Critical Care Air Transport for Complex and High-Acuity Patients

Service Highlights:

  • Leading Specialized Medical Transport Services for Complex Cases: AirCARE1 is renowned for providing specialized medical transport services, expertly handling logistically difficult and complicated flights for patients with diverse and complex medical needs.
  • Expert ECMO Air Transport for Critically Ill Patients: We offer advanced ECMO air transport services, utilizing highly trained medical personnel equipped with the specific skills required to safely manage critically ill patients during flight.
  • Safe Infectious Disease Patient Transport, Including COVID-19: AirCARE1 has proven knowledge and expertise in infectious disease patient transport, including COVID-19 cases, adhering to stringent protocols for safe and secure transfers.
  • Tailored Specialty Transports for Advanced Medical Conditions: Our services extend to a range of challenging specialty transports, including those for mental health and behavioral disorders, ensuring appropriate medical personnel and care for every unique situation.

AirCARE1 is known in the industry for its ability to perform logistically difficult and complicated flights for patients with complex medical issues. Many of these intricate flights fall into the category of a specialty transport. We know it’s not enough just to have a medical crewmember on board, but it is imperative to have the right kind of medical personnel on the flight that has the right kind of training. AirCARE1’s medical crewmembers are trained with the particular skills to safely perform specialty transports.

AirCARE1 has the knowledge and expertise to perform specialty flights that include transporting patients with infectious diseases including COVID-19, transports that require Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), patients with Mental Health and Behavioral Disorders, as well as NICU transports. These transports present with their own set of risks that are mitigated by our team to ensure a safe flight.

AirCARE1 has the capabilities to safely transport patients with infectious diseases that include COVID-19, H5N1, SARS, and Ebola in our ISO-VAC portable patient isolation unit. This unit is the only FDA approved isolation chamber on the market.

How the isolation chamber works

Our portable isolation unit is specifically designed to transport patients under the safest conditions. Patients are securely placed in the isolation chamber at time of pickup. The chamber is then pressurized by utilizing a negative pressure system that mitigates the risk of spreading infectious diseases to the outside.

With the units built-in sealing membrane and openings for cables, lines, and a ventilation system our medical crew can continuously monitor the patient and provide any necessary medical interventions needed for a safe transport.

After the patient transport has been completed, the chamber and the interior of the aircraft is cleaned and sanitized with an aerosol fogging system.

AirCARE1 provides highly specialized air ambulance transportation for patients who are receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Patients who receive ECMO have a severe and life-threatening illness that stops their heart or lungs from working properly. ECMO is utilized to pump and oxygenate blood outside of the human body, which allows the heart and lungs to rest. These extremely complicated and delicate transports are performed with a certified ECMO team and AirCARE1’s highly skilled medical clinicians. Learn more about ECMO transports here.

AirCARE1 transports patients of all age groups with Mental Health and Behavioral Disorders. Disorders may include patients who have been diagnosed with broad spectrum autism, violent and aggressive behaviors, and eating disorders.

These transports require unique and specialized training that ensures patients are transported safely with respect and empathy. Read more about these patients and how we transport them here.

We partner with insurance providers and health plans as well as individuals to provide compassionate and stress-free transportation for these patients to their destinations.

We understand that time is of the essence, especially when receiving an organ transplant. As an emergency air ambulance service, we are equipped to transport you quickly to your life-saving organ. Our staff will be available to you 24/7 and provide quick response times at all hours.

Waiting for a transplant can be taxing but being prepared can help ease your anxieties. With some simple pre-planning, AirCARE1 will make the entire process seamless and stress free. Our customized plans will get you to your location with speed, comfort, and safety. We wish for you to start your new life as soon as possible.

Please use our guide on how to prepare for transportation while on the transplant list. Call our 24/7 dispatch to start the process and become listed as a transplant recipient with AirCARE1.

We Are Here to Help

We know that every hour counts when you receive the call. We are here to help you go through the proper steps to ensure when that happens you are ready to go.

