The availability of a new fixed-wing ambulatory aircraft for St. David's HealthCare in Austin is expected to address a growing need for emergency care services for Texans living in areas of the state that lack advanced medical facilities.
Officials anticipate the aircraft, a King Air 90 stationed at Austin Executive Airport in Pflugerville, will make up to eight flights per month, mostly to areas in West Texas, said Brett Steffen, assistant vice president of outreach and EMS relations for St. David's.
Brett Steffen (far right) St. David's HealthCare assistant vice president of outreach and EMS relations, stands with a flight crew for the Austin provider's new fixed-wing ambulatory aircraft service.[/caption]Operated in partnership with medical transport company AMR, the aircraft can travel faster and farther than other modes of emergency transportation. According to St. David's, the plane also offers a more comfortable ride for patients, including less turbulence and less noise.
Steffen said the aircraft expands St. David's transport options beyond medical helicopters or traditional ground ambulances.
"Each of them has their place, but the fixed-wing ambulance is important when you have patients who have time-sensitive emergencies [and] have to travel a great distance," he said.
The aircraft service is supported by a 24-hour communication team that can arrange flights at any time of day. Each flight is staffed by two pilots, a critical care registered nurse and a paramedic. Flight doctors and a neonatal intensive care team are available at request, according to St. David's.
Steffen said the decision to expand transport options came partly out of feedback from St. David's physicians who maintain medical clinics in remote areas of Texas, where the type of emergency and acute health services available in Austin are less common. The aircraft's range can also go beyond state lines into New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas, he said.
Previously, without aircraft service, St. David's medical staff would have to stabilize patients before transporting them to a hospital in a ground ambulance or helicopter. In emergency situations, both options take up valuable time, especially with long-distance transports that require refueling stops, Steffen said.
St. David's expects the new transport option will be useful for patients in need of immediate treatment for conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and blood clots in the legs or arms. Steffen said the aircraft can also benefit high-risk obstetric or neonatal patients.
“We are pleased to offer this service to our Central Texas patients and to people outside of this community who need a higher level of care than what is currently available in their regions,” St. David's CEO David Huffstutler said in a statement.
Steffen said the mile-for-mile cost of fixed-wing airplane transport is generally comparable to helicopters, but since the fixed-wing transport is meant to cover greater distances, it is a more expensive option reserved for patients with serious medical conditions that need immediate care at a high-level medical facility.
Most major health insurance providers cover emergency transport service, but the expense for patients of fixed-wing transport depends on several factors, including a patient’s specific health plan, he added.
