4 Tips For Being A Passenger On A Long Air Ambulance Trip

If a loved one needs to be transported via air ambulance from one hospital or facility to another, generally, a family member is allowed to accompany them on their journey. As the passenger on an air ambulance trip, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that you are comfortable and healthy yourself during the trip, which depending on where your loved one is being transported to, could be a long one.

#1 Stay Away From Drinks That Dehydrate

Do not consume drinks on the day of your air ambulance tip that can cause you to feel dehydrated. Drinks that cause you to feel dehydrated include alcohol and caffeine. Both of these drinks act as dehydrators, which is the last thing you want when inside of an aircraft.

Instead, on the day of the air ambulance transportation, stick to drinking water. Water will help you stay dehydrated. It will also help you avoid experiencing deep vein thrombosis on the long trip to the new medical facility.

#2 See If You Can Bring Snacks

Second, see if you can bring snacks on board. You want to keep your blood sugar level and your hydration up on a long trip. Some air ambulances may allow you to bring outside snacks and drinks, and others may have some on board that you can eat if necessary. Be sure to ask in advance so that you are prepared.

Also, make sure to eat before you get on the flight so you are not hungry. If you tend to get a little queasy when in motion, eat a few hours before the flight and stick to foods that stay with you for a long time.

#3 Dress In Layers

The temperature in an air ambulance can vary greatly, depending on the type of aircraft used for transportation as well as the outside air temperatures. The best way to prepare for the trip is by dressing in layers that you can easily take on or off depending on the temperature within the aircraft and at your landing destination. Be sure to look up the weather at your landing destination, and bring along the appropriate type of outerwear for disembarking when you reach your destination.

#4 Move As Much As Possible

During the flight, try to move as much as possible to avoid a blood clot developing and to avoid deep vein thrombosis. Do not cross your legs or put them in positions that could prohibit circulation in your legs. When you can't get up and move around, keep your legs moving with little exercises. While sitting, you can raise your toes and lower leg up and down. You can criss-cross your feet on the floor back and forth like you are making an X. You can flex and relax your hamstrings and your calf muscles. Change the position of your body and move your arms around as well. Moving, even while sitting down, will help keep your blood flowing and your body healthy on a long flight.