At AirCARE1, we take care of the entire process so you can focus on the health of you or your loved one. We have taken extra steps to be an in-network provider with many insurance companies to ensure we are serving our patients with honesty, integrity, and transparency. We are experts when it comes to navigating the insurance process and will obtain pre-approval from your insurance to confirm the transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

AirCARE1 offers a comprehensive range of specialty transport services to meet the unique needs of complex patients. Our capabilities include infant Baby Pod transport, ECMO team support, infectious disease transport, and mental health–trained crew availability. We also provide advanced respiratory support—including ventilator support, high-flow oxygen therapy, Aerogen in-line nebulization, and nitric oxide therapy—along with burn patient care and transport, international repatriation with consulate liaison, dedicated organ transplant transport services, and whole-body organ recovery flights. These specialized offerings ensure we can safely and effectively support patients requiring advanced medical care during transport.

We use an ISO-VAC portable patient isolation unit, which is FDA-approved. It describes the unit as having a negative-pressure system to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. It also mentions cleaning and sanitizing the chamber and aircraft with an aerosol fogging system after transport.

ECMO transports are performed with a certified ECMO team and AirCARE1’s highly skilled medical clinicians. It doesn’t provide specific details on the qualifications of the perfusionists.

These transports require specialized training to ensure patients are cared for safely, respectfully, and with empathy. We use a compassionate approach designed to create a relaxing experience, incorporating holistic comfort measures such as noise-cancelling headsets, music, aromatherapy, hand massages, and supportive conversation.

