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Medi-Ops Private Jet
Author Medi-Ops Team Categories Courier Services, Flight Services

Private vs Commercial Aircraft in Medical Cargo Transportation

When medical cargo can’t be transported via ground transportation due to location or time factors, air transportation becomes a viable option to efficiently complete any non-emergent or emergent transport. Private and commercial aircraft are used in medical transportation and in many of the trips we coordinate here at Medi-Ops. As in every medical transportation situation, certain transportation methods are better than others depending on the situation, product, location, and other factors. While Medi-Ops conducts both ground and air transportation, sometimes a ground transportation option just won’t cut it in extremely time-sensitive and long-distance transports. Air transportation is a great option for moving cargo, whether on a commercial or private flight. With the decision to utilize air transport, there are some key differences between private charter aircraft and commercial aircraft to consider.

One of the biggest differences to take into account when evaluating whether to use charter or commercial aircraft is turnaround time. You’ve probably utilized commercial airlines for personal transportation. Depending on whether you are a two-hour early person when it comes to traveling on an airplane or if you get there with just enough time to get through security, time planning is important to consider. This is no different from cargo transportation operations on commercial aircraft. When utilizing this service, there are deadlines to consider. Cargo must arrive at the airport one hour before the flight and has a one-hour recovery time at the destination. Commercial aircraft operators also have cargo stations with fluctuating operation hours that can hinder transportation quality for time-sensitive cargo. 

Private aircraft charters are much more flexible with time constraints since they have access to smaller airports and can provide immediate recovery. Smaller airports allow for a faster pick-up, drop-off, and turnaround time. Sometimes there are products being transported that have extremely small shelf lives or specific, time-related travel needs. In these cases, using a private aircraft might be a better option to ensure the product’s quality and that it arrives at its destination in a timely manner. All in all, private aircraft charter flights are faster and can be more time-effective than commercial flights.

Looking at the numbers, there are around 12,039 private flights conducted per day. In addition the that sky-high (literally) number, there are 14,551 private airports around the United States compared to the 5,082 public airports. Looking at airports alone, the significantly higher number of private airports allows for an incredible number of options in location for transport and the ability to get products as close as possible to different locations. Turning to commercial flights, around 25,000 flights per day are operated by commercial airlines. This is a significant number of flight options, locations, and times. Clearly, commercial flight options can still be an incredible way to transport cargo and medical products if times, locations, and flights line up well.

So with all of this information, what kind of flight is best for each cargo transportation situation? When it comes down to it, time is the biggest factor here. If cargo is time-critical, like biotechnology products or emergency blood or organ transportation, a charter flight can save time and doesn’t require relying on commercial airlines. This is the highest level of reliability and security you can find in air transportation. Commercial airlines are still a valuable option to have when transports aren’t quite as time-sensitive. Medi-Ops’ next flight out (NFO) services as well as on-board courier services continue to ensure the safety of cargo throughout transport when utilizing commercial flights.

Biotechnology companies can now look to charter flights as a viable option for transportation since these products often require specific transportation procedures and have short shelf lives. The radiopharmaceutical industry is rapidly growing and often requires immediate transportation as these products have extremely specific transportation requirements in addition to specific time windows. Most often, these products aren’t allowed on commercial flights, creating a great opportunity to utilize charter flights instead. The extra level of efficiency, safety, and security provided by charter flights makes them perfect for these types of transport situations.

Medi-Ops has a large network of both commercial and private charter operators, providing an extensive web of flight options. Whatever the situation and cargo conditions, medical transportation has never been easier or faster than when utilizing our services. The specific routing technology provided through our software also allows clients to not only select the most appropriate form of transportation for their cargo but also track the product and see where it is and when it arrives in real-time. Our 24/7 dispatch center is also always available to guide clients through selecting the optimal mode of transportation for their cargo and scheduling those orders. Private and commercial flights have provided incredible strides in medical transportation. Those innovations and the security and reliability of Medi-Ops create industry-leading security and reliability for every transport.

