Before the storm
Evacuation is the biggest part of hurricane relief for patients. Hospitals in a storm's path often need to move fragile patients out before landfall, and many of those patients can't fly on a regular airline. Private air ambulances can move them to hospitals in safer regions.
If power fails or medical staff are stretched thin, every patient in the area gets less attention, which is why many families move a fragile or elderly loved one before hurricane season or as soon as a storm threatens.
Hurricane season checklist for families
- Talk to the patient's doctor about whether and when to relocate.
- Choose a destination: a family home, or a facility in a safer region that can accept the patient.
- Keep medical records, medication lists and insurance cards together and ready.
- Save our number: 1-800-827-0745. Flight coordinators answer 24/7/365.
After the storm
In the immediate aftermath, rescue helicopters do most of the work because they can land almost anywhere. Airplane air ambulances need a runway, so they're used once airports reopen to move patients to hospitals outside the affected area.
Common questions
When should a fragile patient be moved before a hurricane?
As early as possible once a storm threatens your area. Flights become harder to arrange as the storm approaches and airports close.
Is an air ambulance useful after a hurricane?
Right after the storm, rescue helicopters do most of the work because they can land almost anywhere. Airplane air ambulances need a working runway, so they're most useful before the storm and once airports reopen.
Do some patients relocate for the whole hurricane season?
Yes. Some fragile and elderly patients spend hurricane season away from the Southeast to avoid the risk of power outages and stretched medical services.
Last reviewed October 2026 by the Air Ambulance Central flight coordination team.