Inside a medical aircraft: equipment, crew, and capabilities

When every minute counts, the medical aircraft becomes much more than just a means of transport. In fact, it is a true critical care unit in motion, designed to provide safety, stability, and clinical expertise between two geographical points, whether they are a few hundred or several thousand kilometers apart.

At Airmedic, each medical aircraft is configured to meet the highest standards of intervention. Specialized aircraft, advanced equipment, and highly qualified teams, everything is in place to ensure efficient, rapid, and compassionate medical transport, in full compliance with international standards.

In this article, discover how our aircraft adapt to every type of mission. Then, meet the members of our in-flight team, and learn why our fleet is one of the pillars of our promise: to watch over life, no matter the distance.

Our specialized fleet of medical aircrafts

Airmedic is ready to meet your needs both nationally and internationally thanks to our complementary fleet of medical aircrafts.

Our fleet include :
• 2 Bombardier Learjet 45XR
• 6 Pilatus PC-12

Owner of our fleet

Airmedic is the only private Quebec-based company that owns its own fleet of medical aircraft configured as air ambulances. As a result, we maintain full control over availability, equipment, maintenance, logistics, and quality of care. This enables us to provide complete coverage, both locally and internationally. Thanks to the diversity of our medical aircraft and our expert teams, we can respond quickly and effectively.

With Airmedic, you benefit from recognized expertise in air medical transport. Indeed, our medical aircraft are equipped with the most advanced technologies. This allows us to deliver high-quality care in flight while ensuring the safety and comfort of patients from start to finish.

👉 Also read : What is an air ambulance and when do you need one?

Onboard medical equipment: Cutting-edge technology in the service of life

All our aircraft are equipped with comprehensive systems to provide intensive care at high altitude, including :

  • Hamilton T1® intelligent transport ventilator : with non-invasive and neonatal ventilation options
  • Zoll X Series® monitor-defibrillator : semi-automatic defibrillator, manual cardioversion, and external cardiac pacing
  • B. Braun® smart infusion pumps and syringe drivers
  • i-STAT® analyzer for blood gas and bedside critical parameter analysis
  • Advanced airway management equipment, including a videolaryngoscope and a cricothyrotomy kit
  • Chest tube insertion kit
  • Neonatal and pediatric transport incubators, compatible with Neo-Mate® and Pedi-Mate® harnesses
  • Psychiatric restraint harnesses, accompanied by specific protocols and medications
  • Equipment for blood product administration
  • Critical care medications, including powerful sedatives and analgesics.
  • Multiparameter monitor with capnography, oximetry, blood pressure, ECG, and more
  • Comprehensive trauma care kit: cervical collars, splints, dressings, and more
  • Onboard piped oxygen and disinfection device
  • Surfaces resistant to biological fluids
Medical aircraft

Focus on the capabilities of each medical aircraft

Learjet 45XR

Medical aircraft

Fast, autonomous, and medically advanced

  • Maximum cruising speed: 860 km/h
  • Maximum range: 3,300 km
  • Maximum altitude: 51,000 feet

Designed for international repatriations, the Learjet 45XR is equipped to accommodate a patient under intensive care, a medical escort, and also provides enough space to perform critical in-flight procedures.

Medical aircraft configuration
Medical cabin configuration – single stretcher setup

Pilatus PC-12

Medical aircraft

Versatile and agile

  • Maximum cruising speed: 500 km/h
  • Maximum range: 2,900 km

This aircraft can land on short, gravel, or unpaved runways. Its extra-large cargo door also allows for loading a stretcher without tilting, which is crucial for unstable patients.

Medical cabin configuration – single or dual stretcher setup

The crew onboard a medical aircraft

Behind every medical aircraft is a highly specialized human crew, trained to operate in extreme conditions.

Onboard or providing ground support:

  • Flight coordinator: strategic point of contact, orchestrating the mission
  • Flight dispatcher: analyzes weather conditions and adjusts flight plans based on both the weather and the patient’s condition
  • Physician, flight nurse, respiratory therapist: responsible for providing critical care at high altitude
  • On-call manager: responsible for initial assessment and rapid activation
  • 24/7 on-call physician: available at all times to recommend urgent medical interventions or prescribe appropriate treatments during the mission

👉 Also read: Behind the Scenes of a Medical Aircraft: Who’s Onboard and Why It’s Essential

A medical aircraft, much more than just a plane

A medical aircraft is more than just an equipped vehicle. In reality, it is a mobile critical care unit, supported by a specialized crew, precise coordination, and cutting-edge technology. As a result, this synergy ensures the safety of the most vulnerable patients, even in the most complex situations.

Need fast, safe, and compassionate medical transport?
Request a transport or a quote.

OUR SERVICES
Emergency evacuation
Aeromedical Repatriation
Operational support
ANY QUESTIONS?
Contact customer service.

