Air Ambulance Memberships

Part of living in a rural community is the possibility of being transported by air ambulance to an appropriate facility either for a traumatic injury or needing a higher level of care for a medical emergency.

Depending on which part of the county a traumatic injury might occur, the nature of the injury itself, time of the day, the weather, as well as what hospitals might be available to best treat the patient’s injuries…will depend whether you are transported by ground or by air.

Emergency room patients are also transported by air ambulance from Jasper Memorial if their diagnosis necessitates a higher level of care (Stroke, Heart attack, etc.)

Georgia has two Level 1 Trauma Centers; Grady in Atlanta and Navicent in Macon. Within a few miles/few minutes, both are about 45 min-1 hour away. Pre-hospital standards dictate that treatment in a trauma center be received within an hour (aka The Golden Hour) of onset to give the patient the best chance for survival and recovery.

While having the technology and resources to rapidly transport a patient with a critical injury/illness is wonderful; the cost is not cheap. The average transport by air ambulance is between $12,000-$25,000 for a 52-mile transport; with some transports reaching closer to $1,000,000.

While not pushing any one company over another let me tell you about two companies that are the closest to Jasper County; Air Methods has a base in Covington and Air Evac has a base in Milledgeville. Air Methods serves over 300 bases in 48 states and Air Evac has over 320 bases in 38 states. Both companies have similar membership programs that essentially operate the same.

For covered family members on the plan, after the air ambulance bills your insurance you are considered paid in full. Plans range from $65-$75 a year for as many transports by air as deemed medically necessary (you just can’t call up and request to be flown). There are other companies out there as well, I’m just mentioning the two closest.

The caveat is that there is no guarantee as to what air ambulance service will be available when your medical condition warrants that type of transport. I will tell you though that for my family, we have memberships with both companies. The peace of mind is worth it. I strongly encourage you to look them up on the web or call them to inquire to see if the memberships are a good fit for your family. Stay safe Jasper!