one must act quickly and cannot delay rushing the patient to the hospital. Therefore, emergency medical transportation saves lives in the most critical cases.
Types of Emergency Medical Transportation
* Basic Life Support Transportation
BLS transportation has medical technicians on board 24/7. They monitor the patient on the way to the hospital and, with the help of medical equipment, try to handle the situation before the patient can reach the emergency room. In addition, Technicians conduct required medical tests so that the treatment begins as soon as possible upon reaching the hospital.
* Advanced Life Support Transportation
Advanced life support transportation will have certified paramedics and equipment like ECG monitors, IV units, heart paddles, etc.
* Critical Care Transport
Critical care transport will have nurses according to the patient's condition. Patients who require essential care on the way opt for this service. It is equipped to handle server situations. They generally have advanced healthcare facilities in vehicles.
* Neonatal Intensive Care Transport
This one is mainly for relocating newborn babies requiring intensive care.
Emergency medical transport is suitable for circumstances that require immediate action, and delay might prove to be lethal. Non-emergency medical transport services, on the other hand, can be used for many reasons, including medical appointments, hassle-free discharge planning from hospital, etc. NEMT services must be booked beforehand, and thus, make sure you have sealed your appointment and don't wait until the last moment.
