Medical direction is a critical component of all ground and air ambulance

Medical direction is a critical component of all ground and air ambulance services, including interfacility transfer services. Air and ground ambulances that transfer patients must be capable of providing emergency care during transport. Optimal planning for transfer considers individual patient medical requirements and an understanding of the capabilities of the personnel and system used for patient transfer. The system design, determination of the scope of practice of its providers, and the assurance that patient care is rendered consistent with this scope of practice, are essential medical direction functions.