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    Posted on Google Google
    Kari Hazen profile picture
    Kari Hazen
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    Amazing staff that clearly explains options and listens to customers. Thank you so much for clarifying all of our questions during a difficult time.
    Posted on Google Google
    Brett Johnston profile picture
    Brett Johnston
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    My wife had a terrible bike accident in the mountains. Had no idea how I would get my wife moved from the mountains back to home for a much needed surgery. From the moment Valerie answered the first call from me, to Daniel and Rachel answering so many questions. Then Tom and Todd showed up to get my wife from point to point via airlift. I cannot tell you all I went through to get to the point to have to call AirCARE1, but once I did they took over and solved a difficult problem for me. I am sorry if you have to ever do this, but if you do, I wouldn’t hesitate to use them.
    Posted on Google Google
    Uri Ravel profile picture
    Uri Ravel
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    I wish to convey my deep appreciation to Debbie Rehn, the nurse who accompanied me, for the professional services she provided during my travel to Israel. Debbie was devoted, knowledgeable, and very attentive to my considerable physical and emotional needs. Debbie demonstrated a highly caring and professional approach to the patient under her care, and this reassured me and my husband that I was under the best care possible for the duration of our international travel. Thank you, Valerie, for your excellent coordination of the complex arrangements that had to be completed in preparation for our flight. It was a difficult period for us, and your devotion to our travel needs helped us to succeed in our objectives. To Valeria and Debbie, thank you for being there to help us through a difficult and challenging time.
    Posted on Google Google
    Jim Guiffre profile picture
    Jim Guiffre
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    Imagine getting the phone call telling you your 10 year old grandson has been bitten by a shark off the coast of Mexico. Not even knowing the details about the extensive damage that he had suffered, our immediate instinct was that we needed to get him back home ASAP. It’s Friday afternoon. Where do we even start? An internet search and one phone call to AirCare1 proved to be a Godsend. Dan, the flight operations manager on duty, was so calm and reassuring about explaining the process of arranging the flight. I must have called him 15 times because I would always think of one more question. When he explained to me that we needed to get the Mexican hospital to agree to release Dillon and Children’s Hospital in Denver needed to agree to accept him before we could book the flight, my only thought was how am I ever going to do that? As it turned out, I didn’t have to do that. The team at AirCare1 did it all.. We got word the next morning the hospitals were in agreement, the ambulance in Mexico to pick him up and the ambulance in Colorado to deliver him were both booked, and the flight crew was ready. Sunday was Dillon-Day, Dillon was coming home! The medical personnel met the ambulance at the Cancun airport, picked Dillon up at the hospital and were with him every minute until he was delivered to Children’s. How reassuring. Even more reassuring was the communication from the team on the day of the flight, keeping us informed of the progress of the crew all day long, from takeoff at 6 am in Phoenix to arrival at Children’s Hospital that night, the communication was outstanding! Probably the biggest attribute of the team at AirCare1 was each team member was absolutely invested in getting Dillon home. Dan, by his demeaner, took a huge burden off our shoulders. By patiently and calmly explaining the process, we knew exactly what was necessary to get the plan in place. Camber and Doug, the pilots, executed their mission flawlessly including cutting into the weather delay they experienced leaving Mexico to get Dillon home ASAP.. Jen, the flight nurse and Ryan, the paramedic, took such unbelievable care of Dillon. They got him comfortable, inspected his wounds, and prepared him for the planned triage in Denver. Both were so attentive the whole time they were with him. What an incredible team Dillon had. Everyone’s goal and focus was on him. Our family will be forever grateful to everyone at AirCare1 for their expertise and commitment to Dillon and our family. Thank you all!! You are the best!! Jim & Terrie Guiffre
    Posted on Google Google
    Sheila Alverson profile picture
    Sheila Alverson
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    Amazing experience from getting a quote online very quickly, to answering all my questions and concerns. Everything from beginning to the arrival was timely. Personal call informing me when my family member was safely on the plane and in the air and when they landed and he was transported safely to the hospital. I was convinced customer care and support was a thing of the past. It isn’t with this company.
    Posted on Google Google
    Katherine West profile picture
    Katherine West
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    When I purchased air evac insurance I never imagined actually using it, but I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful experience than with AirCARE1! Natalie, Jenn and my pilots got me home quickly, comfortably and with attentive care. THANK YOU!!
    Posted on Google Google
    Debora Bridges profile picture
    Debora Bridges
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    We are so grateful to everyone at Air Care 1 for their professionalism and kindness in helping us get our dad out of Jamaica and back to Scottsdale—in less than 48 hrs. From the initial phone call and immediate action, to the thorough paperwork, contacting doctors, hospitals and the financial process, , everything was streamlined and efficient. Throughout the flight, they kept us updated on the condition of our dad through phone calls, emails and text messages as well as flight status every step of the way. Landing right on time, the ground ambulance was fully prepared and equipped. They even followed up with us after he checked into the hospital and a few days later. This company exceeded our expectations. The highly trained professionals ranged from Valerie at the front desk to the flight paramedic Natalie, the two pilots and Chris who drove the ground ambulance. Emotions were high and our family can’t be more grateful for this team who truly helped to save his life.
    Posted on Google Google
    Tino Rios profile picture
    Tino Rios
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    The process, team, and overall experience was amazing and made a horrible situation that much easier!
    Posted on Google Google
    Marilyn Taylor profile picture
    Marilyn Taylor
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    I could not have been more satisfied with AirCARE1. We needed them to transfer my husband from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.They came down the same day. The flight crew was awesome from start to finish. They really cared
    Posted on Google Google
    Barbara Meadows profile picture
    Barbara Meadows
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    From the administration to flight operations to the entire crew our experience with AirCARE1 was exceptional! They were professional and understanding during one of the most difficult times in my and my mother's lives. The air crew was so very caring and ensured that my mother was in the best of hands and cared for me as well! We had a very smooth flight at the hands of the professional and friendly pilots. I cannot express my thanks to Randy and Jenn for ensuring my mother's medical care was top notch. I would recommend AirCARE1 to anyone! Thank you all so much! Barb Meadows and my mom Elizabeth.

    Air Ambulance accredited because we are committed to

    serving our patients to the highest standard.

    CAMTS white logo

    Company Standards

    AirCARE1 was built to challenge the status quo in order to provide superior care and comfort for our patients while elevating the healing process. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of care and safety in the industry. Our high standards are integrate within every aspect of our business which allow our patients to feel secure and have peace of mind during their transports.

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    Holistic Care

    We believe putting both the emotional and physical comfort of our patients at the forefront of our medical care can make a difference in our patients lives. Our unique approach to patient care utilizes holistic methods, combining exemplary medical services with the calming influence of music, aromatherapy, and gentle human touch to provide a pleasant, restorative experience that can advance the healing process.