Emergency vehicle tire tracks on snow
Author Medi-Ops Team Categories Courier Services

Seven Benefits of Emergency Lights and Sirens Couriers in Winter Months

The winter brings abundant experiences, holidays, gatherings, and activities. The joy and cheer that winter hustles along with its holidays and events are always highlights of this season. While this time of year brings all of this goodness and cheer, the snow and unpredictable weather can bring a whole nother slew of winter experiences. Good or bad, winter weather affects our lives day to day. Another important piece of this to consider in the medical and transportation industry is how the increased unpredictability of weather can cause more frequent accidents and incidents as well as a higher need for medical product transportation. The winter is therefore also bringing in an increased importance of having relationships with emergency lights and sirens couriers to address every unpredictable situation most efficiently. 

Benefits of a Relationship with Emergency Lights and Sirens Couriers: 

  1. Time Efficiency: One benefit of utilizing emergency lights and sirens couriers throughout the year, but particularly in the winter, is the time saved. You know the drill, a lights and sirens vehicle has elevated abilities to transport blood, medical products, and patients in the most time-effective way. These vehicles can get through bad traffic quickly with their legal abilities to bypass certain traffic laws and restrictions when conditions allow. We’ve all seen lights and sirens vehicles navigate their way quickly through traffic jams, lights, and other tricky traffic situations. This ability allows for the highest level of timely transportation.
  1. Bypassing Road Closures: Many roads are closed in the winter due to weather, which can hinder the routes and accessibility of vehicle transportation. However, emergency lights and sirens vehicles can access these roads and safely navigate their way through winter weather closures, providing clients and emergency facilities with efficient and effective route transportation that other transport vehicles don’t necessarily have access to.
  1. Accident Navigation: An unfortunate reality of winter months is an increase in weather-related car accidents. At one point or another, everyone witnesses increased traffic, roadblocks, and slow travel times due to accidents. Emergency lights and siren vehicles can bypass these restrictions and breeze past accident scenes in order to get to their destination. Sometimes the product being transported by an emergency vehicle is for individuals involved in the same car accidents that they are able to quickly drive past. This reality allows for the transportation of products to arrive as soon as possible to better treat the patients in need of the blood or other medical products being transported.
  1. High Priority from Emergency Departments: The high priority status of emergency lights and sirens vehicles creates relationships with police departments and other emergency establishments. This recognition and priority level is yet another factor in why relationships between facilities, clients, and emergency lights and sirens couriers are essential throughout the year, but especially with the unpredictability and danger that winter transportation can bring.
  1. Increased Security: These vehicles bring with them their emergency lights and sirens status, road privileges, safety measures, and high levels of security. Couriers equipped with lights and sirens can safely monitor their vehicles and the product being transported. The increased level of security here provides peace of mind that the product being transported will arrive at its destination in optimal condition.
  1. Quicker Turnaround Time: Emergency lights and sirens couriers offer a quicker turnaround time than normal stat drivers as they are staffed 24/7. There is always a trained ad certified professional available to complete a transport call and ensure the efficiency and safety that comes with utilizing this service. Everyone knows that in the event of an emergency, time is of the essence. Shaving off even a few minutes of transportation time can save lives in the medical world. 
  1. Software (Medi-Ops Specific): The highly advanced software provided by Medi-Ops allows immediate tracking of orders and vehicles (in addition to the ability to place orders, receive immediate quotes, and bill directly from us). With these abilities, the consistent and quality service of Medi-Ops provides an added level of security and peace of mind that orders and transportation services will be on time and in good condition upon arrival. 

All in all, the utilization of emergency lights and sirens couriers will always be an essential relationship to have in winter months, if not year-round. At Medi-Ops, our fleet of vehicles in addition to our relationships with both ground and air couriers provides a level of service like no other. Don’t allow winter weather to hinder the efficiency, safety, and security of medical emergency procedures. Proper transportation is an absolutely essential piece of continuing to make innovative strides in the medical world and can save lives. Creating a relationship with emergency lights and sirens couriers is a vital part of the medical transportation process if you want to deliver the highest level of care to clients and patients alike.

Daytime,Detailed,View,Of,The,Back,Of,An,Ambulance.
Author Medi-Ops Team Categories Ambulance Services, Flight Services, Wheelchair Transportation

An Overview of Patient Transportation Methods

When you hear the phrase medical transportation, your mind most likely goes to an individual transported in an ambulance to a hospital. Lights. Sirens. The whole thing. Transporting patients and those needing medical attention is a massive portion of medical transportation. The medical transportation industry also involves moving products, supplies, and courier transportation both on the ground and in the air. The specific aspect of patient transportation and what that can look like with different situations and services can be overwhelming, and many don’t know the different processes and options that exist. What are the forms of patient transportation? And, how does Medi-Ops step into this arena?

