Last but not least, you may be wondering about the in-between. You’ve called 911 because Grandpa Joe was having chest pains and your 911 ambulance took him to your local small hospital. While in the hospital you’re given the scary news that Grandpa Joe may be experiencing a heart attack, and they want to perform a Cardiac Catheterization. They apologize but due to the small size of their hospital, they do not have the capabilities to perform this urgent procedure that Grandpa Joe so urgently needs. You begin wondering if you’re going to have to toss him in the back of the minivan when your Nurse informs you that the Paramedics are going to be arriving shortly to transport him to a larger hospital with more acute care capabilities. You’re confused. Aren’t Paramedics just for 911? Not anymore!

Now there are specially trained Paramedics who normally go through extra schooling for a Critical Care Paramedic Certification that perform interfacility transports specifically for critically ill or injured patients. Not only can they manage your basic medical needs but they can also manage IV infusion pumps, medication administration, cardiac monitoring and more! This service is called Critical Care Transport and you will normally see this managed by Commercial Ambulance Companies. These highly trained EMT’s and Paramedics can safely and efficiently transport your loved ones from a lower acuity level hospital to a larger one with more capabilities.

So many people think that there is only one method of transportation when it comes to non-emergent transportation, and that way doesn’t always work for everyone. Knowing that there are safe alternatives to transport yourself or loved ones when calling 911 just isn’t an option can truly help you get the chronic care and procedures you need, without the anxiety and worry associated with trying to find safe and reliable transportation.