Definition:
A vehicle used to transport sick or injured people with medical needs through the air. Air ambulances can be fixed wing (airplanes) or rotary wing (helicopters).
Air ambulances are used when patients need to be transported over long distances more quickly than ground ambulances can accomplish, or when the use of ground ambulance is impossible. Air ambulance transportation can originate from the scene of a medical emergency or from one medical facility to another.
Air ambulances may be staffed with paramedics, nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, emergency medical technicians or a combination of healthcare providers.
Also Known As: medical airplane, medical helicopter, emergency helicopter, life-flight
