Inside an Air Ambulance: Equipment, Medical Crew and What Happens During the Flight

An air ambulance is not simply a private jet with a stretcher. It is an aircraft configured for patient care, with a medical crew whose job is to keep the patient stable from the sending hospital bed to the receiving hospital bed.

The medical configuration

A typical intensive-care configuration includes:

• A secured stretcher system.
• Oxygen supply sized for the flight plus a safety margin.
• A transport ventilator for patients who need breathing support.
• Monitors for heart rhythm, blood pressure and oxygen levels.
• Infusion pumps, suction and emergency drugs and equipment.

The exact kit is chosen for each patient based on the treating doctor's summary.

The crew

Alongside the pilots, a medical team flies with the patient: typically a doctor experienced in critical care or emergency medicine, and a nurse or paramedic. For specialised cases, such as neonatal transfers, the team may include specialists.

Bed to bed

1. The medical team reviews the case with the treating doctor.
2. A ground ambulance moves the patient from the hospital to the aircraft.
3. The patient is monitored throughout the flight.
4. A ground ambulance at the destination takes the patient to the receiving hospital, where the medical team hands over.

Families on board

Usually one or two family members can travel, depending on aircraft size and equipment. Let us know early.

Aircraft types used

Turboprops and light jets are commonly used for domestic air ambulance work; they can reach smaller airports and fly the distances between Indian cities efficiently. For longer or international transfers, larger jets offer more cabin space for equipment and family members. Helicopters are used for short-distance transfers where landing sites permit and conditions allow.

Neonatal and paediatric transfers

Newborns and children need specialised equipment such as transport incubators and neonatal ventilators, and a team experienced in neonatal care. Tell us the patient's age and weight at the first call so the right team is assigned.

Infection control

For patients with infectious conditions, the medical team uses appropriate protective equipment and cleaning procedures, and the plan may limit family members on board. Share infection status in the medical summary.

After the flight

The medical crew hands over at the receiving hospital with notes from the transfer. Families receive the documents needed for insurance claims. Keep them with the rest of the medical file.

Getting started

Use our air ambulance page, or call or WhatsApp +91 78400 70024. Our air ambulance checklist lists the documents to prepare.

General information only. The flight medical team decides the equipment and care for each patient.