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    Safety Management

    AirCARE1 has a 100% safety record and continues to provide superior care by creating a safe environment for patients and family members during transport. At AirCARE1 we continuously promote safety as a core value, encouraging all practices that support a robust safety culture. The safety culture is unconditionally supported by the President of the company and is promoted across all departments within AirCARE1.

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    Air Ambulance Accreditation

    To show our patients that we are operating at the highest level of standards across both patient care and safety, AirCARE1 has a voluntary accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS). The rigorous and lengthy review process of becoming accredited demonstrates our commitment to providing the best care to our patients.

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    Our Fleet

    AirCARE1 exclusively relies on Learjet aircraft for the transportation of our patients. Utilizing Learjet as an air ambulance provides our patients with safety, comfort and fast travel time during each transport. To ensure the highest standards of safety and comfort are met during every medical transport, AirCARE1 has made the investment to own and operate its own fleet as well as employ a dedicated maintenance team.

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    Crew Experience

    Work with the most experienced and compassionate team in the industry. Our team has extensive background and knowledge in critical care as well as tangible experience in the flight environment that provides you with peace of mind and reassurance. Our employees go through rigorous training and continuing education to ensure they have the ability to take command of any situation during transport.

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    Medical Equipment

    Our air ambulance aircraft are equipped with the most sophisticated medical equipment and supplies to perform as a hospital grade Intensive Care Unit in the air. Our patients travel bedside to bedside on our custom-designed stretcher transport system, are observed with highly advanced monitoring devices, and have access to specialized equipment to care for a variety of medical conditions.

    Testimonials

    At AirCARE1, we’re proud to provide exceptional medical escort services. Our clients often share their positive experiences with our medical travel companions and commercial medical escort service. Read what they have to say:

