Naperville Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
When dealing with severe injuries, time is of the essence, and air ambulances often play a critical role in providing rapid transportation to medical facilities and trauma centers. For personal injury cases in Illinois, understanding the use and costs of air ambulance services is essential for ensuring victims receive the best possible care and support.
The Importance of Air Ambulances
Air ambulances are used primarily for transporting patients in critical condition who require immediate medical attention that ground ambulances cannot provide quickly enough. These services are especially crucial in rural or remote areas where access to specialized medical facilities is limited. The Golden Hour principle, which suggests that patients have the best chance of survival if they receive care within the first hour after a traumatic injury, underscores the importance of rapid transport provided by air ambulances.
Usage Statistics and Industry Growth
The air ambulance industry has experienced significant growth over the years. As of 2024, the global air ambulance industry generates approximately $16 billion in revenue, employing over 219,000 people worldwide. In the United States alone, the industry is valued at around $4 billion, with an annual growth rate of 2.7% (AAF) (Travel Care Air). This growth is partly driven by the increasing elderly population and the closure of many rural hospitals, necessitating longer transport distances to adequate medical facilities.
According to the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS), the U.S. has nearly 400,000 air ambulances in operation, including both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft (Travel Care Air). The demand for air ambulances has also been linked to a rise in health-related issues during travel and the need for immediate repatriation of patients to their home country for specialized care.
Costs and Insurance Challenges
One of the most significant issues with air ambulance services is their cost. On average, an air ambulance flight in the U.S. can cost between $36,000 and $40,000 (NAIC). The high cost is due to several factors, including the need for highly specialized medical equipment and trained personnel, the operational costs of aircraft, and the urgency of the service.
The insurance landscape for air ambulances is complex. Many insurance plans do not fully cover air ambulance services, leaving patients with substantial out-of-pocket expenses. It’s reported that less than 1% of private insurers have contracts with air ambulance companies, making it challenging for patients to receive coverage (AAF). Additionally, air ambulance companies often charge “balance bills” to patients, which can lead to financial hardship.
Regulatory and Legislative Efforts
Efforts to address the high costs and regulatory challenges of the air ambulance industry are ongoing. The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 prevents states from regulating air ambulance services, classifying them as airlines rather than medical providers (AAF). This classification has led to significant market failures, including high barriers to entry and limited competition.
Recent legislative actions, such as the 2018 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act and the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act, aim to improve transparency and consumer protections. These laws mandate the collection of data on air ambulance costs and operations and establish processes for resolving billing disputes between service providers and insurance companies (AAF).
For accident victims in Illinois, understanding the critical role and challenges associated with air ambulance services is vital. These services can significantly impact the outcome of a personal injury case, particularly when time-sensitive injuries and large medical bills are involved. Ensuring that clients receive necessary medical care without facing insurmountable financial burdens is a key responsibility for personal injury attorneys.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of an accident that required the use of an air ambulance, contact the Naperville personal injury attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates to learn more about how you may be compensated for your injuries.
About the Author: Rachel Legorreta is an associate with the law firm of John J. Malm & Associates, where she focuses her practice on personal injury litigation. She graduated magna cum laude from Northern Illinois University College of Law and is the immediate past Editor-in-Chief of the DCBA Brief.