Ambulance Transportation

Utilizing ambulances is widely understood as an optimal method of emergency patient transportation. With efficient timing and professional care during transport, this is an incredibly safe and secure option in emergencies and for unstable patients or those requiring immediate care. There are several types of ambulance transportation including ICU, NICU, and pediatric transportation along with bariatric and stretcher transport. The type of ambulance used for each of these specific situations is important to provide the patient with the best care possible.

How does ambulance transportation fall into the bandwidth of Medi-Ops? With a centralized dispatch center, all needs will be met in a timely fashion. Our contracts with ICU Critical Care Transport Companies, NICU and pediatric transport companies, and ALS and BLS companies allow us to schedule and send ambulance services in any situation. Clients calling for ambulance services are never turned away, and with one phone call to Medi-Ops, the correct service for the client’s situation is determined as we locate the appropriate ambulance crew or company closest to the client’s location. Taking care of all of these logistics and locating the correct ambulance to give the best services to our client is taken with the utmost importance, as emergencies are stressful and time is of the essence. With company connections, dispatch services, and live tracking, each client is met with exactly what they need with ambulance transportation through Medi-Ops.

Air Medical Transportation

Emergencies are extremely time-evident and sometimes ambulances just won’t make the cut when a patient needs to travel long distances or to a specific facility. That’s where air medical transportation comes in. Usually, a patient with immediate burns, traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries, organ transplant recipients, head, or respiratory injuries will require air transportation due to the severity of their condition and the extreme time sensitivity of immediate medical attention. Often, patients with extreme injuries such as these will need to be transported to certain facilities that specialize in treatment for their condition. While ambulance transportation is also sometimes used in these cases, air medical transportation provides a faster and more efficient option for those requiring long-distance transportation or those that are in extremely critical condition.

Medi-Ops delivers air medical transportation for patients that require…

  • Air ambulance transport: Patients are moved from their location to a facility that can give them the medical attention they need via helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft
  • ALS and BLS transport: ALS (advanced life support) and BLS (basic life support) can both be administered through air medical transportation services. ALS transport is for patients in more critical condition and has the equipment and staff to treat more life-threatening cases. BLS transport involves EMTs and basic equipment to handle cases that don’t require advanced procedures during transportation.
  • Bariatric transport: Bariatric transport is designed for individuals whose size causes physical and mobility limitations. Professionaly-trained staff, specifically-designed stretchers and equipment, and vehicles with a large enough interior are used in these cases.
  • Commercial flight escorts: When patients are in stable enough condition to go on a commercial flight, a professionally-trained escort can accompany them in order to administer any medications, minor procedures, and overall safety of the patient. If a patient qualifies for this option, a commercial flight is generally more cost-effective than an air ambulance.

In taking care of scheduling, staffing, punctuality, and choosing the correct air medical services for the patient’s specific situation, Medi-Ops allows the client to feel cared for and safe while focusing on what is important. 

Wheelchair and NEMT Transportation

Non-emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is not typically the immediate thought of an individual when thinking of patient and medical transport. However, NEMT transportation is a significant part of the everyday lives of many patients and clients. These services are most often used for those with recurring office visits or hospital discharges. Lack of transportation is the main reason why medical appointments are missed, and NEMT can help decrease the risks that come with missed appointments and services. Older populations face these problems regularly, and the utilization of NEMT creates an ease of patient transportation to allow individuals to avoid transportation stress and instead focus on their physical and mental health.

Medi-Ops utilizes our personalized operations coordinators to direct a client with the most effective services and operators upon evaluating medical and financial needs. NEMT transportation has a wide berth including rideshare, ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher transport. In addition to offering these services directly to the individual, facilities can partner with Medi-Ops for designated NEMT vehicles, ensuring the highest and most accessible level of patient care possible.

Patient transportation involves several different facets and options, all delivering a patient-first approach to the individual. When in a medical situation, there is always a specific form of transportation that will be most beneficial to the individual requiring care. All of these options and services can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it may not always be obvious which provider, service, and transportation form is the best option. Thankfully, Medi-Ops can help to determine the ideal service and form of transportation for each and every client’s situation.

