BENEFITS
Providing Aeromedical Helicopter Transfer Services Throughout Panama
Elevair’s Aeromedical Helicopter Transfer Services provides rapid helicopter transport of critically ill or injured pediatric and adult patients. We transport patients who need transfers from resorts or most health facilities / clinics throughout Panama to your hospital of choice in Panama City. Our transfers include onward ground transfer to the hospital from Albrook Airport. One single seamless transfer.
Our twin engine MBB BK-117 B2 helicopter provides increased safety and redundancy coupled together with greater power for improved performance and capabilities. The only twin engine helicopter in Panama.
We are also able to operate from super or mega-yachts with a ship helipad suitable for the BK-117.
Reduced Transfer Time to Hospital
Elevair’s aeromedical helicopter can reach patients and transport them to a Panama City or David hospital much faster than a ground ambulance in almost all cases. Especially in the remote areas or island resorts throughout Panama.
This is crucial for patients with time-sensitive conditions like serious trauma, stroke, or heart attack, where quicker intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
Increased Location Access
Elevair's aeromedical helicopter cuts through distance and terrain, reaching critically ill or injured patients in Panama's most remote locations. We don't require a designated landing zone – our helicopter can touch down in nearly any suitable open area, minimizing critical transport delays.
This unmatched reach ensures rapid evacuation, getting patients the specialized care they need faster. By bypassing limitations of remote medical facilities, Elevair expedites access to Panama City's advanced hospitals and critical specialists, significantly improving the patient's chance for a full recovery.
Advanced Inflight Medical Care
Elevair’s aeromedical helicopter is equipped with advanced medical equipment and staffed by specially trained paramedics and flight nurses who can provide life-saving care during transport.
This includes administering medications, performing procedures, and monitoring vital signs. This advanced level of care can help to stabilize patients and improve their chances of survival.
Frequently Asked Questions on Our Services
Aeromedical transport is for non-emergency medical flights. The patient requires secondary level of medical attention but do not need critical emergency care. The patient will typically already be assessed and approved by a doctor as safe for air transport to a hospital.
The term Air Ambulance usually refers to dedicated aircraft equipped and staffed with specialized trauma medical personnel and equipment to provide emergency and critical medical care during transport.
We cover all of Panama with our services.
Elevair's aeromedical helicopter cuts through distance and terrain, reaching critically ill or injured patients in Panama's most remote locations. We don't require a designated landing zone – our helicopter can touch down in nearly any suitable open area, minimizing critical transport delays.
This unmatched reach ensures rapid evacuation, getting patients the specialized care they need faster. By bypassing limitations of remote medical facilities, Elevair expedites access to Panama City's advanced hospitals and critical specialists, significantly improving the patient's chance for a full recovery.
Typical cost for aeromedical transport by helicopter within Panama can be between $5,000 to $10,000.
We are a private commercial company and 100% payment in advance is required before we dispatch the helicopter. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express or crypto as well as direct ACH bank transfer from a Panama bank.
You will need to check if your medical insurance plan will cover this cost of the transport, and if so make a claim to your insurance company after the flight.
We do not accept pre-authorizations by insurance companies as a form of payment.
We primarily operate into Panama City (Albrook Airport) where we have the facilities for ground transport to the prearranged hospital in Panama City.
In some special situations if the flight is originating from the Pacific side we would fly into a hospital in David.
No, due to regulations we can not operate at night. All flights must be initiated and coordinated so that the helicopter arrives in Panama City by 6:00 pm.
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When the patient arrives to Albrook Airport in Panama City on the helicopter, the flight is met at our hanger ramp by our private ground ambulance and the patient is transferred to the pre-arranged hospital. We arrange for the ambulance to be ready and the cost of the ground ambulance is included in the total trip cost.
We coordinate with the prearranged receiving hospital the arrival and admission of the patient.
All costs associated with the patient admission to the hospital must be pre-arranged directly with the hospital.
We can help coordinate a further medevac flight to another country. Before an international medevac flight can be confirmed, there must be an full assessment by a doctor in the Panama Hospital and coordination with the medevac company flight surgeon. There typically will be a 8-12 hour minimum time period before the medevac flight arrives in Panama for the patient transfer. Internationational medevac flights must be prepaid in full, there must be a bed available at the receiving hospital confirmed. If an insurance company will be paying for the flight, there will typically be a 24 to 48 hour minimum approval and dispatch time period.
In most situations there is no space inside the helicopter for a family member.
In special circumstances when tram sporting infants, young children or elderly patients a family member must accompany the patient in case there is a requirement for a procedure that requires consent.
In this circumstance the medical team will decide which team member will not go on the transfer. If the paramedic goes, the doctor will provide guidelines and by telephone, allowing a free spot on the Helicopter for the family member.
Yes, there is personnel liability insurance for patient.
Yes, the helicopter is approved by Autoridad Aeronáutica Civil de Panamá (AAC) for mediacal transport. All medical team members are certified and approved for their roles.
Yes. We can advise before departure if it will be possible to land directly at the hospital.
Equipped for the Task
Our Equipment and Personnel
The right equipment for the job.
Onboard Medical Equipment
Fully Equipped for Patient Care In Flight
This helicopter is dispatched with an articulated medical stretcher, essential medical equipment and qualified aeromedical staff.
List of Onboard Medical Equipment:
- Cardiac monitor
- Mechanical fan that supports changes in atmospheric pressure.
- Oxygen tanks
- Rigid board or spinal splint for patient approach.
- Portable suction.
- High and low flow oxygen therapy devices.
- Trauma case
Qualified Medical Air Transport Personnel
This helicopter is dispatched with;
- Paramedics with specialty in flight physiology
- Certified aeronautical doctor if required
Emergency Aeromedical Transport
MBB BK-117 B2 Twin
The MBB-Kawasaki BK-117 is a twin-engine utility helicopter recognized worldwide for its reliability, safety, and exceptional performance in demanding operations. Its balanced design and proven record have made it a preferred platform for aeromedical missions across the globe.
The BK-117’s twin-engine configuration ensures superior redundancy and safety—an essential advantage in critical medical operations. With excellent hover stability and responsive handling, it can operate confidently in confined areas, making it ideal for patient transfers from remote or urban environments alike.
Inside, the BK-117 offers a spacious cabin and unique rear clamshell doors, allowing rapid loading of stretchers and easy access for medical teams and equipment. This thoughtful design, combined with its smooth, stable flight characteristics, supports safe and efficient in-flight patient care.
Aeromedical Transport Solutions for Panama
We provide unparalleled service and expertise for transport of patients from all corners of Panama to the world class medical facilities of Panama City. Safely and efficiently.
Connect with us now to access more information or to initiate a transfer.