    Click on the circles above to explore our testimonials

    Google Reviews

    Posted on Google Google
    Kari Hazen profile picture
    Kari Hazen
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    Amazing staff that clearly explains options and listens to customers. Thank you so much for clarifying all of our questions during a difficult time.
    Posted on Google Google
    Brett Johnston profile picture
    Brett Johnston
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    My wife had a terrible bike accident in the mountains. Had no idea how I would get my wife moved from the mountains back to home for a much needed surgery. From the moment Valerie answered the first call from me, to Daniel and Rachel answering so many questions. Then Tom and Todd showed up to get my wife from point to point via airlift. I cannot tell you all I went through to get to the point to have to call AirCARE1, but once I did they took over and solved a difficult problem for me. I am sorry if you have to ever do this, but if you do, I wouldn’t hesitate to use them.
    Posted on Google Google
    Uri Ravel profile picture
    Uri Ravel
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    I wish to convey my deep appreciation to Debbie Rehn, the nurse who accompanied me, for the professional services she provided during my travel to Israel. Debbie was devoted, knowledgeable, and very attentive to my considerable physical and emotional needs. Debbie demonstrated a highly caring and professional approach to the patient under her care, and this reassured me and my husband that I was under the best care possible for the duration of our international travel. Thank you, Valerie, for your excellent coordination of the complex arrangements that had to be completed in preparation for our flight. It was a difficult period for us, and your devotion to our travel needs helped us to succeed in our objectives. To Valeria and Debbie, thank you for being there to help us through a difficult and challenging time.
    Posted on Google Google
    Jim Guiffre profile picture
    Jim Guiffre
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    Imagine getting the phone call telling you your 10 year old grandson has been bitten by a shark off the coast of Mexico. Not even knowing the details about the extensive damage that he had suffered, our immediate instinct was that we needed to get him back home ASAP. It’s Friday afternoon. Where do we even start? An internet search and one phone call to AirCare1 proved to be a Godsend. Dan, the flight operations manager on duty, was so calm and reassuring about explaining the process of arranging the flight. I must have called him 15 times because I would always think of one more question. When he explained to me that we needed to get the Mexican hospital to agree to release Dillon and Children’s Hospital in Denver needed to agree to accept him before we could book the flight, my only thought was how am I ever going to do that? As it turned out, I didn’t have to do that. The team at AirCare1 did it all.. We got word the next morning the hospitals were in agreement, the ambulance in Mexico to pick him up and the ambulance in Colorado to deliver him were both booked, and the flight crew was ready. Sunday was Dillon-Day, Dillon was coming home! The medical personnel met the ambulance at the Cancun airport, picked Dillon up at the hospital and were with him every minute until he was delivered to Children’s. How reassuring. Even more reassuring was the communication from the team on the day of the flight, keeping us informed of the progress of the crew all day long, from takeoff at 6 am in Phoenix to arrival at Children’s Hospital that night, the communication was outstanding! Probably the biggest attribute of the team at AirCare1 was each team member was absolutely invested in getting Dillon home. Dan, by his demeaner, took a huge burden off our shoulders. By patiently and calmly explaining the process, we knew exactly what was necessary to get the plan in place. Camber and Doug, the pilots, executed their mission flawlessly including cutting into the weather delay they experienced leaving Mexico to get Dillon home ASAP.. Jen, the flight nurse and Ryan, the paramedic, took such unbelievable care of Dillon. They got him comfortable, inspected his wounds, and prepared him for the planned triage in Denver. Both were so attentive the whole time they were with him. What an incredible team Dillon had. Everyone’s goal and focus was on him. Our family will be forever grateful to everyone at AirCare1 for their expertise and commitment to Dillon and our family. Thank you all!! You are the best!! Jim & Terrie Guiffre
    Posted on Google Google
    Sheila Alverson profile picture
    Sheila Alverson
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    Amazing experience from getting a quote online very quickly, to answering all my questions and concerns. Everything from beginning to the arrival was timely. Personal call informing me when my family member was safely on the plane and in the air and when they landed and he was transported safely to the hospital. I was convinced customer care and support was a thing of the past. It isn’t with this company.
    Posted on Google Google
    Katherine West profile picture
    Katherine West
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    When I purchased air evac insurance I never imagined actually using it, but I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful experience than with AirCARE1! Natalie, Jenn and my pilots got me home quickly, comfortably and with attentive care. THANK YOU!!
    Posted on Google Google
    Debora Bridges profile picture
    Debora Bridges
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    We are so grateful to everyone at Air Care 1 for their professionalism and kindness in helping us get our dad out of Jamaica and back to Scottsdale—in less than 48 hrs. From the initial phone call and immediate action, to the thorough paperwork, contacting doctors, hospitals and the financial process, , everything was streamlined and efficient. Throughout the flight, they kept us updated on the condition of our dad through phone calls, emails and text messages as well as flight status every step of the way. Landing right on time, the ground ambulance was fully prepared and equipped. They even followed up with us after he checked into the hospital and a few days later. This company exceeded our expectations. The highly trained professionals ranged from Valerie at the front desk to the flight paramedic Natalie, the two pilots and Chris who drove the ground ambulance. Emotions were high and our family can’t be more grateful for this team who truly helped to save his life.
    Posted on Google Google
    Tino Rios profile picture
    Tino Rios
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    The process, team, and overall experience was amazing and made a horrible situation that much easier!
    Posted on Google Google
    Marilyn Taylor profile picture
    Marilyn Taylor
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    I could not have been more satisfied with AirCARE1. We needed them to transfer my husband from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.They came down the same day. The flight crew was awesome from start to finish. They really cared
    Posted on Google Google
    Barbara Meadows profile picture
    Barbara Meadows
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    From the administration to flight operations to the entire crew our experience with AirCARE1 was exceptional! They were professional and understanding during one of the most difficult times in my and my mother's lives. The air crew was so very caring and ensured that my mother was in the best of hands and cared for me as well! We had a very smooth flight at the hands of the professional and friendly pilots. I cannot express my thanks to Randy and Jenn for ensuring my mother's medical care was top notch. I would recommend AirCARE1 to anyone! Thank you all so much! Barb Meadows and my mom Elizabeth.

    Patient Resources

    Still have questions? Explore our patient resources below to learn more about AirCARE1’s industry-leading medical transportation services.

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    Case Managers

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    What to Expect

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    Patient Testimonials

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    Frequently Asked Questions

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    Ready to Speak With Our Team?

    United States: 877.776.7760
    International: 505.210.7870