Author Medi-Ops Team Categories Blood Bank

What is the US Blood Supply Chain?

If you’ve ever donated blood before, maybe you are aware of the steps in the blood supply chain. The truth is, a lot goes into the process of getting blood from donor to transfusion patient. From an individual donating blood to testing and processing procedures, to transportation and transfusion logistics, there are many factors and steps in the blood supply chain within the United States. Blood is in high demand, as one in seven people entering a hospital end up requiring blood. This high need for blood, combined with the fact that only six to seven percent of people are universal donors (meaning they have type o negative blood), creates the necessity for an efficient and productive supply chain process.

Donating Blood

There is no substitute for human blood, and donors are incredibly generous in helping those whose lives depend on blood transfusions. After a donor makes the decision to donate, they need to be screened to ensure that eligibility requirements are met. In order to ensure the safety of the donor and the receiving patient, meeting these requirements is imperative and dependent on the donation type. Once a donor is screened for eligibility, they are ready to donate. This process varies depending on the type of donation. Whole blood, plasma, and platelet donations are all options for donors as long as they are eligible, with whole blood donations being the most common.

Preparing Blood

The donated blood is sent to blood centers and laboratories to conduct processing and testing. Donated blood needs to be processed to separate the blood into transfusable components such as red cells, platelets, and plasma. These components and further processed and packaged as units. Several tests are performed within processing to confirm blood type and test for any abnormalities or infectious diseases. 

After passing testing and processing, units are labeled and stored. Depending on the blood component, units are stored differently. There are specific similarities and differences in how components of blood are stored and transported.

Transporting Blood

When units are ready, they move into the transportation process and are moved to hospitals or other medical providers that will conduct the transfusion. When transporting units, blood products must be stored in specific temperature conditions, and extra steps must be taken to ensure the optimal temperature ranges for the unit are maintained throughout the transportation process. This typically involves specific containers and monitoring of products. 

Units also have different shelf lives, blood at forty-two days, platelets at five days, and plasma at up to a year if frozen properly. Regardless of shelf life, all of these products are recommended to be transported in less than twenty-four hours. Thanks to transportation services such as Medi-Ops, air and ground transportation options make these time and transportation constraints more than possible to accommodate. Hospitals and large medical facilities typically have blood in proper storage and on-site. A continuous supply is ensured so these facilities always have what they need. However, emergencies do arise, and sometimes an emergent call for more blood products is necessary.

Typically, additional safety testing is done upon the unit’s arrival at a facility to provide optimal care to patients. In some cases, additional testing and processing of the unit are required for specific patients.

Transfusion Process

The last stage of this whole process is the actual transfusion. Patients are identified and have blood compatibility tests to confirm their safety and health. While multitudes of individuals receive blood, transfusions can help patients struggling with cancer, trauma, sickle-cell, burn victims, and those with chronic diseases. Patients receive the transfusion while being closely monitored by medical professionals. Transfusions can involve a patient receiving whole blood or a specific component, depending on the needs of that individual. These other transfusable components involve red cells, platelets, plasma, cryo, and granulocytes. There are advantages to receiving transfusions of any or all of these components depending on the condition and treatment plan of the patient. Post-transfusion protocols are set in place as well so the medical team and patient can stay in continuous communication for follow-ups. 

Research

Another more behind the scenes portion of this process is research initiatives and testing programs. Medical innovators are continuously testing and researching different uses of blood and blood components to further pursue medicine and future solutions. Research facilities, universities, and medical organizations are constantly looking for new approaches and treatments using blood and transfusion processes. Blood research is always interesting and inspires hope for future medicinal solutions. 
Every two seconds, an individual is in need of blood. The number of logistics and steps involved in the blood supply chain process is crucial in saving lives across the nation. Donating blood is also extremely important for hospitals and medical organizations to continue helping patients in the best ways possible. If you are considering donating blood, find a place near you and help countless individuals today! The process for the donor only takes about an hour from arrival to departure. Donating blood is an incredibly generous accomplishment, and you can inspire your friends and family to do the same.

Author Medi-Ops Team Categories Courier Services, Hospitals

The Importance of Medical Logistics

Medical logistics are a part of everyday life in the world of medicine. Why are they important? What do they do? Why do they matter? Are they worth investing in? Let’s answer these questions and more as we dive into the importance of medical logistics.

