Traveling can become highly challenging for patients. Regular transportation modes do not offer them either the comfort or security that they need. Thus it often becomes risky to use those means, for you never know what accident may befall your beloved ones. Patient transport services or medical transportation services can be of help in such situations.
Medical transportation services help patients reach their desired destination efficiently and safely. Trained drivers, paramedics and emergency medical technicians are available to ensure that patients get what they need in the time of emergency while they are in transit. There are different kinds of medical transportation, and you must be careful while choosing the right one. Keep in mind the condition of the patient and what kind of services they might need. Let us help you further in knowing about the different types of medical transportation services.
Types of Medical Transportation
There are two broad categories of medical transportation- emergency medical transportation and non-medical emergency transportation. The former is meant strictly for emergencies, while the latter can be booked for regular checkups, appointments and even trips.
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Ambulatory or Emergency Transportation
Ambulance transportation is meant for an uncalled-for emergency. For example, if you broke your leg or met with an accident, an ambulance will be needed to transport you to the ER of a hospital.
Ambulances can be pretty expensive and thus reserved for absolute emergencies and not suitable for planned checkups to a hospital.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation or NEMT is great for patients who need some extra care and support than regular vehicles can provide. They are much cheaper than ambulances and cater to different kinds of patients like those who are overweight, bedridden or in wheelchairs.
You need to ask for the appropriate kind of vehicle service for your patient. For example, if you are looking for services meant for an obese person, ask for bariatric transportation. Similarly, gauge the situation of your patient and choose the one that offers the best safety measures.
Bariatric Transportation
If an obese person needs to visit the doctor, one might find it difficult to transport them in regular vehicles. Bariatric transportation is meant for people who weigh over 400 pounds. Such a massive weight requires special stretchers that are larger, easier to move and stronger. It also has more space and uses a special load ramping system to lift off and drop patients. With such a service, you need not worry about moving to and fro despite the immense weight.
Stretcher Transportation
Stretcher transportation is reserved for bedridden patients who cannot get up or sit. A specialized vehicle will have safe stretchers that will keep the patient secure and comfortable. However, remember that it is not meant for emergency medical situations. In such a case, you must call an ambulance.
Wheelchair Transportation
Patients who use wheelchairs cannot move by themselves, and thus family members may find it difficult to move them from one place to another. Wheelchair transportation acts as a saviour in such cases. It ensures that they are comfortable and does not experience any pain while in transit. Decent companies make sure that the chair remains stable with the help of appropriate hookups and restraints.
Long Distance NEMT
Long-distance NEMT is used for situations when a patient must travel over 50 miles. It could either be for a doctor’s appointment or a trip. People who are old can also avail of it for travelling long distances. Whether you are old or a wheelchair patient, everyone can use a good holiday. And there is no harm in taking one with appropriate safety measures. Long-distance elderly transportation can help older people overcome depression and enjoy themselves.
Transporting patients over long distances can be difficult for sure, but with the right kind of transport service, you can easily do so. Make sure that you have chosen one that ensures safety and comfort, for it is mandatory when we are looking at long-distance transportation.
Final Words
While people think of the ambulance service as the only emergency transport facility, it can be expensive and inappropriate for certain situations. Besides, it is best to leave ambulances out for instances of accidents. However, that does not mean patients who find it difficult to travel in regular vehicles do not have any choice left. Both patients and elder people need special care when traveling, and only expert transport services like Secure Comfort Care transportation can ensure that they do. Therefore, next time you book an appointment for your loved ones, ensure you get the best vehicle and caretakers to keep them safe and comfortable.
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