Request
a transport

Please complete the form and we will contact you.
Emergency number
Satellite number
Customer Service
OUR SERVICES
Emergency evacuation
Aeromedical Repatriation
Operational support
ANY QUESTIONS?
Contact customer service.

Request
a transport

Please complete the form and we will contact you.
Emergency number
Satellite number
Customer Service

Who do we serve?

Services for Individuals

Commercial Flight Escort Service

If you experience a medical emergency abroad without travel insurance, our commercial flight escort service ensures a safe return to your home. This on-demand service is for patients who cannot return home without medical support. From your hotel or hospital to your home, Airmedic provides complete, attentive, and professional care. Learn more

Air Ambulance Charter

When your condition requires more advanced care, our on-demand air ambulance charter service provides a fast and efficient solution, regardless of the condition of you or your loved one. For both local and international routes, Airmedic ensures complete, safe care, with qualified medical personnel and state-of-the-art equipment to guarantee optimal care en route to your home or an appropriate healthcare facility. Learn more

Prehospital Evacuation

Whether it’s hunting, fishing or a weekend at the cottage, if you’re visiting remote areas of Quebec, you can count on Airmedic coverage to grant you peace of mind day and night. When rapid intervention is essential, our prehospital medical transport service ensures immediate, safe care for you or your loved one at the scene of the incident. Airmedic deploys specialized medical teams and medical helicopters to provide life-saving care in the very first minutes. We ensure stabilization and transport to the most appropriate hospital, guaranteeing the best chances of recovery. Learn more

Corporate Services

Commercial Flight Escort Service

When an employee deployed abroad needs to return closer to home for specialized treatment or because of a sudden medical condition, Airmedic handles coordination and repatriation on a commercial flight. This on-demand service ensures a safe return of your employees to their home. From their workplace to their doorstep, Airmedic provides comprehensive, attentive, and professional care. Learn more

Air Ambulance Charter

For more serious medical conditions, our on-demand air ambulance charter service is a suitable solution for repatriating an employee. For both local and international journeys, Airmedic offers complete and safe care with air ambulance-configured aircraft, qualified medical personnel, and top-tier equipment, ensuring the best care en route to their residence or an appropriate healthcare facility. Learn more

Prehospital Evacuation

When your operations lead employees to work in remote or hard-to-access areas, Airmedic is committed to offering suitable solutions to reach, transport, and care for your employees, regardless of their medical condition. Providing peace of mind to your employees and yourself, this protection also helps you meet CNESST requirements and optimize your operations. Learn more

Customized services and dedicated aircraft

Custom services meet your specific needs. In collaboration, we develop tailored solutions to meet your unique requirements, ensuring unparalleled service quality, optimized operations, and workplace safety. Learn more

Assistance and Insurance Company

Commercial Flight Escort Service

Airmedic provides fast coordination and seamless communication to offer the best routes at the best price. From departure to home arrival, we ensure attentive, professional, and discreet care, meeting your clients’ urgent needs while respecting tight budgets and timelines. Learn more

Air Ambulance Charter

With its fleet of medical aircraft, Airmedic guarantees fast, efficient, and optimized transport to respond to your requests promptly at the best price. We strive to offer the best care en route to the appropriate healthcare facility, addressing the logistical and administrative challenges you may face. Learn more

Operational Support (Bed Search and Ground Transport)

Airmedic can provide a bed search service at the destination (mainly in Quebec) and also support you in your most complex cases with our team of experts. We work closely with you, assisting your team in evaluating various solutions and coordinating fast, efficient ground transport. Learn more

Institutional and Healthcare Organization Services

Interhospital Transport

With its dedicated fleet, Airmedic can quickly meet your urgent or planned patient transport needs to another hospital of your choice. We coordinate ground transport and all other aspects of the journey. Based on the medical case, we will propose the most appropriate aircraft and medical team available. We maintain close monitoring until our team arrives and assume responsibility for transporting the patient to the designated hospital. Learn more

Commercial Flight Escort Service

Do you have a patient to repatriate from outside your region who lacks insurance, or do you need a quick solution to free up beds? Airmedic offers fast coordination and seamless communication to find the best routes at the best price. From departure to home arrival, we ensure attentive, professional, and discreet care, meeting your patients’ urgent needs and respecting tight budgets and timelines. Learn more

Air Ambulance Charter

Do you have a patient to repatriate from outside your region who lacks insurance, or do you need a quick solution to free up beds? With its fleet of medical aircraft, Airmedic ensures fast, efficient, and optimized transport, responding quickly and cost effectively to your needs. We provide the best care en route to appropriate healthcare facilities, addressing logistical and administrative challenges. Learn more

Operational support

Airmedic understands the challenges faced by its clients, whether due to a shortage of healthcare personnel, civil safety issues like wildfires, floods, or even the closure of bridges, airports, and roads. We are equipped to offer custom solutions tailored to your specific needs, such as:

  • Dedicated aircraft strategically positioned for various emergencies;
  • Emergency charters for our various aircraft for rapid evacuation of multiple individuals.