Medical Logistics Explained

You can’t look into medical logistics without also understanding supply chain management. The reason for supply chain management is organizing and linking networks in order to get products where they need to be in the most efficient and time-friendly manner possible. This involves costs, patient and establishment needs, transportation networks, shipping speeds, quality protection, and more. Not to mention the added logistics and considerations when hazardous materials, temperature sensitivity, insurance, and short-life products are involved. Logistics steps into those various components and processes of supply chain management. When all operations are moving smoothly from one end of the supply chain to the other, logistics is doing its job, lives are being saved, and operations are running at the best level possible. Clearly, a lot goes into reaching this point of optimal logistics and transportation.

Importance of Logistics

The two most valuable and measured things in the world are time and money. Medical logistics are important because they expound upon both time (through efficiency in moving materials and patients) and money (less time and increased efficiency in transportation mean lower costs). Because of this reality, having intentional logistics use in place creates safe, efficient, reliable, and timely transportation of products and patients. Being late in delivery or transportation in the healthcare and medical world is simply not an option. Creating a logistics plan that works and is sustainable for your business is essential to have in place. This can save money. Time. Lives. 

Benefits of Investment

Investing in logistics partners is essential in today’s world of medicine and healthcare. The transparency and communication that logistics partners like Medi-Ops can offer do wonder for logistics and efficiency. Visibility through live-tracking technology, expansive networks, and multiple transportation options for every situation is positively essential for medical organizations. 

There is a lot to think about in terms of logistics. Investing in a logistics partner takes care of the hassle and stress that comes with making sure every aspect of supply chain management and patient care is included in solution development and considerations. Extra costs can be reduced when one logistics partner is helping coordinate everything and using the best networks and solutions possible for everyday logistics as well as specific situations that may arise. 

Medicine is unpredictable. There are always unexpected events and situations that pop up where new logistic solutions are needed. Utilizing logistics partners help to manage those situations, develop the best solutions in a timely manner, and create forward-thinking and innovative transportation and medical solutions. Logistics partners are also constantly reevaluating supply chain needs, patient transportation options, and new ideas on how to create alternative solutions in this industry. Using their expertise and knowledge can, again, save time, money, and lives.

Medi-Ops as Your Logistics Solution

Medi-Ops is an incredible option to meet your medical logistics and transportation needs. We serve you by removing hassle and stress alongside infusing medical transportation with visibility and logistic transparency. When needing medical transportation and solutions, our dispatch center connects you to a curated operator based on medical, geographic, and financial needs. Anyone using Medi-Ops is walked through all necessary processes and services and will meet a team that brings consistent, quality service every time. In addition to the 24/7 dispatch center and revolutionary software, clients are able to place orders, view tracking information, receive immediate quotes, and bill directly from Medi-Ops. 

Medi-Ops is different from other logistics partners in that decreased transportation costs are available due to the company-owned fleet of ground vehicles, emergency, lights and sirens medical transportation, an extensive network of transportation solutions, and an organization that serves clients at the highest level. We have all the resources necessary to create solutions from medical emergencies in rural communities to daily NEMT transportation.

Logistics in courier services include ground and air transportation options. Orders are climate-controlled and delivered time-sensitively through HIPPA-compliant and background-checked operators. Any type of medical courier transportation is covered through ground service (emergency and non-emergency) as well as air courier (next flight out, on board, fixed wing, and rotor aircraft) options. Medi-Ops doesn’t stop at courier services and offers extensive patient transportation services through ambulance, air medical, and NEMT transportation.

The technological innovation of Medi-Ops sets it apart from other logistics and transportation providers. Through the client portal and technological services, tracking and transparency in every transportation service are present and available for clients. An extensive network with partners in transportation services expands options for clients, offering optimal solutions for every transportation and logistic need.

Logistics Wrapped Up

Medi-Ops is a great solution to logistics and medical transportation needs. Every business, hospital, or medical center in this industry requires exceptional logistics plans and options in order to be successful and operate at the best level possible. Every client of Medi-Ops can rest assured that they are receiving the optimal solutions in both product and patient transportation logistics. The innovation and constant assessment required to create the best network of logistics in medicine and healthcare can be overwhelming. That’s why logistics partners are absolutely essential in cultivating sustainable and top-of-the-line medical services.

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