Learn more

Who do we serve?

Services for Individuals

Commercial Flight Escort Service

If you experience a medical emergency abroad without travel insurance, our commercial flight escort service ensures a safe return to your home. This on-demand service is for patients who cannot return home without medical support. From your hotel or hospital to your home, Airmedic provides complete, attentive, and professional care. Learn more

Air Ambulance Charter

When your condition requires more advanced care, our on-demand air ambulance charter service provides a fast and efficient solution, regardless of the condition of you or your loved one. For both local and international routes, Airmedic ensures complete, safe care, with qualified medical personnel and state-of-the-art equipment to guarantee optimal care en route to your home or an appropriate healthcare facility. Learn more

Prehospital Evacuation

Whether it’s hunting, fishing or a weekend at the cottage, if you’re visiting remote areas of Quebec, you can count on Airmedic coverage to grant you peace of mind day and night. When rapid intervention is essential, our prehospital medical transport service ensures immediate, safe care for you or your loved one at the scene of the incident. Airmedic deploys specialized medical teams and medical helicopters to provide life-saving care in the very first minutes. We ensure stabilization and transport to the most appropriate hospital, guaranteeing the best chances of recovery. Learn more

Corporate Services

Commercial Flight Escort Service

When an employee deployed abroad needs to return closer to home for specialized treatment or because of a sudden medical condition, Airmedic handles coordination and repatriation on a commercial flight. This on-demand service ensures a safe return of your employees to their home. From their workplace to their doorstep, Airmedic provides comprehensive, attentive, and professional care. Learn more

Air Ambulance Charter

For more serious medical conditions, our on-demand air ambulance charter service is a suitable solution for repatriating an employee. For both local and international journeys, Airmedic offers complete and safe care with air ambulance-configured aircraft, qualified medical personnel, and top-tier equipment, ensuring the best care en route to their residence or an appropriate healthcare facility. Learn more

Prehospital Evacuation

When your operations lead employees to work in remote or hard-to-access areas, Airmedic is committed to offering suitable solutions to reach, transport, and care for your employees, regardless of their medical condition. Providing peace of mind to your employees and yourself, this protection also helps you meet CNESST requirements and optimize your operations. Learn more

Customized services and dedicated aircraft

Custom services meet your specific needs. In collaboration, we develop tailored solutions to meet your unique requirements, ensuring unparalleled service quality, optimized operations, and workplace safety. Learn more

Assistance and Insurance Company

Commercial Flight Escort Service

Airmedic provides fast coordination and seamless communication to offer the best routes at the best price. From departure to home arrival, we ensure attentive, professional, and discreet care, meeting your clients’ urgent needs while respecting tight budgets and timelines. Learn more

Air Ambulance Charter

With its fleet of medical aircraft, Airmedic guarantees fast, efficient, and optimized transport to respond to your requests promptly at the best price. We strive to offer the best care en route to the appropriate healthcare facility, addressing the logistical and administrative challenges you may face. Learn more

Operational Support (Bed Search and Ground Transport)

Airmedic can provide a bed search service at the destination (mainly in Quebec) and also support you in your most complex cases with our team of experts. We work closely with you, assisting your team in evaluating various solutions and coordinating fast, efficient ground transport. Learn more

Institutional and Healthcare Organization Services

Interhospital Transport

With its dedicated fleet, Airmedic can quickly meet your urgent or planned patient transport needs to another hospital of your choice. We coordinate ground transport and all other aspects of the journey. Based on the medical case, we will propose the most appropriate aircraft and medical team available. We maintain close monitoring until our team arrives and assume responsibility for transporting the patient to the designated hospital. Learn more

Commercial Flight Escort Service

Do you have a patient to repatriate from outside your region who lacks insurance, or do you need a quick solution to free up beds? Airmedic offers fast coordination and seamless communication to find the best routes at the best price. From departure to home arrival, we ensure attentive, professional, and discreet care, meeting your patients’ urgent needs and respecting tight budgets and timelines. Learn more

Air Ambulance Charter

Do you have a patient to repatriate from outside your region who lacks insurance, or do you need a quick solution to free up beds? With its fleet of medical aircraft, Airmedic ensures fast, efficient, and optimized transport, responding quickly and cost effectively to your needs. We provide the best care en route to appropriate healthcare facilities, addressing logistical and administrative challenges. Learn more

Operational support

Airmedic understands the challenges faced by its clients, whether due to a shortage of healthcare personnel, civil safety issues like wildfires, floods, or even the closure of bridges, airports, and roads. We are equipped to offer custom solutions tailored to your specific needs, such as:

  • Dedicated aircraft strategically positioned for various emergencies;
  • Emergency charters for our various aircraft for rapid evacuation of multiple individuals.

Learn more